If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
Beers Beside the Sea: Exploring Thanet
Over the two days I headed around Margate, Cliftonville and Westgate-on-Sea with Paul, Karen, Neil and Glen, alongside meeting up with a number of people from Thanet CAMRA along the way. It turned into a brilliant couple of days exploring a real mix of micropubs, taprooms and seafront bars, each with their own character and stories behind them. From harbour views and cosy old buildings to colourful interiors packed with memorabilia, there was plenty to take in between the pubs. I enjoyed some excellent beers throughout, met lots of friendly faces and had some great conversations along the way. Overall, it was a warm, relaxed couple of days around Thanet’s pub scene.
Margate grew from a small fishing town into one of Britain’s earliest seaside resorts during the 1700s, helped by sea links and later the railway bringing visitors from London. Cliftonville developed during the Victorian period as a quieter, grander part of Margate, filled with hotels, seafront terraces and attractions overlooking the sea. Westgate-on-Sea remained mostly farmland until the late 1800s, when it was planned as an elegant seaside resort aimed at middle-class visitors. Today, all three places still carry a strong coastal character, mixing sandy beaches, historic buildings and traditional seaside charm with independent shops, cafés, pubs and a growing creative scene.
Two Halves
The LOOP bus took me over to Margate, first visiting The Two Halves. Two Halves opened on Marine Drive on 24 July 2015, in former retail premises overlooking Margate’s stone pier and seafront. It is a modern micropub rather than an old inn, but its setting gives it a strong link to Margate’s seaside history. The name is a playful pub-style phrase, matching its small scale and friendly feel. Its opening came during Thanet’s strong micropub growth, when unused shops were being turned into independent drinking spaces. The pub soon became well regarded locally, winning Thanet CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2018 and 2022.
Inside, Two Halves makes the most of its seafront position, with large front windows and doors giving wide views straight across the harbour and sea. The space is compact but bright, with small wooden tables and chairs arranged closely together to keep things sociable without feeling cramped. Walls are covered with local artwork, prints and photographs linked to Margate and the coastline, giving the room a personal feel. Behind the bar, a glass-fronted chilled cask store adds a modern touch while keeping the beer on display. Overall, it feels relaxed and welcoming, with a light, coastal atmosphere that suits its setting perfectly.
It was great to meet Josh and Shaun while here and it was fantastic meeting Graham and Jonathon here from Thanet CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale. On the bar a choice of 3 cask ales, alongside a massive choice of ciders and a range of cans and bottles (alcohol free). I went for Kentish Knock by Shivering Sands, a traditional bitter with gentle malt flavour and a smooth, rounded finish.
The Harbour Arms
Heading out on the Harbour Arm in Margate brought me onto Harbour Arms Margate. The Harbour Arms opened on Margate Harbour Arm in May 2013, first using two former fishermen’s net stores joined together. In May 2015 it moved into the larger Unit 9 next door. Its setting is much older: the stone pier was built between 1812 and 1815 to protect Margate’s harbour, with the lighthouse later rebuilt in 1955. The pub’s story is modern, but it sits right inside the town’s working seafront history, reusing old harbour buildings once tied to fishing and storage. That gives it a strong link to Margate’s maritime past.
Inside feels full of seaside character, making the most of its old harbour building setting. The space is compact and informal, with wooden tables and mismatched chairs arranged closely together beneath fishing nets draped across the ceiling. Bright painted brick walls are covered with maritime photographs, maps, lifebuoys and harbour memorabilia, giving the room a slightly weathered but welcoming feel. Large windows look straight onto the harbour arm and sea beyond, bringing plenty of light into the room on brighter days. There are cosy bench seating areas tucked into the corners, while outside tables stretch along the harbour itself beside the water.
3 cask ales available on the bar, alongside a huge selection of local ciders with some interesting flavours such as Beetroot. I went for Bitter by Iron Pier, a classic bitter with balanced malt flavour and a clean, easy finish.
