Conqueror Alehouse

Holiday Time!

2012-01-18T04:45:00.000-08:00

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!

Stitched Up!

2011-12-10T03:32:00.000-08:00

Recent visitors to the Conqueror will have noticed a most splendid addition to the decor, in the form of a counted cross-stitch of the PS Conqueror. This was done by Jo Dungey to mark the pub's first anniversary and now hangs in pride of place in the centre of the wall. Watch out for one or two other items of interest which will be going on display soon.

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-15T23:47:00.000-08:00

The Conqueror is one year old today. I have a beautiful cake (thanks to Lesley's baking skills and Terry's carrying abilities) and all are welcome to pop in for a slice. I would like to say a big "Thank you" to all the people who have helped and supported me along the way, be they suppliers, customers, friends, relatives...even the ship's cat! Cheers!

Birthday!

2011-11-13T00:33:00.000-08:00

This coming Wednesday, the Conqueror will be one year old. There will be cake!

Christmas!

2011-11-11T00:42:00.000-08:00

Here are the Conqueror opening hours for the festive period:-

24th December 11.30.am - 2.30pm

25th December Midday - 2pm

26th and 27th December CLOSED

28th – 30th December 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 9.00pm

31st December 11.30am – 2.30pm

1st January Midday – 3pm

2nd January CLOSED

Change of Plan!

2011-10-29T02:34:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that, following some very kind offers of help by some very nice people, the Conqueror will not now be closing for three weeks in January. This means that you can all carry on enjoying the ale and pies while Debs and I are supping Chang and eating red curry in Thailand.

Phones!

2011-09-09T23:16:00.000-07:00

After some consideration, I have decided to ban the use of mobile phones in The Conqueror and signs have gone up to this effect. The bar is just too small and I hope everyone understands. On a lighter note, beers this weekend are Abigale Ridgeway (sounds like a soap actress!), Gadds' 5 and Oakleaf IPA, although the IPA may not last into this evening and Nelson Porter will replace it.

Late!

2011-08-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

I have a doctor's appointment this morning (16/8) and can't get hold of anyone to open the pub at 11.30. I should be there by midday. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Conqueror!

2011-08-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

Conqueror Black IPA from the Windsor & Eton brewery should make an appearance later today, once the Waggler's IPA is finished off. Gadds' 7 and Redemption Hopspur complete the line-up.

Advance Warning!

2011-08-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to let everyone know well in advance that The Conqueror will be closed from Monday 16th January to Monday 6th February 2012 inclusive. Apart from a holiday, it will give me a chance to spruce the place up a bit for the new year. For anyone who isn't folking off to Broadstairs this week, Moor Southern Star, Nelson Powder Monkey and Gadds' Dogbolter are available - and not a hey-nonny-nonny in sight!

Success!

2011-06-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

As many of you will know by now, the Ramsgate Tunnels bid was successful on Monday night and £53,000 has been secured towards the project. Well done to all involved. For anyone who feels like celebrating, Buxton Moor Top, Waggler's Bitter and Dark Star American Pale Ale are on at the moment, together with Thatcher's Heritage Cider.

Tunnel Vision!

2011-06-27T01:43:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to watch Meridian Tonight on ITV1 at 6 o'clock this evening and vote for funding for the Ramsgate Tunnels project. See http://www.ramsgatetunnels.org/ for more details.

Top!

2011-06-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

The ever popular Buxton Moor Top returns to the Conqueror today, along with Yates' Golden and Gadds' She Sells Seashells. Hopefully, these summery ales will ward off the awful weather we've been experiencing lately. We have some real goodies waiting in the cellar, too - Abigail Ridgeway plus Wagglers Best and VPA will make their debuts sometime next week. More good news: we've finally got on to Beer in the Evening after seven months of trying.

Silence!

2011-06-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

Buntingford Silence, a pale, hoppy ale, weighing in at 5.2% ABV will be available this weekend, replacing the Common Conspiracy. Buxton Moor top should last into this evening when Banks's Mild is lined up to replace it. Abigale Samphire, always a fast mover, wil run out this morning, with Reeve's Ale from Canterbrew waiting on the sub's bench.

Topless!

2011-05-22T01:07:00.000-07:00

It looks like I was being slightly over ambitious in my predictions for the weekend. Lagonda is, indeed, up and going well, as is Gadds' 5 but it looks like the Moor Top will have to wait until the middle of the week.

