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Part of my week in Kent – CLICK HERE to view other posts from the week!
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.
Bake & Alehouse
Located down an alleyway in between the bookmakers and the Carlton cinema is “Bake & Alehouse”. This opened in April 2011 and is known as Westgate’s smallest pub. A fantastic one roomed Micropub with seating for around 18 people. Laid out to allow customers to talk to each other easily. A great welcome in here from owner John and Steve.
A fantastic line up of 7 beers to choose from in here today, alongside a number of ciders. I started with “Red Raddle” from Kent based Wantsum Brewery. A beer brewed to celebrate the 200th year of Crabble Corn Mill, and named after the red paint used on the mill stones. A lovely red ale using 5 different hops. I went onto “Rustic” from Tombridge Brewery. A rich tasting country ale.
The Wheel Alehouse
Onto Birchington-on-Sea next and my call here is to “The Wheel Alehouse”. Located a few minutes walk away from the Railway Station, this Micropub opened in March 2013, in what was a former retail unit. The name comes from a joke in Only Fools and Horses where a singer has a speech impediment. “Wheel ale,” he laughs. “Get it?”. A one roomed Micropub with ample seating and a small bar in the corner. A great choice of cheeses for their cheeseboard as well. A lovely warm welcome from Jamie.
One cask beer alongside 4 keg beers available in here. I went with the cask beer “Comet” from very small local brewery Isla Vale Alesmiths. A lovely light and refreshing pale ale.
Old Bay Alehouse
Onto the Minnis Bay district of Birchington next, brings me to “Old Bay Alehouse”. This opened in March 2017 in a former retail unit. Was great of Kirsty to come and show me around before they opened. A fantastic one roomed Micropub, lovely relaxing homely feel to the place. Homemade Scotch Eggs and Cheeseboards available in here aswell.
A choice of 3 beers on the bar, along with ciders and a number of cans & bottles. I went with a tasting tray of the 3 starting with “Pirate’s Pet”, a delicious bitter from Somerset based Parkway Brewing Co. Onto “Jet Black Stout” from Faversham based Mad Cat Brewery, a very easy drinking and smooth stout. Finished with “Rising Giant” from East Sussex based Long Man Brewery. A triple hopped pale ale, packed with flavour.
The Brickfield
On the train to Chestfield & Swalecliffe, and a short minutes walk from the station brings me to “The Brickfield”, located in Swalecliffe. This Micropub opened in December 2023 after a couple of soft opening nights, in a building formerly used as a Chinese Takeaway. A sister Micropub to The Handsome Sam in Whitstable. A one roomed Micropub with a seating area at the front and a large rear garden. A great warm welcome in here from Paul in here, and also Trevor. (Photo below shows all 3 of us).
A great selection of 4 ales to choose from ranging in styles, alongside a bottled stout. I went with “HPA” (Hoppy Pale Ale), from Broadstairs based Gadds Brewery. A delicious well balanced juicy pale ale.
The Handsome Sam
My last call is in Whitstable where a short walk from the Railway Station brings me to “The Handsome Sam”. This Micropub was named after the founders cat which died exactly four years before the pub’s opening date of 4th November 2014. A really cosy and welcoming pub with a lovely high ceiling and its retained beams. Some great murals by the local Catman artist. A warm welcome from Sue and Charles in here.
A great choice of 4 ales in here, alongside a number of ciders and a bottled stout to choose from. I went with “Real Mild Ale” from Maidstone based Goacher’s Ale. A full flavoured dark mild beer which was originally brewed to celebrate the breweries 5th anniversary.
Micropub Adventures 
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