XYLO Taproom
Back onto the seafront in Margate brought me to XYLO – Seafront Microbrewery & Tap Room Bar. XYLO opened in Margate in August 2019, set in a High Street unit overlooking the seafront. It was founded by two friends who left jobs in London to focus on brewing and running their own taproom. From the start, it combined a small-scale microbrewery with a bar, helping it quickly build a local following. The name is inspired by “xylose,” a sugar involved in the brewing process, giving it a subtle link to the science behind beer. As demand grew, the business expanded beyond the taproom, but its roots remain in Margate’s growing independent beer scene.
Inside feels bright, modern and closely tied to the brewery itself. Large stainless steel brewing tanks sit directly within the space, giving the taproom a working brewery feel rather than a separate bar. Seating is spread across a few different levels and areas, with bench seating, small round tables and higher spots looking out towards the harbour. The décor mixes clean industrial details with softer lighting and warm colours, keeping the room relaxed rather than clinical. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light during the day, while the open layout and visible brewing equipment keep the focus firmly on the beer being made on site.
I also met up with Glynn and John here from Thanet CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale, along with Jonathon and Graham, and friends Paul and Karen. On the bar a huge line up of craft keg options with lots of choice of style and strength. I went for Margate Rock by Xylo Brewing, a fruity sour packed with raspberry and blackcurrant flavour and a sharp, tangy finish.
Fez
A slight walk up the road brought me on Fez, Margate. Fez opened on Margate High Street on 18 December 2015, in the former Card Centre shop premises. It is a modern micropub rather than an old inn, but its building still reflects Margate’s long High Street tradition of small shops and independent businesses. The name is playful and memorable, matching the pub’s colourful style rather than pointing to a historic landlord or brewery. Its opening came during Thanet’s early micropub boom, when former retail units were being turned into small, characterful pubs. Today, Fez adds a modern chapter to Margate’s High Street story.
Inside feels less like a micropub and more like stepping into a carefully assembled collection of curiosities. Seating is tucked into every corner, from long bench tables to vintage chairs and a sofa set into the old waltzer car by the window. The walls and ceiling are packed with old signs, framed adverts, fairground pieces, clocks, musical instruments and all sorts of nostalgic oddities, so there’s always something new to spot. Warm lighting, neon signs and strings of fairy lights give the room a cosy glow, while the small bar is just as colourful and cluttered as the rest of the pub. An antique till still sits proudly near the counter, surrounded by LPs, bunting and retro memorabilia. Overall, it feels playful, eccentric and wonderfully personal, with a lively atmosphere that somehow still stays relaxed.
On the bar 2 cask ales to choose from, alongside a wide variety of ciders alongside other options. I went for Fez House Bitter by Romney Marsh Brewery, a traditional bitter with soft malt flavour and a smooth, balanced finish.
Henry’s
I visited Henry’s Margate. Henrys opened as a pub on Margate High Street in late 2025, but the name is much older. The building was Henry’s Electricals, first opened in 1932 by Denis “Henry” Poupard, an electrical engineer who later worked on wartime radar technology. After the war, the business grew into a well-known Thanet electrical and photographic retailer, remembered as the first in Thanet to sell televisions. The shop closed in 2017 after more than 80 years. The new pub kept the Henrys name, giving the former shop a fresh use while preserving a familiar piece of Margate’s High Street history.
Inside feels very different from the electrical shop that once traded here, with the long former retail space now turned into a warm and colourful pub full of Indian-inspired décor. Different seating areas run through the building, from darker wood-panelled booths and carved screens to brighter front spaces filled with patterned fabrics, hanging lanterns and strings of coloured lights. Bollywood film posters, cushions, plants and small decorative details give the rooms a relaxed, slightly eclectic feel without losing the shape of the old shop. Large seafront windows at the back bring in plenty of light and wide views across Margate seafront, contrasting with the darker, more intimate seating further inside. Overall, it feels welcoming, distinctive and carefully put together while still keeping a link to the building’s High Street past.
