Town of Ramsgate — Restaurant in London

Sad demise of a once loved pub. I am afraid this tiny pub has got far too big for its boots. We have used this pub for 30 years but at the end of 2017 the current landlord - Peter Biddle - took it upon himself to order my wife to leave because she had been sitting with a small dog on her lap at one of the tables. Biddle announced that he had instigated a rule that, although dogs were allowed in the pub, they had to remain on the floor. He indicated this was for reasons of hygiene. Despite polite attempts to discuss the validity of this rule, Biddle acted in what can only be described as a churlish and unfriendly manner and told my wife to leave the premises. She, quite rightly, told him that his manner and refusal to discuss the absurdity of his petty rule meant that we would not be returning to his pub. His staff had seen the small Shih Tzu dog sitting on my wife's lap for at least 40 minutes before Biddle's altercation, but had seen no reason to raise the subject. In the interests of future customers however, I would like to point out that to micro manage dogs in a pub to the extent that Biddle deems fit is completely absurd and unnecessary. There is no legal or environmental restriction preventing dogs from being in areas where food is being served, as long as measures have been taken to prevent dogs from accessing the kitchen and food storage areas. The rules can be found in the Regulations (EC) No 852/2004, Annex II, Chapter IX – Provisions applicable to foodstuffs (4). What these make clear is that if there is no food being prepared or stored in the area where dogs are allowed , then there is no restriction preventing dogs being anywhere in the public areas of the pub. It is therefore only Biddle's rather odd attitude that means he insists dogs are not allowed to sit on a customer's lap. It is a rude and unhelpful stipulation, and certainly has nothing to do with “health and safety”. The tallest of the pub's tables are no higher than 30". There are many breeds of dog who tower over a 30" tall piece of furniture without sitting on a customer's lap: Great Danes, Mastiffs, Ridgebacks, Newfoundlands, Wolf and Deer Hounds to name just a few. But Biddle does not bar these dogs. At a time when figures from CAMRA show 21 pubs are being forced to close in the UK each week and recent research has emphasised that 98% of pub owners who welcome four-legged customers have found allowing dogs improves business, it is not sensible for Biddle to be excluding people because of a misplaced idea that dogs on laps are a danger to health. This landlord may as well bar anyone who comes in with a sniffle if that's the...

I am writing to express my disappointment with the recent experience my family and I had at the Ramsgate Pub in Wapping. Yesterday, we walked into the pub with our child and my parents, hoping to enjoy a meal of fish and chips. As longtime residents of Wapping, we have dined at Ramsgate on many occasions and have always enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere.

However, we were shocked to be asked to leave because, apparently, the pub's policy has changed, and children are no longer allowed inside. We were told they could sit in the garden, which was not a feasible option. This change is incredibly frustrating and disappointing. This pub has long been a place where families, including grandparents and children, have gathered for many years.

It is disheartening to see such a family-friendly establishment change its rules so drastically. There is no government law that prohibits children from having lunch in a pub with their family, and I am appalled by the current owner's decision. Wapping families, be aware that your children are no longer welcome inside Ramsgate Pub. This is not the local pub we have known and loved for...

I stopped by there and felt like I just time-travelled – in the best way possible. This place oozes history. Wooden beams, low ceilings, the kind of creaky floorboards that whisper “pirates definitely drank here.” And they probably did. You’re sipping pints just a few steps away from Wapping Old Stairs – the same ones where smugglers, mutineers, and the odd unlucky pirate met their end. Legend even has it that the infamous Judge Jeffreys was caught here while trying to make a quiet getaway. Spoiler: he didn’t make it. History aside – this pub delivers. Cosy inside, with a proper old-school charm. Outside? There’s a back terrace right on the river – perfect for catching your breath (or finishing that third pint). Food? Classic British – simple, solid, exactly what you’d want. The ale selection is strong, prices fair, and the staff? Warm and welcoming without the forced cheeriness.

Came with friends, left with stories. If you want to feel like you’ve discovered a secret bit of London – this is the place.

Definitely coming back. Might even wear a tricorn hat...