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Broadstairs, Beer and Good Company
I spent an afternoon in Broadstairs, heading around a mix of pubs with Neil from Neil’s Real Ale and Pub Page and Glen from Mind the Gap Micropub. I started at The Magnet before making my way to The Chapel, where it was great meeting new owner Liam and hearing more about the pub’s next chapter. From there I headed up to Mind the Gap for a catch up with Drew, before finishing at The Royston, which was packed with character, quirky décor and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the afternoon. Along the way there were some cracking beers, plenty of good conversation and a really friendly welcome everywhere we went. It all made for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon by the coast.
Broadstairs grew from a small fishing settlement beside the old Shrine of Our Lady of Bradstow, which stood above the harbour and became an important landmark for sailors along the Kent coast. The town takes its name from the broad flight of steps once cut into the cliffs leading down to the shrine and harbour. During the 1800s, Broadstairs became a popular seaside resort as rail travel brought more visitors from London. Charles Dickens was especially fond of the town and spent many summers here, writing parts of David Copperfield while staying at what is now known as Bleak House. Today, Broadstairs still keeps much of its traditional seaside charm.
The Magnet
In Broadstairs I started with The Magnet. The Magnet opened on Albion Street in February 2019, taking over the former Reef Restaurant premises near the seafront. Its name comes from The Magnet, the boys’ story paper that featured Billy Bunter, who was created by Charles Hamilton, a writer with strong Broadstairs connections. The pub is a modern micropub rather than an old inn, but it links neatly to local literary history through its name. Since opening, it has become well established in the town’s pub scene, gaining Good Beer Guide recognition and a Thanet CAMRA runner-up award in 2026.
Inside feels bright, lively and full of personality, with large front windows bringing plenty of daylight into the compact space. Seating is arranged around the edges of the room and through smaller corners, helping it feel sociable without becoming cramped. Exposed brickwork, old signs, framed artwork and shelves of quirky decorations give the pub plenty to look at, while strings of lights soften the room in the evening. One of the standout features is the large chandelier made from beer bottles hanging above the seating area, adding to the pub’s slightly eccentric character. Overall, it feels relaxed, welcoming and comfortably well-used.
A great warm welcome from Sam and Nikki when I arrived. A great selection of 4 cask ales, a number of craft keg lines and a wide variety of ciders to choose from. I went for Golden Acre by Bexley Brewery, a golden ale with floral hop notes and a light, crisp finish.
The Chapel
Onto The Chapel Bar and Bookshop next. The Chapel on Albion Street has one of the oldest and most unusual stories in Broadstairs. The Grade II listed building is closely linked to the medieval Shrine of Our Lady of Bradstow, also known as St Mary’s Chapel, which once stood above the harbour and became an important landmark for sailors approaching the Kent coast. Parts of the present structure date back to the early 1600s, although the chapel was rebuilt and repaired between 1825 and 1828. Over the years it has been used by different religious groups, later becoming a parish room and then a second-hand bookshop from the 1950s onwards. In 2012, it reopened as a bar and bookshop, giving the historic building a fresh new chapter while keeping its character firmly intact.
Inside feels part old bookshop and part relaxed bar, with shelves of books covering much of the walls from floor to ceiling. The front seating area has a quiet, cosy feel during the day, with wooden tables tucked beside the shelves and natural light coming through the front windows. Further inside, the space opens into a taller bar area with exposed timber beams, hanging lights and a busy central counter surrounded by regulars. The mix of books, old furniture, framed signs and colourful bottles gives the place plenty of character without losing its slightly quirky chapel feel. Overall, it feels warm, welcoming and very different from a typical pub.
It was great meeting new owner Liam in here and wish you the best of luck. On the bar 3 cask ales, 3 ciders and a variety of keg options. I went for Golden Sands by Shivering Sands, a golden ale with light citrus notes and a bright, easy finish.
Mind the Gap
A short walk up towards the Railway Station in Broadstairs brought me onto Mind the Gap Micropub. Mind The Gap opened on Broadstairs High Street in July 2016, taking over former retail premises close to the railway station. Its railway-inspired name reflects that location and links the pub closely to the town’s long connection with the railways, which helped Broadstairs grow as a seaside destination in the Victorian period. The micropub became part of the wider wave of independent pubs opening across Thanet during the 2010s, when older shop units were being given new life. Although modern in origin, it quickly established itself within Broadstairs’ growing micropub scene, adding another independent venue to the town centre.
Inside has a warm, laid-back feel built around its railway theme. Railway signs, old tickets and transport memorabilia cover the walls, while strings of lights and darker painted walls give the pub plenty of character without feeling crowded. The front seating area looks out onto the street and doubles as a small live music space, with bench seating, barrel tables and worn wooden floorboards adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Around the bar, the genuine rail foot rail and visible cask storage behind glass help tie everything back to the railway identity. Outside, picnic benches at the front give it an easy-going local feel on warmer days.
It was great catching up with Drew again behind the bar. Drinks wise a selection of 4 cask ales alongside a great range of ciders, including a Chilli cider. I went for Lakes View by Chislet Brewery, a golden ale with soft malt sweetness and a smooth, refreshing finish.
The Royston
My final visit on Broadstairs was under the railway bridge to The Royston Micropub. The Royston opened at 2 The Broadway on 9 September 2021, in a former gift shop close to Broadstairs station. Created by owner Andy Smith, who it was fantastic to meet again, the micropub was named in memory of his late father, Roy, with the opening date chosen to coincide with what would have been his birthday. The project was originally planned for Chandos Road before moving to its current location. Drawing inspiration from Victorian, steampunk and art deco styles, it quickly developed its own identity. In 2025, The Royston was named Kent CAMRA Pub of the Year before also winning the CAMRA South East Regional Pub of the Year title.
Inside feels busy, quirky and full of little details that keep catching your eye. Warm lighting hangs low across the room, with colourful stained-glass shades, unusual lamps and vintage decorations giving the pub plenty of character. Shelves are packed with board games, old signs and eclectic ornaments, while framed artwork and memorabilia cover the walls without making the space feel cluttered. Seating is arranged closely together around wooden tables, helping create a lively and sociable atmosphere. One of the standout features is the large chilled cask ale cabinet, covered in handwritten beer lists and pump clips, which has become part of the pub’s overall look rather than hidden away behind the scenes.
A fantastic warm welcome from Andy, Melissa and James when I arrived. Drinks wise a choice of 5 cask ales, a wide selection of ciders and even more choice in cans on the top shelf. I went for Toledo by Simple Things Fermentations, a hazy pale ale with citrus and tropical hop notes and a soft, refreshing finish.
Micropub Adventures 