Ambrette, Margate

This harbourside pub named after a type of 19th Century Kent Coast barge recently reopened after a period of closure albeit these days it leans more towards the dining end of the market than drinkers. The interior is one large open plan room with modern pine furnishings, all quite bright and breezy but quite plain and featureless, a harbour panorama being the only thing of note that crossed my eye. A “please wait to be seated” sign stands inside the front door and it is patently obvious that 80% of the pub is aimed at potential diners, the only section not laid out with dining utensils being a small section to the left of the bar. There are also some pavement seats overlooking the harbour opposite. For the drinkers the choice isn’t too bad by local standards with 4 real ales available - Adnams Broadside, Adnams Lighthouse, Gadds No. 5 and Ripple Steam Best. Foodwise the main courses are a mix of pub grub classics that have been iven a few fancy gourmet additions to appeal to the more up-market elements of Margate’s visitor populus. Main courses are around £7-£16. The pub is a worthwhile stop as part of a crawl but, unless you are planning to have a meal, doesn’t really hold enough attention or have any drinking character to make an evening of things.