Broadstairs Warnings Or Dangers Tips by planxty Top 5 Page for this destination

Plastic only.

This tip does not concern a danger, in fact it refers to something that prevents danger but it is a warning to beer purists who may visit the town, especially in summer. During the excellent Broadstairs Folk Week, which I play every year, most pubs in the town will only serve pints and halves in plastic glasses. I am not sure if this is a police / council requirement or just something the various licensed premises demand themselves but I know I hate drinking out of plastic glasses. Many of the hard-core folkies get round it by bringing their own pewter tankards which seems to be acceptable.

Additionally, there are some premises which do not permit you to take glasses outside into the street at any time. Notable for this is the excellentTartar Frigate and this is understandable as it stands on the beach and nobody wants broken glass where people are wandering around in bare feet. Other places have a summer ban on glasses outside with all the visitors in town but are OK with it in the winter. It can be quite confusing.

If you are going into the street, to smoke for example, it is always best to ask the staff what the local rules are. They will be happy to tell you and provide plastic if required. I wouldn't want you to be embarrassed or get in trouble with the police!

Beware the weekend.

During folk week, the atmosphere in the town is very good and there is rarley any trouble (not caused by the folkies anyway). Outside of Folk Week, however, things can get a bit "lively" on a Friday and Saturday night.

Personally, I would avoid Cramptons, the Dolphin and the Rose at these times.

Apparently, all the young people from Ramsgate and Margate congregate in the town (it's about midway between the two) and there can be a bit of bother.

Update - 02/09/2006.

You may want to avoid fireworks nights during the summer in the town. apparently, this sumnmer on one particular fireworks night there was a riot involving about 200 people near the train station. the police were forced to temporarily withdraw, admitting they could not control the situation, before reinforcements could be summoned.