Mild Outlook(3)!

2011-05-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

Black Prince has given way to Theakston's Mild at the top of the blackboard, with Old Dairy Red Top selling well and Gadds' Thoroughly Modern Mild not expected to last the lunchtime session. Marble Lagonda should be up by this evening.

Mild Outlook(2)!

2011-05-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

Currently available, we have Wantsum Black Prince plus Gadds' Seasider and Thoroughly Modern Mild. Theakstons Mild is waiting impatiently in the wings and another tub of the lovely Buxton Moor Top should be with us for the weekend.

Mild Outlook!

2011-05-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

As many of you will know, May is CAMRA's Mild Month and, over the next couple of weeks, The Conqueror will be featuring milds from Gadds', Wantsum, Theakstons and Banks's. A new cooling system was installed last weekend, courtesy of the Ramsgate Brewery and the ales are now coming out in even better nick than before. Current offerings are Moor Top from Buxton (the palest ale I've ever seen and utterly delicious), Canterbury Brewery's Prince's Ale and the ever popular Gadds' Number 3. Watch out for Wantsum 1381 and Old Dairy Blue and Red Top in the near future.

Newcomers!

2011-04-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

Buntingford Twitchell, a 3.8% pale ale from Hertfordshire made its debut at the Conqueror yesterday and will line up with Old Dairy Blue Top and Wantsum Hengist over the weekend. Also new, thanks to one of our regulars, are two additions to the Mustard Menu: Schwerter Medium and Schwerter Chili, from an historic mustard mill in Westfalia. Delicious!

It's Here!

2011-04-01T00:42:00.000-07:00

A brand new beer is available today, exclusive to the Conqueror. Gadds' Smooth, a nitro-keg version of Gadds' Number 4 is the brewery's first attempt at pressurised beer. Using German Erstenavril malt, Chinese hop pellets and water from St Jude's well on the Isle of Sheppey, brewer Eddie Gadd has created a beer to rival even the great John Smith's Smooth. Gadds' Smooth has a flowery aroma with a sweet bitterness and a finish reminiscent of Czech dates. Ten pence for every pint ordered will go to The Conqueror's chosen charity, the Medway Queen Preservation Society.

New Beer Update!

2011-03-31T01:28:00.000-07:00

Gadds' No 7, Hawkshead Brodie's Prime and the apostrophe free but gorgeously alliterative Ascot Aardvark are on offer today - so the exciting new beer will now be available all day tomorrow.

New Beer!

2011-03-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

Currently on the stillage, we have Wantsum More's Head, Canterbury Reeve's Ale and Hawkshead Brodie's Prime. I suppose you could call it an apostrophe fest. There's an interesting new beer in the cellar which should be on tomorrow and will replace the Reeve's. Watch this space for more details.

Conspiracies Abound!

2011-03-22T02:36:00.000-07:00

Canterbury Brewery's Wife of Bath, Gadds' Dark Conspiracy and Titanic Nine-Tenths Below will kick off the week, with Common Conspiracy waiting to take over from its stable-mate, along with beers from Abigale, Ascot and Wantsum. I now have bone-china plates for the pork pies - there's posh.

Certified!

2011-03-06T21:57:00.001-08:00

I'm pleased to announce that The Conqueror has won the "Best Newcomer" category in the Thanet Times Pub Oscars. I get a nice certificate to put on the wall and there will be a picture in Tuesday's paper. Many thanks to all who voted. This week's line up will be Hawkshead Bitter, Old Dairy Red Top and Brentwood Lumberjack, with Wantsum, Gadds' and Dark Star on the subs' bench.

Cry Wolf!

2011-02-25T01:48:00.000-08:00

Wantsum Brewery's Ravening Wolf (5.9), Abigale Samphire (4.1) and Canterbury Wife of Bath (3.9) make up this weekend's line-up, with treats from Gadds', Brentwood, Hawkshead and Wold Top waiting in the wings.

Re-opening!

2011-02-17T13:07:00.000-08:00

Let joy be unconfined! The Conqueror will re-open tomorrow at 11.30am.

Update 3!