On the bar a selection of 2 cask ales, alongside with a wide variety of ciders and a number of keg options. I went for Anchor Bay by Bexley Brewery, a pale ale with citrus hop notes and a bright, refreshing finish.
Ales of the Unexpected
Next was onto Ales of the Unexpected micro-pub. Ales of the Unexpected opened on Canterbury Road, Westbrook, in August 2013. It was converted from a former shop, previously used as an antiques shop and, before that, a fishmonger’s. Its name is a playful twist on the TV series Tales of the Unexpected, fitting the pub’s habit of offering changing beers from different places. The pub is part of Thanet’s early micropub story, when small former shops were being turned into independent drinking spaces. Its history is fairly recent, but the building’s earlier retail uses give it a clear link to everyday local trade.
Inside feels packed with character from floor to ceiling. The walls are covered with pump clips, old signs, framed pictures and quirky bits of memorabilia, while maps across the seating area give the front room a slightly travel-themed feel. Seating is spread between the narrow main bar area and a more open front section with leather bench seating and smaller tables. Hanging cameras, lanterns and old brewing items above the bar add even more to look at, without the place ever feeling cluttered. Warm lighting and close seating keep everything relaxed and sociable, giving the micropub a cosy, lived-in atmosphere full of personality.
It was great catching up with owner Liam again. Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, along with a fantastic choice of ciders. I went for Birchwood Bitter by The Mighty Oak Brewing Company, a classic bitter with gentle malt flavour and a smooth, easy finish.
The Lifeboat
Next was onto The Lifeboat in Margate by Floc. Brewing. The Lifeboat opened on Market Street in May 2010, taking over a former wine bar in Margate’s Old Town. The building itself is much older, a Grade II listed house thought to date from around 1710, giving the pub real historic roots. Its name reflects Margate’s strong maritime links, close to the harbour and lifeboat station. In March 2026, it was taken over by FLOC Brewery, who kept the name while bringing it into their group of venues. Today, it blends a modern pub story with a setting that reaches back to the town’s early 18th-century past.
Inside feels warm and tucked away, with dark wood, low lighting and smaller seating areas spread through the old building. One room centres around a large brick fireplace with a stove set into the hearth, giving it a cosy feel, especially with the bench seating and small round tables gathered nearby. Elsewhere, long bench seating runs along the walls beneath dark painted panelling, while the front windows bring in plenty of light looking out towards the Old Town streets. The layout still has the feel of an old townhouse rather than a modern bar, with smaller spaces that encourage conversation and a relaxed atmosphere throughout.
A great line up of 8 craft keg lines on the bar offering a variety of styles and strengths I went for Warm Shade by Floc., a hazy pale ale with juicy tropical fruit notes and a soft, rounded finish.
Little Swift
My final visit in Margate was to Little Swift. Little Swift opened on Marine Drive in 2019, taking over a seafront bar space that had previously traded as The Night Swift and, before that, The Bottle Shop. The building sits right on Margate’s seafront, linking it to the town’s long resort history and views across the sands. Its name kept the “Swift” link from the previous bar while giving the place a fresh identity. Although its own story is modern, the site reflects Margate’s recent shift towards small independent bars, reusing older town-centre premises for a new generation of seaside drinkers. It has gained recognition for its craft beers and seasonal cocktails, earning the Thanet CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year award in 2022.
Inside feels bright and relaxed, with the seafront views becoming part of the atmosphere as soon as you walk in. Large front windows along the lower level look straight across Margate’s harbour arm and bring plenty of natural light into the narrow, open space. The décor mixes soft pastel shades, dark ceilings and warm hanging lights, giving it a modern coastal feel without losing its comfort. Wooden tables, bench seating and smaller tucked-away corners help keep it sociable, while shelves packed with wine bottles and vinyl records add plenty of personality. Seating is spread across different levels, with the upstairs area holding part of the bar and extra tables, while the lower seating area and outdoor tables make the most of the sea views across the promenade.
