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Critic rating
It's worth visiting The Town of Ramsgate
19 Aug 2008
Popular with the people who live roundabout, this old pub has had its up and downs, but has settled down in the last few years to become a jolly decent boozer.
Whilst it is, by and large a locals' pub, it's not at all unwelcoming.
The pub is an old, narrow building next to one of the first warehouses to be converted into apartments (well before the 80's property boom) and backs onto the Thames where it has a small terrace with a limited view of the river.
It's well looked after and a relatively recent redecoration has done nothing to spoil the old-world (as opposed to olde-worlde) atmosphere.
There are all sorts of historical claims made about the place (eg Judge Jeffreys was captured here attempting to flee to the continent) so it often appears on the tourist map, but not many of them manage to seek the pub out.
Despite the fact that this area was the heart of the old London docks - and at one time there were 36 pubs on Wapping High Street alone, this area is nowadays a pub desert and, of the few pubs that are left, this is certainly one of the better ones.
CLIENTELE: locals, some tourists
NEAREST STATION: Wapping station
FEATURES: outdoor seating, quiz night Monday
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
Great Pub. Did anyone happen to read the framed poem on the wall about the "waltz of life...... I waltzed my way in, I'll waltz my way out."? I am trying to track down the writer and name of that great poem, and I haven't been able to e-mail the pub directly. Thanks folks.
- Nych, Portland, U.S., 04/03/2010 02:48
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One of the best pubs I have visited anywhere in the world - great food - great hosts - ask for Peter - wonderful location - right near Tower Bridge and fun guests - look out for Steve Briffit - a hoot!
- Peter, Perth Western Australia, 21/01/2009 14:12
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This always was a great pub . I used to walk to it from my City office just to get a change from the noisy City atmosphere . The beer was always good and the food reasonable . The aromas from the spice and other warehouses along Wapping High Road were wonderful . It is 15 years since I last went there . Long may it continue with it's hospitality in these credit crunch days where many pubs are closing each week .
- Derek Farman, windermere , UK, 21/01/2009 12:19
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I had an excellent couple of pints at the Town of Ramsgate, and would have loved to have stayed for a couple more. Friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere, the historic photos were wonderful. I was there in June of 2008 and I am already looking forward to my next visit.
- Michou Olivera, Oakland, California USA, 17/09/2008 04:03
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I had an excellent couple of pints at the Town of Ramsgate, and would have loved to have stayed for a couple more. Friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere. I was there in June of 2008 and I am already looking forward to my next visit.
- Michou Olivera, Oakland, California USA, 17/09/2008 03:59
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If only we could bring back the old Wapping High Street with the smell of spices from the warehouses and the sound of bottles clinking in the wine vaults. But the warehouse conversions are no too bad and help one remember a walk down the street on the way to this old pub. Judge Jeffries notwithstanding!
- Peter Seekings-Foster, Muildenhall, Suffolk, 17/09/2008 02:59
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