Walking The Plank

With Summer just around the corner (or possibly in anticipation of a Somme like Bank Holiday weekend) Viking Bay in Broadstairs now has several yards of duckboard with polite passing bays at regular intervals. Designed no doubt to facilitate wheelchair and Isuzu 4x4 Buggy access it runs from the tea hut/concrete chalet complex to...er... the steps at the harbour next to the public conveniences. Presumably the more sensible option of continuing it to the harbour slipway was rejected because of other interests/concerns but you never know here. It certainly makes the journey from the Tart and Frigit to the sands carrying six pints of Bulmers chilled apple juice a lot easier.

And continuing my personal if somewhat misleading tribute to the most welcoming haunts in the town a good opportunity here to plug: NO. 8 - The Sasha Distel Coffee and Cake Emporium. This delightful Italian parlour is spotlessly kept by the charming ladies who dish out very good coffee and an art gallery assortment of cholesterol soaked confections to the strains of the late French crooner and other contemporary songsmiths. Not usually my cup of tea but on a quiet morning with the sun sparkling on an azure sea containing a solitary sailboat on the horizon it is easy to drift off into a Mediterranean reverie ZZZzzzzz.........

SPANISH EYES

Now, where was I or indeed where am I. They've increased the medication but I still have escorted town visits. And here is the news from the front....

THE TART AND FRIGIT.... has drafted in Flamingo Dancers on a Friday night - sandwiched between two sessions from Uncle Carl Fogarty and The Ozark Mountain Contempis it was all a bit disjointed but the senoritas themselves were urgent. (Now under new management, Wurlitzer friendly)

THE IMMORAL.... has had new flooring laid (Underlay! Underlay!) - I know I should get out more, just try telling them! So this exquisite little lily scented High Street winery is even better to slide around in (Dubious to v. good "Jazz", Thursdays; eclectic and powerful selection of electric soup)

HARPIES... is back in full swig. Open late...oh yes...But now with Two Loos (so no trek). Mine gracious hosts Caroline and Dan welcome all during the hours of darkness (NB: advisable take own coffin and homeland earth).

THE I'LL HAVE A HALF NELSON.....This week's free papers have arrived!....Mafeking Relieved...Suez Crisis.... Property Prices Soar.... Man Found Dead in Bus Shelter

WARM WELCOMES OF BROADSTAIRS

NO. 9 "THE PIRATES HOLE"

This little boozer is so good that the image above has been digitally remastered to render its name and location particularly obscure. Aficionados and serious good time seekers will of course be able to recognise all the locations which I would like to single for particular praise for making my resettlement in Broadstairs so welcoming. Others will just have to "rootum" out.

General: Enjoying a new lease of life under a new Anglo/American partnership, this is a no nonsense back streets haven of all things essential for a really fine pub. Real open fire, large long well stocked bar, boarded floors, high ceilings, dedicated seating and games areas, regular music (both live and respectfully streamed) and most important of all very welcoming hosts and bar staff. Rated 5 stars by CARP (Campaign for Real Pubs).

Beers: Shepherd Neame - don't touch the stuff myself - but Shaun pours the best pint of Guinness in town.

Food: Never eaten there and not seen food - but does not mean not available. My view is you go to a restaurant or cafe to eat.

Specialities: Snuff and pickled eggs (available separately)

Music: The pub is large enough to do justice to the many excellent local blues/rock combos that perform here (Saturdays and Thursdays) and at such times the place really comes into its own. At other quiet times one can be gazing reflectively at the burning logs in the open hearth and have the strains or an early Dylan or half remembered Neil Young song transport you back to happier days.

Loos: Clean and well maintained as is the rest of this refreshingly honest place

Clientele: Salt of the earth and seas

Outside : I understand there are plans to develop a patio area but at present the exterior is dominated by a large and seemingly endless hole which allegedly has something to do with bringing the new fangled gas lighting to the town. Watch out on way home!

Overall Mouse Rating :10/10 - Jolly well done and thanks to Tom and Jenny at the Wrotham Arms (Blast! - given the game away!)