On the bar a choice of 11 craft keg lines, all by with a wide selection of cans and bottles to choose from. I went for Spratwaffler by Time & Tide Brewing, a hazy pale ale with juicy citrus hops and a soft, fruity finish.
Cliftonville
Banks Ale & Wine House
Headed out on the bus to Cliftonville, first visiting Banks Ale & Wine House. Banks Ale & Wine House opened in 2018 on Northdown Road in Cliftonville, inside the former HSBC bank. The name is a neat nod to the building’s previous life, keeping the old bank connection while turning it into something more social. Rather than being an old coaching inn or long-established pub, its history is tied to the reuse of a familiar local bank building. The conversion gave the site a new purpose at a time when Cliftonville was seeing more independent venues appear. Today, it stands as a good example of an old commercial space being given a fresh chapter.
Inside feels bright and spacious, with the old banking hall layout still giving the room plenty of breathing space around the bar and seating areas. Large front windows bring in lots of natural light during the day, while wood panelling, polished floors and dark wooden furniture help keep the atmosphere warm and comfortable. Bench seating runs along the walls, mixed with tables and high stools around the bar. The walls are packed with breweriana, old pub signs and framed pictures, giving the place plenty of personality without feeling cluttered. Overall, it feels relaxed, welcoming and full of traditional pub character, while still hinting at the building’s former past.
A line up on the bar of 3 cask ales in a range of styles to choose from. I went for The New Black by Kent Brewery, a black IPA with roasted malt flavour, citrus hops and a smooth, bitter finish.
The Taproom
Next was a short walk to @thetaproomcliftonville (The Taproom). The Taproom opened in Cliftonville in April 2015, taking over a former takeaway food shop on Northdown Parade. The building needed work before opening, but it soon became part of the area’s growing micropub scene. After lockdown, the pub reopened with new owners in 2021, when regular customers stepped in to keep it going. That gave it a strong community story, turning a modest former food shop into a small local pub with real support behind it. Its history is fairly recent, but it reflects Cliftonville’s shift towards independent, characterful places.
It feels bright and welcoming as soon as you step through the door. The compact layout keeps the sociable micropub atmosphere, while the mix of exposed brick, painted timber walls and warm lighting gives the space plenty of personality. The bar area is packed with character, with old signs, framed pictures, bottles and unusual decorative pieces spread throughout the room. There are quieter booth-style seating areas tucked away from the main bar, using reclaimed wood, mirrors and softer lighting to create a more relaxed feel. Overall, it feels creative, comfortable and full of small details that make the pub memorable while still keeping a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
A great variety of craft keg options available on the bar showcasing a number of different styles. I went for Tidal Pool by NorthDown Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes and a fresh, lively finish.
Westgate-on-Sea
Bake & Alehouse
Bake & Alehouse opened in April 2011, tucked down the alleyway between the Carlton Cinema and the bookmakers on St Mildred’s Road. It is housed in the shop section of a former bakery, giving the name a clear link to the building’s past. The old bakehouse beside it dates from 1909 and was originally the bakery for Kelsey’s Café, part of the wider Town Hall Buildings. The pub became one of Thanet’s early micropubs, reusing a small former commercial space in a warm, local way. It remains closely tied to Westgate’s town-centre history.
Inside feels narrow and tucked away, with dark green walls, wooden flooring and traditional furniture giving the room a warm, old-fashioned character. Seating is arranged closely together around chunky wooden tables, helping keep the atmosphere sociable without feeling cramped. Frosted front windows soften the daylight, while low lighting and darker colours make the space feel cosy later in the day. Small details like old brewery mirrors, framed items and polished copper pieces add extra character without overcrowding the walls. Outside, there’s a small seating area set along the alleyway beside the micropub, with picnic benches and barrel tables giving people somewhere to sit out on warmer days.
It was fantastic to meet Glen and Gill who have recently taken over and wish them the best of luck. On the bar a selection of 5 cask ales alongside a great variety of ciders. I went for Nethergong by Chislet Brewery, a traditional bitter with soft malt flavour and a smooth, rounded finish.
Micropub Adventures 