Times!

Here are the Conqueror's Christmas/New Year opening times for 2012/13:

Monday 24th Dec Closed
Tuesday 25th Dec Midday - 2pm
Wednesday 26th Dec Closed
Thursday 27th Dec Closed
Friday 28th Dec 11.30am - 2.30pm and 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Saturday 29th Dec 11.30am - 2.30pm and 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Sunday 30th Dec Midday - 3pm
Monday 31st Dec Closed
Tuesday 1st Jan Closed

Please note that we are now open until 9.30pm, Tuesday - Saturday.

Super!

Yet another award. The Conqueror has been judged CAMRA South East Super-Regional Pub of the Year, making it one of four finalists in the national competition. Once again, this has come as a complete surprise as, when I first opened the Conqueror two years ago, I never dreamed that this sort of success would come so quickly (if at all!). Thanks, everyone, for your support and encouragement.

Two!

The Conqueror is two years old today! There will be cakes.

Greener Still!

Having got through Seriously Saison, Ripple Steam IPA and Gadds' Green Hop already this week, today's offering will be Goody's Good Harvest. If anyone's interested, I do have beers other than the green hopped variety, namely Oakleaf "Some are Drinking" and Foundry "Streetlight Porter".

Going Greener!

The first Green Hop Ale, Wantsum Fuggles One Hop, came and went yesterday, pausing only to gain a big "thumbs up" from the Conqueror faithful. I expect the next offering, Seriously Saison from the Foundry, to go just as quickly. I tasted it at the Canterbury Food Festival yesterday and it's delicious.

Going Green!

By the end of the week, the first of the green hop ales should be available at The Conqueror. We will be having seven in all during "Green Hop Fortnight", which starts on 28th September. This is an exciting new initiative from Kent's brewers, using hops which have not been kilned and which therefore retain their natural oils, giving the beer a distinctive flavour. Do give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Please Note!

The Conqueror will be closed on Thursday 20th September LUNCHTIME ONLY for Roger Marples' funeral. We will be open as usual in the evening.

Kentish Pride!

I am extremely happy and proud to announce that The Conqueror has been judged Kent CAMRA pub of the year 2012. I believe it's the first time a Ramsgate pub has received this award and, although I found out last Thursday, it still hasn't really sunk in. A big thank you to all involved and commiserations to the runner-up, the Halfway House at Brenchley which is, incidentally, one of my all-time favourite pubs.

Loopy!

The new Thanet CAMRA Guide to the Loop Bus Route has arrived and copies are now available in the Conqueror. Beers currently available are Nelson Cutlass, Foundry Belgian Nelson and Abigale Hoyman's Porter. Ale of Wight and Fuggle de Dum, both from Goddard's are among those waiting in the wings.

Certified!

Had the presentation for East Kent Pub of the Year last night. Here's Jeff Waller, CAMRA's East Kent Area Organiser, presenting the certificate.

Mild!

May is with us once again and that means we'll have lots of milds on offer throughout the month. Springhead Black Tom is on at the moment and will be followed by Midshipman Mild from Nelson. Moorhouse's Black Cat and Wantsum Black Prince will also feature later on. I've also got some bottles of Mann's Brown for that "Brown and Mild" experience. For those who prefer a paler brew, we have Le Petit Belge from the Foundry and Hopdaemon Green Demon.

DePressed!

I've just looked through the Meridian clip again and I'm a bit disappointed that, as in the article in The Times, the Conqueror is not mentioned by name. Perhaps I'm being over-sensitive but it looks like, once again, I have been part of an advert for somebody else's pub. I would also like to disassociate the Conqueror from the "No females" comment in the item. I am happy to number some of the nicest ladies in Thanet among my regulars and long may they continue to be so.

Telly!

For anyone who missed the Meridian TV item on Micropubs last night, here's the url:

http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2012-04-10/micropubs-set-to-revolutionise-drinking-habits/

Beers on at the moment are Abigale Samphire, Hopdaemon Skrimshander and Windsor and Eton Conqueror.

Festival!

The 7th Planet Thanet Beer Festival took place this weekend and was a resounding success. As someone who makes his living out of selling real ale, I'd like to say a big "thank you" to the organising committee and volunteers for raising the profile of our wonderful drink and providing people with such a diverse and well presented selection. Cheers guys!

Telly!

Meridian News came in for an interview yesterday. It should be shown on their 6pm programme sometime soon. Beers on at the moment are Hophead, Dynamo and Abigale's latest offering, Hoyman's Porter. Red Top, Kent Cobnut and Gadds' 80/- will follow.

Just Beer!

Had a day trip to Newark today and visited the "Just Beer" Micropub. Beery Steve and I were well looked after by Phil and we had a very enjoyable time - until we got back to Newark North Gate station to find the East Coast mainline in chaos due to a broken rail near Retford. Got home eventually, though. I also found out that the article on micropubs appeared in yesterday's Sunday Times with not a single mention of The Conqueror. Perhaps they're saving it for later.

Top!

I've just been informed that The Conqueror has been judged Thanet CAMRA Pub of the Year. To say that I am chuffed is the greatest understatement ever and (at the risk of sounding like a gushing Oscar winner) I'd like to thank everyone who has made it possible:- the great guys who brew the beers and ciders I sell; the loyal band of customers that drink them; those wonderful people at Thanet CAMRA; all the people who have helped and advised me along the way and, of course, Debbie, who is in charge of book-keeping and tutting. Cheers!

Press!

I had a team from the Sunday Times come in yesterday for an interview and photos. They're doing a feature on Micro-pubs so look out for it over the next few weeks. Beers on this week are Wantsum More's Head, Tring Odd-Job and a triumphant return for Redemption Big Chief. Dark Star Hophead, Nelson Shiver me Timbers and Ripple Steam Winter Ale will follow.

Holiday Time!

Debs and I are off to Thailand later today and our "Guest Curator", Jez, will be in charge for the next couple of weeks. I have left him some good beers in the cellar, including Gadds' 80 Shilling, Windsor and Eton Conqueror and Wold Top Angler's Reward. There should also be a quick return for the popular Dark Star American Pale so please give him your support while I'm away. See you in a fortnight!