The Royston micro-pub in Broadstairs has won Thanet Pub of the Year for the second time in a row.
In a full pub the certificate was presented yesterday (May 5) by the Thanet Branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to owners Andy Smith and partner Melissa Goacher and staff.
Damien Clark, who presented the certificate, said: “Thanet has more than 150 pubs, clubs and other venues, and the Royston is a most worthy winner. We congratulate them for having such a wonderful pub.”
In response Andy thanked his team and customers and said the award confirmed the consistency of the Royston’s standards since opening more than two years ago. He revealed the presentation coincided with Melissa’s birthday and that without her none of this would have been possible.
Andy also has a serious message about the survival of pubs. In a social media post he said: “The UK has an amazing craft and real ale scene which is constantly evolving, only thanks to the independent small and micro-breweries who are breaking boundaries, experimenting with new hops, methods and beer styles.
“It saddens us to hear of so many great breweries closing on a weekly basis, most of whom have lost their battle with the exponentially increasing costs from exorbitant energy and fuel prices, distribution, raw ingredients and rising wages.
“Government legislation needs to change to stop the strangulation of small businesses, but all we ask is that you think where your money is going before you order your next pint and please support our independent pubs and breweries.”
The Royston Coffee & Alehouse has a mix of Victorian, steampunk and Art-Deco themes. It has a showpiece chiller cabinet with three to five local and national ales including many from high-end brewers. It provides a comfortable, relaxed ambiance with interesting oddities on the walls. It also has an extensive wines and spirits menu, alcohol free choices and barista quality espresso coffee.
Find the Royston at 2 The Broadway, Broadstairs.
In addition to the winner of Thanet pub of the year the runner-up spot went, again for the second year in a row, to The Magnet in Broadstairs at 37 Albion Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1NE.
The highly commended awarded was given to the Montefiore Arms in Ramsgate which is associated with Gadds’ Brewery. Find it at 1 Trinity Place, Ramsgate, CT11 7HJ