2011-02-14T00:42:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid that the re-opening date of Tuesday 15th must now be regarded as PROVISIONAL. Athough there is improvement, I am not sure I'll be well enough by tomorrow. I'm now looking at Friday lunchtime, to ensure there are no more false dawns. Sorry folks!

Update 2!

2011-02-12T02:30:00.000-08:00

The Conqueror will re-open on Tuesday 15th February at 11.30am. I am really sorry for the inconvenience but I have a nasty chest infection which has really knocked me for six. A few days rest, along with some antibiotics, should sort it all out.
Cheers!

Update 1!

2011-02-11T02:12:00.000-08:00

I have won the 11am appointment in the telephone lottery at the doctor's surgery. The Conqueror will remain closed for today, at least. Plans are in hand to call in the cavalry but I need to hear what the doc says first.

Dreaded Lurgy!

2011-02-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid The Conqueror will be closed today (Thursday 10th Feb) due to illness. I hope to be well enough to open up tomorrow. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Weekend Ales!

2011-02-05T01:48:00.000-08:00

Hophead, Oakham White Dwarf and Old Dairy Blue Top look to be with us for the weekend unless there is a rush but with most sensible folk heading for the Dover Winter Ale Festival, it looks like I may have a quiet day - please prove me wrong!

Losing my marbles!

2011-01-29T02:27:00.000-08:00

Marble Brewery's wonderful Lagonda came on at around 7 o'clock last night and by the time I closed at 9, half the barrel had gone and there were lots of happy customers. Miller's Mirth and Bishop's farewell should be replaced shortly by Hophead and Voyageur respectively.

What's On!

2011-01-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Current line up is Wantsum Miller's Mirth, Oakham Bishop's Farewell and Wantsum Hengist, soon to be replaced (probably tomorrow) with Marble Lagonda IPA. This weekend should see Gadds' Voyageur on at some point.

Burns Night!

2011-01-22T00:40:00.000-08:00

The Conqueror will be a Burns free zone for the next few days. Anyone suffering from "Burn-out" can find refuge in some fine English ales. Today starts with Wantsum More's Head, Potbelly Beijing Black and Gadd's Dark Conspiracy. West Berkshire Good Old Boy, Gadds' Voyageur and Wantsum Hengist are on standby.

Beer!

2011-01-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

Currently on offer at the Conqueror are Wantsum More's Head, Old Dairy Blue Top and Gadds' Dark Conspiracy. Expect offerings from Marble, West Berkshire, Potbelly, Gadds', Wantsum and Oakham over the weekend and beyond.

Stout!

2011-01-11T00:48:00.000-08:00

Following Bellowhead's all too brief sojourn in the Conqueror, we now have the return of Old Dairy Silver Top Cream Stout, which only lasted a couple of sessions last time. On the horizon this week are offerings from Gadds', Old Dairy, Potbelly and Wantsum.

Next!

2011-01-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

There's a definite Gadds' look to the weekend, with No 7 and Dogbolter on offer. Thornbridge's Lord Marples should go early tomorrow, leaving the way clear for Bellowhead Hedonism from the Potbelly Brewery. And don't forget the Broomfield Cider and Apple Juice, wine in all three colours and, just in, fizzy Buxton Water for all those New Year de-toxers.

Out with the old!

2010-12-31T01:09:00.000-08:00

We'll be seeing out the year with some old friends; Dark Star Hophead, Abigale Samphire and Hopdaemon Dominator. The start of 2011 should bring some offerings from Northamptonshire's Potbelly Brewery, along with Gadds', Old Dairy and Wantsum. Two things to remember about New Year's Eve:-
1 The Conqueror is only open lunchtime
2 Toots Hibbert, the Skafather, is on Jools Holland's Hootenanny tonight
Happy New Year everyone!

Another Week!

2010-12-21T00:50:00.000-08:00

This week starts with Abigale Samphire, Wantsum Turbulent Priest and Dark Star Winter Meltdown. Brentwood Chestnut Stout and Thornbridge Kipling are among those waiting in the wings. A new addition to the Mustard Menu is a Kentish offering, flavoured with honey from Herne - where the Butcher's Arms is!

Stout!

2010-12-17T00:27:00.000-08:00

Old Dairy Silver Top, a delicious cream stout, went on last night and was very well received. Red Top Bitter and Dark Conspiracy will run out today, to be replaced by Abigale Samphire and Dark Star Winter Meltdown. The Tewkesbury Mustard seems to be the tracklement of choice for the pork pies.

