Locations for a new cafe/restaurant opening don’t come much more dramatic than the newly opened Royal Harbour Brasserie on the extreme tip of Ramsgate Royal Harbour. On a freezing but sunny day there can’t be many venues with views to rival this one with sea on both sides and views of Ramsgate’s Victorian skyline.
As the cafe has just newly opened the menu has been limited. A wise move in order to judge its popularity with the local and visiting clientele. While I was there it had a good turn around of customers and the venue had a cosy atmosphere. The decor has a nautical feel without going over the top. A nice touch was the hessian sacking used to upholster some of the seating.
As a lone diner, I was not in a position to try more than one item on the menu, so I settled for the big breakfast which while not the cheapest in Ramsgate (£6.00) was better than the average with a nice runny egg and savory sausages.
On my way out I was struck by some quirky touches like the toilet signage. Sounds dreadful but I was amused.
The Chef Patron of Royal Harbour Brasserie is Adrian Mowl, formally of the Turner Contempory Gallery Cafe, Adrian has cooked for a few VIPs, like the Queen when she visited the aforementioned gallery and he was also executive chef in the London Olympic Village 2012 catering for the likes of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. Wonder if they would get a kick out of braving the elements trying to get to this remote outpost when the weather gets interesting!
We certainly plan to return again to do a more comprehensive review in the Summer, where hopefully we can take advantage of the large outdoor terrace with great views of the Harbour, the Marina, the English Channel and even France.
UPDATE 2013 – See post titled Dining by the Sea
UPDATE 2014 – We have been to the Royal Harbour Brasserie several times now for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and have found that the Food and Service has been fairly consistent, the event type menus are a bit dull, but in general the Fish and Sea Food dishes are good. Personal favorites are Smoked haddock with bubble and squeak, beurre blanc, and poached egg and caviar, Scallops with chorizo, Fried duck egg and brown shrimps in shrimp butter on granary toast.
I would also say that if you find that they have Lobster on the menu, that it’s not to be missed. The Lobsters I have eaten here were full of meat and beautifully cooked and presented.
UPDATE 2024 – Still going strong.