Whether you want a ‘builder’s breakfast’ or a 120-person event in the function room – The Works café and bar on Ramsgate seafront will hit the spot.
The venture opened on May 27th at the former Restaurant 66 site which was part of The Oak Hotel.
Ramsgate couple Paul Cook and Stacey Young are now at the helm after carrying out a four-week refit on the main bar/café area and redecorating the downstairs function room.
Paul, who is a bricklayer by trade, said: “I wanted to have a café for quite a while and we looked at a couple of places but this came up and Stacey has worked at lots of pubs so we thought why not have a café and bar.”
The former Holy Cross lad, 37, says two staff have been taken on to work alongside himself and Stacey and the aim is to serve up good food to seafront visitors.
He added: “It is a massive step. Food is a big part of what we are doing as well as serving the day-time drinkers. We do breakfasts and a lunch menu with burgers, hotdogs, club sandwiches, nachos and picky bits like scampi.”
The interior has been created by using some 40 scaffold boards which were stripped, burnt and then varnished, for the bar and tables.
Paul said: “Upstairs had a complete revamp and we are still doing the finishing touches but we’re pleased with it. Downstairs we have the function room which has a private bar and people can book that for parties.”
Stacey, who has worked in pubs ranging from the Doggett, Coat and Badge which was in Margate Old Town to previously managing the York Arms and the South Eastern Tavern, says the licence runs from 8am to midnight and hours will likely be dictated by the season.
The mum-of-three added: “We will do the full hours in the summer and see how it is in winter. We have function room bookings already and will be doing Christmas parties as well.”
The Works café and bar has vegetarian and vegan options. The venue is also dog friendly.
Thorley Taverns sold The Oak Hotel to isle businessman Dayne Gooding last October. The venue has since been split into three with Ronnies cocktail bar opening at the former Café Roma part in December, Scott and Mortensens bar and grill opening at the pub section last month, followed by the launch of The Works.
