From Holly Willoughby to Jack Whitehall, a host of famous faces have visited the Old Neptune on Whitstable seafront over the years.

Situated right on the beach, with its white and blue facade, it’s easy to see why so many stars are drawn to one of Kent’s most iconic pubs.

But Darren Wilton, who will mark 20 years as landlord in August, admits he often doesn’t realise when he’s serving a celebrity.

“The younger members of staff recognise them a lot but it’s lost on me,” he told KentOnline.

Pictures on the pub’s social media pages show Darren with actress Anna Friel, Inbetweeners star Simon Bird and the late Len Goodman, when the Strictly judge stopped by in 2017.

Another photo features Suggs, who lives in the town and is considered one of the “Neppy’s” regulars.

Other visitors pictured include: Stacey Dooley, Harry Hill, Tom Kerridge, Shaun Williamson, Gok Wan, Mark Noble, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jodie Whittaker, Chris Tarrant, Micky Flanagan - as well as a host of reality stars. The list goes on and on.

The Old Neptune even starred in Peter O’Toole’s movie Venus, with the Hollywood star buying everyone a round when filming in the bar back in 2007.

So what makes the pub such a magnet for celebrities, tourists and locals alike?

The picture-postcard location, with the beach serving as arguably “the best beer garden in Kent”, is a key factor.

It has helped the Old Neptune navigate stormy times for the hospitality industry - such as the smoking ban and Covid lockdowns.

“There's been lots and lots of changes. I mean, Covid was a big deal,” said Darren.

“We put in lots and lots of measures to make everyone safe, but we got hit hardest, you know? Pubs were the last to open up.

“Those were dodgy times for us because we didn't know if we were ever going to get open again. But we're still here and live to fight another day.

“When the smoking ban first came in [in 2007], a lot of pubs suffered with it unless they had a beer garden.

“But we obviously had one of the best, if not the best, beer gardens in Kent so it actually did us a favour.

“People would come down here and have a pint, still have a cigarette and watch the world go by.”

Though, of course, being right by the sea does present its own challenges.

“I can remember one November about 14 years ago, we had a really high tide and it actually came up to the wall,” Darren said.

“I had to bring all the benches in and I’ll always remember someone came through my front door and said to me, ‘Where's your sandbags?’

“I said, ‘Look, if it gets over that wall, I need more than sandbags’ – you can’t protect the pub from the tide.”

This summer Darren, 53, will be celebrating two decades at the helm of the Old Neptune - and says he would like to stay on another 11 years till his lease with Shepherd Neame ends, seeing him through to retirement.

“I've had some fantastic times here and, touch wood, I don't think I've got any bad memories at all,” he said.

“They're all good. If the Neptune wasn't my pub, I would still drink here – I'd use it as my local.

“I like everyone that goes in there, that's the type of place it is.

“Even when I go on holidays, I miss the place and I miss the people.

“As for memories, there's just been so many, it's hard to pin down one or two.”

Asked what it is about the pub that makes it so special, Darren joked: “I think it's a combination between being by the sea and my charisma.

“Seriously though, it's in a fantastic location. We have great summers here, great springs too.

“We all work really, really hard. We've got a great team here.”

While loved by celebrities, the pub also takes its role in the local community seriously.

Anti-sewage statues have been placed next to the beer garden in protest at Southern Water’s treatment of the sea, as organised by SOS Whitstable.

With pub lunches and live music every Sunday, it's a family- and dog-friendly establishment to visit on a seafront walk.

The amount of live music has decreased since before the pandemic, much to Darren’s disappointment – but he hopes the current set-up helps bring more people in as a whole.

Offerings of food have developed since 2004, with the transition from seasonal menus to year-round feasts.

But Darren estimates the balance between income through food and booze is probably a fairly even split – more so than people would imagine.

He says when the time is right for him to finally call last orders, there is a chance his sons could take over.

As for tips for any future publicans, Darren offered this one slice of wisdom.

“The important thing about running a pub is: you have to run the pub - don't let the pub run you.

“That's my advice to anyone getting into the pub trade.’