Christmastime!

2010-12-16T02:17:00.000-08:00

These are The Conqueror's opening hours over the Christmas period:-
24th Dec: 11.30am - 2.30pm
25th Dec: Noon - 2pm
26th and 27th Dec: CLOSED
28th - 30th Dec: 11.30am - 2.30pm and 5.30pm - 9pm
31st Dec: 11.30am - 2.30pm
Back to normal hours from 1st Jan onwards
HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Current!

2010-12-11T00:33:00.000-08:00

Currently available at the Conqueror are Hopdaemon Incubus, Abigale Samphire and Brentwood Rumpy Pumpy. I doubt whether any of those three will last into the evening, so Old Dairy Red Top, Moor Merlin's Magic and Gadds Dark Conspiracy are waiting in the wings.

Rum!

2010-12-09T01:07:00.000-08:00

Hophead has replaced Southern Star and Little Cracker is about to give way to Rumpy Pumpy from the Brentwood Brewery. This is a 4.5% seasonal ale laced with rum and early tastings have proved MOST satisfactory! I have another tub of Abigale Samphire ready for when the Number 5 runs out.

Dominated!

2010-12-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

The Dominator went in less than a day and Gadds' Little Cracker replaced it late last night. So we'll start the week on Tuesday with Moor Southern Star, Gadds' 5 and Little Cracker. When the No5 goes, I'll have another tub of Abigale Samphire ready.

Weather!

2010-12-02T00:39:00.000-08:00

Despite the snow, the Conqueror will be open as usual. In the next 24 hours I expect tne Number 7 will be replaced by Moor Southern Star, the Skrimshander by Number 5 and the Hengist by Hopdaemon Dominator.

The Week Ahead!

2010-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

It looks like I'll be starting the week with Gadds' 7 and Dogbolter alongside Hopdaemon Skrimshander. Next on are Moor Southern Star (4.0), Gadds' 5 (4.5) and Wantsum Hengist (5.0). My plans to go beer hunting in West Kent today were curtailed by the weather but rest assured, The Conqueror will not be left high and dry!

Sunday!

2010-11-28T00:41:00.000-08:00

We'll start the day with Gadds' 7, Abigale Samphire and Dogbolter but the Samphire will go in the first hour, with Hopdaemon Skrimshander ready to take its place. Dogbolter may not last the session either and I've another cask of Wantsum Hengist (which sold really well last time) to replace it.

Weekend!

2010-11-27T08:23:00.001-08:00

The Abigale Samphire Bitter is going well as are Golden Braid and Dogbolter. Nice to see everyone on Bob Inman's mystery tour today. Certainly made the lunchtime session go quickly!

Latest!

2010-11-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

Jaipur ended its brief sojourn in the Conqueror this evening and will be replaced by Dogbolter tomorrow. Kentish new boys Abigale are delivering their 4.1% bitter tomorrow so we have something new to look forward to at the weekend. Hengist went very quickly last time and James is delivering another tub tomorrow which, when added to the Moor, Hopdeamon, and Gadds', will give me a nice full cellar.

This week!

2010-11-23T01:05:00.000-08:00

We'll be starting the week with Jaipur, Hophead and, once someone has rid me of this Turbulent Priest, Lord Marples. Offerings from Moor, Hopdaemon and Gadds will follow.

Day 3!

2010-11-19T01:01:00.000-08:00

Well, More's Head just about beat Rye PA to the line and was replaced by Hophead. Other current ales are Gadds' 5 and Hengist. The latter should go today and will be replaced by Dark Conspiracy.

Day 2!

2010-11-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

As predicted, the Dark Star Green Hop IPA has gone and has been replaced by Wantsum Hengist, which was immediately set upon by Bob, JJ et al. Still neck and neck between More's Head and Rye Pale Ale in the race to be the next one to go.

Open!

2010-11-16T23:55:00.000-08:00

With some trepidation, I unlocked the door yesterday lunchtime and took the plunge. I'm pleased to say that people seemed to like it and, by 9pm, the Dark Star had virtually gone and large inroads had been made into the Gadds' and Wantsum. I'll probably put on the Hengist today, with Hophead and Gadds' 5 waiting in the wings.

