8th January 2020
The month really kicks off now, with what seemed like a week in north Kent. You’ll feel like you live in Ramsgate by the time I catch up, and that’s no bad thing.
If Lincolnshire is a tough county to crack logistically, in Kent it’s the threat of more indistinguishable micros that sends chills to the heart. Will I be able to tell apart “Hop Huddle” from “Anguished Ale” a week on?
Ramsgate seafront lifts any sozzled soul.
I thought I’d found an unlisted micro down by the harbour, but it’s clearly not pokey enough.
It’s not in the GBG 30 months after opening, but the Royal Victoria Pavilion was an essential visit because;
a) It’s the biggest Wetherspoons in the world.
b) I have 50p Spoons vouchers to use
c) You expect that sort of research from me
d) It’s open at 10am.
I seem to be the only person not to have been here yet, and Mrs RM is amazed at the omission, but I haven’t been to Ramsgate since the spring of 2017.
Back then Mrs RM and I gawped at the exterior, and wondered at the joy of drinking a pint on the beach.
Purists will prefer the cinema conversion in Stafford or the old church in Exeter, but it looks a marvel to me.
It also looked fairly quiet, existing entirely on coffee and cooked breakfasts. Only one member of staff behind the bar, too.
But as I took my pint of Porter for an exploratory wander it dawned on me how many folk were dotted about the two floors and outside areas, a good fifty on them on the second Wednesday in January, and 99% of pubs in the country would love that trade.
One thing, it’s a bit above average prices for beer and food (no breakfast deals here)
I enjoyed the view even more than a robust pint of Sambrook’s Porter (NBSS 3+) which Spoons seem to have taken a shine to.
They’ve even added giant pot plants for fussy tickers.
The question is “How has Spoons affected those treasured micros trad pubs ?”. We’ll find out later.
I waved goodbye to the sea.
And reminded myself what a joy Ramsgate High Street is.
A busker outside Café Nero sang Ed Sheeran. I didn’t mind.
I thought I’d found the ultimate micropub opening times,
but it was actually a gift shop.
Next stop, Broadstairs, like in the Half Man Half Biscuit song. Micro pub, massive cliffs.
retiredmartin 
Have those posing tables been breeding? 😮
LikeLiked by 1 person
“b) I have 50p Spoons vouchers to use” – having used one in Birmingham’s woodman a couple of days ago I now have nine to use or give away.
LikeLike
But I thought you could donate them to charity 😉
LikeLike
“could donate them to charity” is going back about three years and I don’t know of any charity shop in Stafford that would now accept them.
By “or give away” I meant or give away or post to our old friend in Partridge Green.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Impressive, but give me a proper pub anyday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anonymous is me, Kentish Paul. Having a spot of bother trying to connect with my new phone! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always think Ramsgate,& it’s inhabitants & shops are similar to Maidstone but pubs /micros are better ( still only 1 micro here ) I could live there if I had to !
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reason d is the only likely reason I’d be going in there.
I see you’ve let the micropub opening hours, cat out of the bag.
LikeLike
Citra,
And reason d) is the only likely reason I’d be going in there – but we might not be on the same beer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I won’t be on the Ruddles I can assure you.
LikeLike
Nor me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Was in there a couple of years ago. More like a convention centre than a pub, but a lovely building and thumbs up to Tim Martin for bringing this glorious building back from dereliction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. A real eyesore and great shame when empty and derelict. Spoons spent a lot of cash on that and it’s improved a great town even further.
LikeLike
What’s the longest it’s ever taken to get served in a Spoons, I wonder? If you started timing from the the moment you left your seat in that upstairs bit and stopped the clock when you got back, and there was one member of staff on…could be a good 10 minutes.
LikeLike