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!

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!

Stitched Up!

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!

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!

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

Christmas!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Top!

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!

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!

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.