retiredmartin

August 2024. Broadstairs.

Just the two pubs to finish the Kent chapter of the Guide for a 12th successive year,

but disaster strikes as I walk up to the door of the quaintly named “Pub” on Ramsgate High Street.

In honesty, it feels ages since I’d last had a “micro fail”, and I’d quite missed whining about it on here.

Still, 4pm, that’s only three hours to wait; just do the Broadstairs micro first and then enjoy the sandy beach for an hour.

The Royston, as odd a name as that Royston Club in St Albans, is an identikit Thanet micro.

One room, high stools, chiller cabinet at the front, tips bath,

dangling lightbulbs,

and my heart sinks at the thought of a 4th successive new micro in the GBG, though in truth .

But, my heart lifts as I hear the young barman talking Mrs RM through the beers.

“I’ve got a nice Amarillo forward stout from Upper Dumpley, a chewy breakfast sour from Great Snoring, and some hazy stuff from Newcastle, wherever that is“.

It’s not just the enthusiasm, it’s the fact he’s going through the spiel with Mrs RM, an actual woman, rather than waiting for me !

We go for the Two by Two (them again !) and Elusive, skip the pickled eggs and share a pork pie (“Keep the mustard separate !” screams Mrs RM).

“My name’s Sam” says Sam. “Just ask if you want anything else“. I presume he means tasters rather than readings from “Moby Dick”.

The Royston has just won Thanet Pub of the Year again, and with that enthusiasm for cask, backed up by cellar cool, crisp beer (3.5/4) I can see why.

Great pork pie, too. I think Sam could trace the pork back to a named pig near Sturry.

It’s a very, very, impressive consumer-focused package, the sort that wins national awards for the likes of the Tamworth Tap and Nelson Arms, and with a good collection of traditional pubs game (ugh) it would be churlish not to admire, if not love it.

Mrs RM decides she’s staying for a half of the Siren Breakfast Stout (NBSS 4), and whatever I think I’m overruled.

Well played, the Royston.