Nightlife in Ramsgate

Let’s begin with The Hovelling Boat Inn. It’s one of Ramsgate’s most historic pubs, which closed its doors for over a century before being reborn as the town’s latest and – arguably – greatest micropub. You’ll find it on York Street, a stone’s throw from the Royal Harbour. It’s owned and run by a Ramsgate local and his family. As it’s a micropub, you can expect a great selection of beers, ales, ciders and fine wines, a simple but tasty menu of food and a “no music or TV” policy, so people are encouraged to chat. Plus, when the sun decides to shine, there’s a delightful courtyard to the rear and even a petanque square, although getting a go proves difficult, as it’s popular with the locals.

Another excellent option is the Belle Vue Tavern. In the summer months, it’s one of the most popular pubs in the county. That’s because it boasts a huge south-facing terrace – nicknamed the “Balcony of Kent” – which looks out across Pegwell Bay. If you’re plotting a visit, we highly recommend booking a table, especially in the summer, as the pub can get very busy. The drinks selection is solid, and the pub also offers a tasty menu of homemade food.

Your third and final pub recommendation is The Ravensgate Arms on King Street. It’s just around the corner from the Ramsgate Music Hall, which is one of the top Ramsgate entertainment venues, so if you’re seeing a gig and you want to go somewhere for a drink first, then The Ravensgate Arms is a great choice. It’s a good-looking pub with an exceptional selection of drinks sourced from some of the best and most exciting breweries in the business. It’s not just for beer and ale enthusiasts; take your pick from a huge selection of gins and a menu of well-made cocktails, too.

The Ravensgate Arms hosts a quiz night on the first Wednesday of the month, which always proves popular. If you get peckish, from Wednesday through Sunday you can visit Arya, the restaurant on the first floor, to get fed by some of the best chefs around in what could have easily found its way into our top places to eat in Ramsgate. Arya also offers a pretty special menu of simpler bar snacks if you’d prefer to stay in the pub.

There are some brilliant bars in Ramsgate. The best tend to be found around the Royal Harbour. Take Enoteca, for example. It’s a fantastic cafe bar on the Harbour Parade and home to some of the most welcoming staff in Ramsgate. During the daytime, the food is tasty, and in the evening – especially on the weekend – it enjoys an excellent atmosphere thanks to popular live music nights.

Next door to Enoteca is ROKKA, so again you’ve got great views of the Royal Harbour if you want to sit outside. In the evening, the resident DJs ensure ROKKA is one of the marina’s most lively bars. Plus, on the weekend, it has a late license until 3 am, so you can dance until your legs start to wobble.

Coco Latino is a Latin bar on Military Road. It serves great cocktails, organises excellent dance nights, loves a bit of live music and enjoys an excellent location overlooking the harbour. Shame it’s only open on the weekend.

A few arches down from Coco Latino on Military Road, you’ll find Arch Bar with its easy-going, wine-bar vibes, summer parties, gargantuan gin selection and super-friendly staff. It’s one of our favourites, especially when the boats light up the marina in the evenings.