Town of Ramsgate

Words by Simon Difford

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Address: 62 Wapping High Street, London, E1W 2PN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7481 8000
Email: hello@townoframsgate.co.uk
Website: view Town of Ramsgate’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Pub (traditional British pub)
Food: Set menu
Established: 1545

Review

Dating from the time of the Wars of The Roses, this 15th century pub is the oldest on the River Thames. It is also where the notorious Judge Jeffries sentenced hundreds of local people to death in the 17th century. They were hung on the gallows behind the pub, guilty or not. Legend has it that the judge was captured here as he prepared to flee to France and taken to the Tower of London.

The Town of Ramsgate is a narrow pub that stretches to the river: its small rear terrace backs directly on to the Thames, although the view is limited. The interior has been much amended over the years but remains very traditional with panelled walls and dark stained wooden furnishings.

Three well kept traditional ales are joined by continental imports.
However, the menu is all British with ploughman's lunch, steak and kidney pie and bangers and mash. The history and style of this place attracts a few tourists but despite that this is very much a locals' pub which is renowned for both its food and pub quizzes.

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