Tuesday 16th November 2010

Bob Thompson

Whilst walking from Ramsgate railway station, we were assailed by a small flock of screeching birds. Looking up into a tree, we realised they were parakeets. I knew there was large colony in Kent, but didn't realised that it was in Ramsgate. An interesting interlude on our way to The Conqueror Alehouse at 4 Grange Road.

It was Tuesday 16th November, and at 11.30, it opened for the first time. On entering a few minutes before opening time, we were greeted by Colin Aris, the creator of this wonderful little enterprise, and quickly made ourselves, although not necessarily intentionally, his very first paying customers.

The Conqueror is small, very small, but that is its very charm. Colin is well known to ourselves as he was, until this venture, the CAMRA East Kent Regional Representative. He no longer has that commitment, but maybe a far more important one, running the Conqueror.

The name comes from the ship that gave excursionists trips along the Kentish coast and to France from Ramsgate in the early part of the 20th Century. Colin's Grandfather was the Captain, and there are pictures of both the ship and him with the whole crew, including the saloon waiters, on the walls of the pub.

Colin offers a cider and three beers at a time. Just for the record, on that opening day, they were Wantsum More's Head (3.4%), Ramsgate Gadd's Rye Pale Ale (4.0%) and Dark Star Green Hop Ale (6.5%). Another three were waiting. All beers are served directly from the cask.

Important Information:

The Conqueror Alehouse, 4c Grange Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9LR

Open: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30-14:30, 17:30-21:00; Sunday 12:00-15:00. Closed Monday.

Ramsgate Railway Station 20 mins walk.
Stagecoach Thanet Loop Bus Service passes the pub with a very frequent service.