The Lifeboat, Margate

Attractive pub just off the main drag. Wood panelling inside with sawdust over the wooden floor. The pub’s positioning means that natural light fades quickly as you go further in which gives it an atmospheric rather than gloomy feel. Bits of nautical ephemera in situ and incongruously, a jumbo BrewDog sign which only made sense when I noticed the hand-drawn word ‘fcuk’ and an arrow pointing to it. Rugby League on the telly which seemed an odd choice for Margate but I enjoy the Northern code so it was alright by me. Six pumps with five on, the Listers Limehouse Porter felt like had an overworked aspirator on it (NBSS 2.5). 16 (!) boxed ciders. There's also a freestanding fridge with a range of gubbins. Bit of a curio, if they reduced the cask range and shifted more then this would be up there. For most of the time I was the only customer which helped explain the listing Listers. I’d give it another go as it’s an interesting place.

The full name for this pub seems to be the Lifeboat Ale & Cider House. It's not a micropub but isn't that much bigger than one and has been well described below. It now has what looked like 5 hand pumps with one unused. I only noted three of the beers, Redemption Trinity, Gadds' No 5 and Tonbridge Velvet Raven. There are also something like ten keg fonts with craft offerings and Brewdog being prominent. I didn't take too much notice of the ciders and went for the Tonbridge Black Velvet (£3.80) which was first class. This one is well worth a look if in Margate.