Saturday 25th May
It was hard to believe that after my 2022/23 efforts around the coast of Kent that it'd possible to return to the Ramsgate-Broadstairs-Margate trio and have six new ticks today, but here we were. That's what is known in the trade as the evil KKK (Kent's Kruel Khurn).
Armed with Daddy BRAPA and Colin the Cauliflower, we land in Ramsgate shortly after 11:00 in the baking sun, leg it twenty minutes from the station to pub one. Important to have a strict agenda bottomed out for this one, York 5;55am wake up time seemed a distant memory.
Having loved the Artillery and the Montifiore last time out, not to mention a solid micro showing from the Hovelling Boat, I was feeling optimistic.
That optimism only increased when #PubMan legend, Sir Quinno, who was meeting us, offered to get the pints in before we arrive. Seems that annoying modern day pub/Spoons trope of queuing to the bar was proving problematic. Luckily, the place is frickin' humongous.
Remember last year when I claimed that Ramsgate didn't have a Wetherspoons and TwXtter laughed at me? Now I can see why. Welcome to the Royal Victoria Pavillion, Ramsgate (2819 / 4979). Assumed it was an actual pavilion, when in fact, it identifies as a 'Spoons #WokeSpoons2024. Quinno has given us exact quoordinates down to table number, something like 4872, and we find him in prime position atop outer balcony but thankfully in the shade. Burnley's Reedley Hallows is a bit soupy, and we both cast jealous glances at Quinno's cool canned Oakham. Great views overlooking the sea, not a cloud in the sky, As we make our way downstairs to leave, we pause to appreciate the sheer magnitude of the place, reminding Daddy B of Headingley's Golden Beam which I'm still to do. The carpet is a faded 6/10 but you can't have it all. Forget Robin Van Persie, this is the real RVP.
Everything was back in a stationwards direction now, and pub two was our one 'non micro, non Spoons' of the day. Made me suspicious in this part of the world, fearing it was a CAMRA pity-inclusion in an attempt to 'do something different ....'
But I needn't have worried. Even before the arrival of mobility scooter local, the Red Lion, Ramsgate (2820 / 4980) had street corner basic boozer credentials etched over every feature. Wham bam thank you Ram once again, perhaps not in the same league as the Artillery but very close to being joint second with Montifiore. Nice little exchange with the barmaid over the exciting sighting of Gadds' Stout - do I wanna be in your gang, your gang, your gang, yes please! Quinno was planning on sticking to lower percentage beers today but understandably crumbles like a playoff final losing team and who can blame him? He asks Daddy B whether he should address him as Bernard or Bernie? Very much a Bernard. Though I suggest he could do what Blackpool Jane does and simply call him 'Daddy'? They both give me a look suggesting this idea is a non-starter. Landlady later sticks on a pair of sunnies, some exciting Goth leathers, bids farewell to her lustrous locked husband, and strides out into the warm sun. And we soon did the same.
Just the one Rama Lama Ding Dong tick left before we said farewell to the Quinster, today's first micropub, which being a Kent day, had felt a long time to wait .....
With Bristol Rovers (NOT Sheffield Wednesday) tinsel adorning the walls to entice Quinno in, the imaginatively named Pub Ramsgate, Ramsgate (2821 / 4981) is a surprisingly atmospheric building with high ceilings and large brickie arches. Barmaid is a good sort, and Quinno discovers she's German and the place sells cool weird stuff like Ayingerbrau like that horrid old man who hates electronic devices once did. Alpine lager, pah , no one ever got drunk off that! Dad's got the pick of the beers with this newly on Kent which is so fresh and incredible, it could be a murky banked Bass or Cameron's in Stockton/Hartlepool. And then we have a great chat about how Barry Davies was the best commentator, not just football but anything, Colin who is a secret Motty stan did well to keep schtum.
Ozan Toucan is a Gubba man, but that's allowed.
So it was cheerio to Quinno, top lad, first time I've met him and not got absolutely sozzled so that's progress, but there was still sozzling time to be had as I head to Broadstairs, Margate and perhaps a cheeky late Parcel Yard bonus sozzle.
But tomorrow, with it being the last day of the month, we'll have the Month End Review.
Si
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