Barnacles Steak & Ale, Margate

This mid-19th Century building was previously the bar of the Royal Albion Hotel but was converted in the 1980’s into a separate entity (the hotel itself is now flats and apartments). Since 2005 it has been part of the Thorley Taverns chain. The slightly rambling interior is divided into a main bar area, a cosy middle room and a rear section contaiuning a pool table and dart board. There are large expanses of exposed wood throughout and parts of the rear section feel like being below deck on an old galleon that make you expct the pub to lurch from side to side. The middle room in particular is quite a cosy spot separated from the main body of the pub by a dividing glazed screen. There is also some outside pavement seating overlooking the harbour. The décor contains plenty of nautical pictures and ship wheels as well as several photos of the town in days gone by including a large panorama in the pool table section. Unfortunately there is also an abundant display of promotional material that clutters things up. There are a couple of TV's showing sport and piped music but nothing intrusive. Film buffs may wish to note that the pub featured in the film Last Orders. On the beer side of things, there were 2 ales available on my visuit, Courage Dirctiors and Ripple Steam Best Bitter which at £3.10 for the latter was reasonably priced and good quality. Service was welcoming and efficient. It may be a little contrived but the place certainly has some character and appeared to attract a decent customer base. It certainly comes over as one of the better places in town.

Barnacles Steak & Ale page at the Thorley Taverns site - www.thorleytaverns.co.uk

Barnacles Steak & Ale page at the Thorley Taverns site - www.thorleytaverns.co.uk