A day out by train heading out first to Retford, an attractive market town, one of the oldest English market towns having been granted its first charter in 1105. Visited 3 pubs here, starting with the “Idle Valley Tap”, before moving onto “Beer Under the Clock” and “Brew Shed”, home of Harrisons Brewery. A short train journey to Worksop, known as the “Gateway to the Dukeries” to visit “The Station Hotel”, “Fuggle’s Chapter One” and “The Mallard” who were hosting their St George’s Beer Festival. Finished off in Woodhouse with a short walk to “The Oxbow”.
Monthly Archives: April 2024
15/04/24-20/04/24 – A Week in Kent
A full week away in Kent sampling some of the amazing Micropubs which they have along with a few brewery taps. The list below is an index of each blog in one place to make viewing easier.
21/04/24 – Watford
After a busy week in Kent, I was heading back via London so decided to nip out to Watford on the train to visit a couple of pubs I have been meaning to visit for some time. “Two Trees Micropub” and “Mad Squirrel Watford”.
17/04/24 and 20/04/24 Faversham, Sittingbourne and Queenborough
Starting at Faversham well know for its historic churches, whilst here I visited “Furlongs Ale House” and “Creekers Tap”. A short train journey to Sittingbourne, famous for its brickworks and paper mill. 3 Micropubs visited here, “Yellow Stocks”, “Donnas Ale House” and “The Paper Mill”. Finally a train out towards Sheerness getting off at Queenborough, which has the only true concentric castle built in England. Visited “The Admirals Arms” here.
18/04/24-20/04/24 Westgate-on-Sea, Birchington-on-Sea, Swalecliffe and Whitstable
Starting the day at Westgate-on-Sea, a lovely Victorian town. Visited “Bake & Alehouse” here. Onto Birchington-on-Sea, with some lovely views across Minnis Bay. Here I visited “Old Bay Alehouse” and “Wheel Alehouse”. On the train to Chestfield & Swalecliffe, Swalecliffe being well known for its Brickworks, hence visiting “The Brickfield” here. Lastly onto Whitstable, famous for its Oysters. Whilst here I visited “The Handsome Sam” Micropub.
17/04/24-20/04/24 – Minster, Ashford and Charing
A visit to Minster, Ashford and Charing. Started off at Minster with a visit to “Hair of the Dog” Micropub in the town. Ashford I visit “Curious Brewing” located a short walk from Ashford International Station, before finishing in nearby Charing at “The Bookmakers Arms”.
18/04/24-20/04/24 Rainham, Strood, Gravesend, Gillingham and Rochester
Starting off in Rainham visiting “The Prince of Ales” Micropub, jumping on the train one station up to Gillingham for “Past and Present Alehouse”. Then heading up to Strood to visit “10:50 From Victoria”, onto Gravesend for a trio of Micropubs starting with “Three Pillars” and moving onto “The Mole Hole” and “Compass Alehouse”, and finishing at Rochester visiting “RAMS – 12 Degrees” Micropub.
17/04/24 and 20/04/24 – Canterbury
A visit to Canterbury. Canterbury is famed for its splendid cathedral and atmospheric medieval streets. 4 visits here, starting with “FLOC Brewing”, moving onto “The Thomas Tallis Alehouse”, “Foundry Brewpub” and “Pegasus”.
18/04/24 – Broadstairs
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”.
16/04/24 and 18/04/24 – Ramsgate
Today takes me to Ramsgate, the only Royal Harbour in the United Kingdom. Because of its proximity to mainland Europe, Ramsgate was a chief embarkation point both during the Napoleonic Wars and for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. Visited 4 Micropubs here, 2 in the centre and 2 slightly out of Ramsgate. Started with “The Hovelling Boat Inn” and “The Pub”, before visiting “Alehouse in the Middle of our Street” and “Conquerers Alehouse”.
Micropub Adventures 