A multi-award winning micropub in Broadstairs is celebrating its fifth birthday today (September 9).
The Royston, on The Broadway, is owned by couple Andy Smith and Melissa Goacher and is named after Andy’s dad Roy who sadly passed away at Maurice House. The micropub doors first opened on what would have been Roy’s birthday on September 9, 2021.
Former salesman Andy confessed he had never poured a pint before opening The Royston and just wanted to “make a positive difference in our community.”
Five years on and not only has Andy poured *a few* pints but the pub has also scooped awards from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) every year since qualifying after 12 months.
It has been named top pub in Thanet for the last four years and last year scooped the south-east regional award too – the first time a Thanet venue had won the title in a decade.
There have also been tripadvisor awards putting The Royston at the top of the town’s 26 boozers.
Andy said: “On 9th September 2021, we opened the doors of The Royston for the very first time.
“We deliberately chose this date because today would also have been my dad Roy’s birthday.
“The pub was named in his memory, so it seemed only right that his birthday should become ours too. Five years later, his name is still proudly above the door and we’ve somehow gone from being the new little micropub in town to celebrating our fifth anniversary!”
Andy said the milestone is thanks to all those in the community who support The Royston.
He said: “We continue to try to put on the best cask beer that we source from all over the country, sometimes as far as Scotland.
“We don’t repeat too many beers, and the same with our ciders.
“We run our Firkin Friday where people have to guess what the mystery cask is and we have our shit shirt Sundays, that’s coming to an end for now as we go back to Flatcap Fridays.
“We will also be starting our quizzes again, these are in aid of Broadstairs Town Shed and we have raised a few grand for them.
“We have built a community and we are supporting the wider community and our older generation who we attract as well.”
The micropub’s fifth birthday celebrations will be held this Saturday (September 12), punters are invited to wear their wackiest waistcoat – Andy is keeping the design of his under wraps until the night – and the winning creation will win a £50 bar tab.
There will also be port and brandy, which was Roy’s favourite tipple, a DJ in the evening and Andy will try his hand at cooking up some Red Thai chicken curry and a vegan version.
Find The Royston at 2 The Broadway, Broadstairs.
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