A comedian and star of the latest series of Celebrity Traitors has pledged to buy punters at a Kent pub a drink this Friday night, much to the delight of the landlord.
Joe Lycett made the promise on the latest episode of his new series, Live From The Lycett Arms – a Channel 4 chat show set in Lycett’s own pub he purchased in East London.
Duncan Randall, of The Dog House, previously appeared on Joe Lycett’s Channel 4 show Live from The Lycett Arms during a livestream from the Smeeth pub. Picture: Channel 4
During the episode, the comedian shouted out the names of 30 different pubs across the UK – including The Dog House in the village of Smeeth, near Ashford – before saying he would be putting some money behind the bar in each one so punters can have a drink on him.
The Dog House can be found at the Evegate Business Park and is run by landlord Duncan Randall, who described the news as “amazing”.
Last month, the venue appeared in a segment of the show during a livestream, and as a result was awarded a plaque saying it is now “twinned with The Lycett Arms”.
Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Randall said: “When we went on the show, they did turn around straight away and said they would put £100 behind the bar.
“Then last week, the producers said they were serious and said to send an invoice and that it would be paid in.”
Mr Randall described it as a “great opportunity” and was thankful his pub had been recognised.
Asked whether Joe had ever visited, he added: “I wish he was a regular, to be fair.
“I wish we did get famous people in our pub.”
Landlord of The Dog House, Duncan Randall, with his The Lycett Arms twinning plaque. Picture: The Dog House
Lycett, a stand-up comedian and presenter who is competing in the current series of BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, has spoken out about the continued trend of pubs closing.
He said on his show: “I do want to talk about pub closures.
“It is a serious problem, up and down the UK.
“British pubs are closing at a rate of two a day, and it is very sad.”
The cash is expected to be behind the bar of The Dog House on Friday, and Mr Randall has said it will be available to guests at about 7.30pm when the live band starts.
He also thanked Joe for speaking up about the closures of pubs across the UK.
“It is heartbreaking,” he said.
Joe Lycett pictured wearing merchandise by The Dog House pub near Ashford. Picture supplied by Duncan Randall
“They are the hub of the community. Everyone just associates pubs with pure alcohol. It is where someone can come to escape reality.”
Mr Randall says he will offer one drink per person until the money runs out, and might even chip in himself.
The Dog House is found in an unusual location, being in a rural business park, but has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2019.
Duncan Randall says he would love Joe Lycett to become a regular of his pub. Picture: Channel 4
Following its appearance on The Lycett Arms, the pub has has attracted attention from new customers far and wide.
Mr Randall said: “A couple from Wales that come to Kent quite a lot reached out straight away and said they’ve seen us, and they want to come next time they’re coming to Canterbury.”