Pub of the Week: The Belle Vue Tavern, Ramsgate

Announced last week as our ‘Pub of the Year’ at the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, the Belle Vue Tavern is a traditional British pub in Ramsgate, with stunning views from the terrace over Pegwell Bay, and out to sea.

The pub has a rich history – it is thought to date from around 1720 and, judging by tunnels connecting the inn with cottages across the road, was used by smugglers who stored their contraband in the pub’s cellars.

Inside, there is a spacious bar and bistro, as well as upstairs “The Balcony of Kent” dining room with spectacular views. Outside, the star attraction is the large, award-winning garden and terrace overlooking the bay . Being south facing, it provides a suntrap on warmer days, ideal for relaxing with a drink and enjoying the sea air.

At the bar you will find a choice of quality cask ales, a good choice of wines from around the world, as well as all your usual soft drinks and other favourites. The pub also serves coffee and snacks in the day, so visitors exploring the area can stop off and refuel, while taking advantage of the pub’s excellent position.

Whether you're looking for a bar snack, a light bite, or fine dining, you'll find it all here, with an extensive menu offering everything from sandwiches and hot snacks, burgers to bar meals, up to a full three course chef-prepared meal. All dishes are freshly cooked to order, and can be enjoyed outside on the terrace, or inside in the ground floor bistro or first floor dining room. The upstairs dining room is also available to hire for private dinner parties for up to 40 guests.

During the summer, visitors can also enjoy barbecues on the terrace - the BBQ Shack is open at weekends, weather permitting (please call ahead to confirm) and soon to be opened “Sundown Bar”. For summer, Fridays see the start of the new “Summer Ibiza Chill Nights” with BBQ and chill out music from 6pm, with renowned Thanet DJ ‘Funky Town’ delivering the sound of Ibiza from 8pm; the perfect way to chill into the weekend.

The pub also hosts live music every Sunday afternoon at 4pm, plus special events and charity fundraisers.

For more information, menus and what’s on, visit the pub’s website, find them on Facebook, or give the team a call on 01843 593 991.