Looking Good!

2010-11-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

Signs are now up, stillage is built and casks are tapped and spiled. Starting line up will be Wantsum More's Head, Gadds' Rye PA and Dark Star Green Hop IPA.

Nearly there!

2010-11-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

Some strange barrel-shaped objects have appeared in the back-room, bearing names such as "Gadds'", "Wantsum" and "Dark Star". I can't have a big opening bash due to space restrictions but if anyone was to wander past, say, from the middle of next week onwards, it may be worth trying the door!

Cool!

2010-11-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

The cooling equipment turned up today. Can't wait to get it working on some casks! Won't be long now, though.

Wall!

2010-11-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

The stud wall went up today and I now have a better idea of the size of the drinking area. It'll certainly be snug!

Windows 2010!

2010-10-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

The window vinyls were fitted yesterday and they look great. Tried to take a photo to put on here but all I got was a reflection of me and the car parked across the road. Hand drier went in today and the wood has arrived for the stillage. It's getting there!

Paint!

2010-10-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Painted the interior walls today. The colour is called Scarlet Ribbons (above) and I really think it gives the place a nice warm feel. Thanks to Colin B on roller and Mick on brushes for all their assistance.

Pies!

2010-10-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

The nice lady who is, hopefully, going to be making my pork pies dropped in yesterday with some samples. I can't find words to describe how good they are - crispy pastry filled to the top with succulent, tasty pork. Should go down perfectly with a glass of ale or cider. She also brought along a lovely vegetarian option and scotch eggs like you've never tasted. Off to the Lydden Bell this afternoon to collect some more bar stools.

Licence!

2010-10-21T02:04:00.000-07:00

The Premises Licence has been approved. Looks like I shall actually have to think about running a micro-pub! Depending on how quickly the alterations can be done, it looks like we're on for a mid November opening.

Working!

2010-10-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Spent the day working at the premises, getting rid of the old counter unit and taking down unwanted shelving. Steve the Builder is coming in tomorrow to have a chat about the alterations. I expect he'll make that strange whistling noise through his teeth that builders have a habit of doing but someone's got to pay for his holiday in the Caribbean and it may as well be me. The man from the electricity company is also coming tomorrow, to assess whether or not I deserve to have an account with them(!) so I must be on my best behaviour.

Keyed up!

2010-10-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

Finally got the keys to the premises this morning. Unfortunately, I'm up to my eyes with the Thanet CAMRA Cider Festival at Churchill's this weekend, so I won't be able to really start work until Monday. There's a lot of decorating to do, along with plumbing and electrics plus, of course, the not inconsiderable matter of the premises licence. Still, it's yet another step in the right direction.

Re-Lease!

2010-10-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Lease signed today and returned to the solicitor. Just waiting for those nice people at TDC to grant me a Premises Licence and we'll be up and running.

Photo Shoot!

2010-09-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Had some photos taken outside the premises for the local paper today. They should be on Saul Leese's pub page in next Tuesday's Thanet Crimes. Should be finally signing the lease soon as well, which means I'll be able to get in and start decorating. It also means our conservatory will be free of bar stools at last!

Yesss!

2010-09-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the Planning Committee meeting and I'm happy to say that the Planning Department's recommendation was upheld and I now have A4 planning approval for the premises. It was really interesting to see democracy in action tonight and it opened my eyes to the workings of a local council. Back to the licencing guys tomorrow. Late October/early November opening on the cards.

Tomorrow!

2010-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's the Planning Dept meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) evening. Speech all prepared and everything crossed.

Progress!

2010-09-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have today received notice from TDC that the application is to go before the Planning Committee on the 15th of this month, with a recommendation to APPROVE. There are one or two conditions attached which, as a socially conscientious kind of guy, I shall follow to the letter. I'm not, however, counting my chickens - as Churchill once said, this is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

Apologies!

2010-08-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates but I'm still trying to convince TDC that I'm not trying to open up a Mega-Spoons with lap dancing, sychronised rioting and under age drinking binges. They seem to have no concept of what a Micro Pub is and have ignored my suggestion of a site-visit to the Butcher's Arms. They have whinged about everything from refuse building up outside (I'm only selling draft beer for goodness sake - how much rubbish is that going to generate?) to the cooling system. Yes, that's right, the cooling system used successfully at pubs and beer festivals up and down the country. I'm still fighting, however, and have some good people on my side - I'm now even more determined to see it through. Watch this space.

