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Part of my week in Kent – CLICK HERE to view other posts from the week!
Today takes me to Broadstairs, known as the “Jewel in Thanet’s crown”. It is most famous for being one of Charles Dickens’ favourite places to escape to. Started here at “The Magnet” Micropub and heading up to “Sonbar”. A walk towards the Railway Station next brings me to “Mind the Gap” and “The Royston”, and finishing off in St Peter’s at “The Four Candles”.
The Magnet
My first call in Broadstairs was to “The Magnet”. A great corner Micropub which opened in February 2019. A very traditional feel to this Micropub with lots of wooden seating and the bar, with brick walls, a piano and lots more. I must add that the photos in the gents toilets are some of the best I have seen and very amusing. Warm welcome from owner Will and Sam behind the bar. Looks a really busy place and popular with locals and visitors.
A great line up of 4 cask beers, 4 keg beers and a number of ciders to choose from. I went with the IPA from Tonbridge Brewery, a really easy drinking and refreshing pale ale.
Sonder
A short walk through Broadstairs brings me to my next visit which is to “Sonder”. I visited this a number of years ago when it was Thirty-Nine Steps Brewhouse which had opened up in 2017 with plans to brew under the name “Town Brewery”. It has been under new management since 2023 and has been nicely refurbished and renamed. “Sonder” comes from from a word meaning the acknowledging of others and having feelings of empathy for them. A very spacious area inside with a beautiful wood panelled ceiling.
A choice of 3 cask beers and around 18 keg lines to choose from in here. I went with a sour beer from Edinburgh based Vault City Brewing. “Blueberry Limoncello Sorbet”, a delicious summer sour packed full of blueberries along with lemon juice and zest.
Mind the Gap
A short walk back up towards the Railway Station for my next 2 calls. The first of these being to “Mind the Gap”. This railway themed Micropub opened in July 2016, a short walk from the Railway Station in a former retail unit. A one roomed Micropub which is split over 2 levels, the bar located on the raised level towards the rear. It is full of railway memorabilia with photos, signs and walls full of railway tickets from all over the country. The bar even has a railway crossing gate to get behind. A great warm welcome from Drew behind the bar.
A choice of 3 cask beers on the bar today, along with a number of ciders and bottled lager. I went with the “Session Pale” from West Malling based Kent Brewery. A very light, hoppy and refreshing session beer.
The Royston
A short walk underneath the railway bridge brings me to “The Royston”. This opened in June 2021 having being a gift shop before. A fantastic one roomed Micropub with seating outside at the front. A very stylish Micropub which combines Victorian, Steampunk and Art-Deco themes. A lovely warming relaxed atmosphere in here. A fantastic warm welcome from Andy (Photo), Sam (Photo) and Ashley.
A stunning chiller cabinet within the seating area showcasing 4 cask beers and a wide variety of ciders to choose from, as well as a number of cans. These cold room/chiller units look so great and stand out and add to the feel of the Micropub. I went with “Kyber” from Rochester based Moot Brewery. A delicious session pale ale with notes of pineapple. Really tasty beer.
Four Candles Alehouse
A short walk from the Railway Station to St Peters brings me to my final call which is to the “Four Candles Alehouse”. This Micropub is in a former hardware store and opened in 2012. The name comes from when Ronnie Barker is said to have been inspired to write the famous Four Candles sketch while on a visit to Broadstairs to see his comedy partner, Ronnie Corbett. Since 2016 a brewery has also been operating on the premises and beers are served in the Micropub. A lovely warm welcome from Mike in here, and was great to bump into Will from The Magnet and Julie in here to chat to.
It is advisable to get yourself some Canterbury Cheese whilst you are visiting here. Choose which you want from a large box all individually priced and add on a small cost for crackers and chutney. Delicious!
3 cask beers on the bar tonight all brewed on site alongside a couple of ciders from Biddenden. I tried all 3 of the cask beers starting with the “Session Pale” (Triple Hop), “IPA” (Citra) and “American Pale” (Mosaic). All very enjoyable and with some great flavours.
Micropub Adventures 
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