Lease!

2010-08-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

The draft lease arrived from the landlord's solicitor today. Lots of legalese to work through over the next day or two but at least I have something to do, following over a week of silence from TDC. The bar-stools are polishing up well.

Seating!

2010-07-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Popped up to the erstwhile Ropemakers Arms in Chatham this afternoon and picked up some nice bar-stools which I'd purchased on ebay. Always sad to see a pub close but one mans meat, etc, etc. At least now my customers will have something to rest their weary brains on.

Bogged Down!

2010-07-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Environmental Health have had a site visit and have objected to the project because there is no toilet. There IS a toilet. I have sent them a picture of the toilet. Hopefully, they now have someting to go on.

Festival!

2010-07-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the Kent Beer Festival. Lots of interest in my project from those lovely CAMRA folk. Shame that the cheapest beer was £2.70 a pint and there was a 5p premium on halves. At least it was better than Chelmsford, where there was a 10p premium on thirds. Hope to do better than that at the Conqueror. Not long now to the Ramsgate FC Festival (next Friday & Saturday) where there will be no price hike for those that want to try beers in lesser quantities.

Workshop!

2010-07-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

I attended a workshop at Margate's Media Centre (the old Cobb's Bank) today. It was aimed at people starting their own business (like me) and I found it really useful, making lots of contacts and getting support and encouragement for the project. Cheers, guys!

Photos!

2010-07-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

I've been going through some old photos and postcards of the PS Conqueror. Here's a nice one of her in Boulogne Harbour. Been in exactly the same place on a SeaCat a few times myself. Once the micro-pub is up and running, there will be plenty of pictures like this on the wall. Worth popping in to look at, even if you're a teetotaller! Still no news on planning consent but it was never going to take just a few days, was it?

Hiccup!

2010-07-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Having been told by TDC that I can run both Planning and Licensing applications concurrently, I've now been told that I can't, so I've had to withdraw the licensing application. This means I'll probably miss my target date but, as practically no-one knew what that was apart from me, there's no real harm done. Both the Chelmsford and Tonbridge festivals were very good, the latter thanks to the organisational skills of our own local brewer but, after today's excellent Thanet CAMRA walk from Minster to Pluck's Gutter and back, I feel an early night followed by a day of abstinence is in order.

Interested Parties!

2010-07-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Got all the copies of the paperwork off to the "interested parties" today. That's people like the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Elfnsafety, et al. Actually, I'm very flattered that they're interested in my little micropub project. Maybe they'll all pop in for a pint when it's open. Even found time for a game of golf this evening - managed to get in 15 holes before the heavens opened. Off to Chelmsford Beer Festival tomorrow and the SIBA do at Tonbridge on Friday. May even drum up some business!

Going logo!

2010-07-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Spent a while this morning with a good friend who happens to be a photographer, sorting out the logo. It is, of course a silhouette of the PS Conqueror and will adorn everything from the pub sign to business cards. I think Grandfather would have been pleased with it - I know I am! If you ever need something similar, or anything by way of photographs, then http://www.colinbowling.com/ is the place to look.

Licensing!

2010-07-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the P.S. Conqueror to be going on with. The captain was my grandfather, Walter Henry Curtis. I'm still grappling with the licensing forms. More or less completed the application itself, just the risk assessment to complete tomorrow and it can all go off to the council. Went to look for some furniture this morning (I'm going for the solid Victorian/Edwardian look) but the shop I had in mind was closed. My fault, should have checked.

Planning!

2010-07-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

I submitted the Planning Application for change of use of the premises today. Fingers crossed! I'm sure those nice people at TDC won't have a problem with it. Currently working on the Premises Licence Application, which looks as though it may take until tomorrow to complete. Still, one step at a time. I'm sure it will be worth waiting for.

Project Conqueror

2010-07-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

Coming soon to Ramsgate - the Conqueror Alehouse, based loosely on the superb Butcher's Arms in Herne and named after a Paddle Steamer which used to run out of Ramsgate Harbour around 1900.

Projected opening late summer/early autumn 2010. Click "Follow" to keep up to date with developments.