Empire Room introduces Ramblers’ Menu ahead of St. Augustine grand reopening
In response to greater numbers of visitors coming to the Thanet area of Kent, many of them keen walkers, the Empire Restaurant in Ramsgate has introduced a special Ramblers’ Menu. The lighter option, offered alongside the usual set lunch and afternoon tea menus, is available in both the restaurant and its pretty courtyard garden.
Attracting 10,000 visitors a year, Augustus Plugin’s historic church of St Augustine in Ramsgate, with its stunning location overlooking the sea, marks the beginning of the 19-mile long Way of St Augustine. On 3rd June, a grand reopening will unveil a new visitor centre at the abbey, an official shrine to honour the arrival of Christianity to the Anglo-Saxon people of Kent in 597AD.
The Way of St Augustine offers a unique ‘river pilgrimage’ along the Stour Valley from Ramsgate to Canterbury, taking in historic churches and pubs. Walkers can collect a ‘pilgrim passport’ at Canterbury Cathedral or the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate, and get it stamped at various points along the way.
The Empire Room, located in the boutique Royal Harbour Hotel, has also extended its summer opening hours at lunchtime from 12:00 noon to 4:30pm.
Known for showcasing the best of local and seasonal produce, Chef Craig Mather is offering dishes such as twist on the traditional Caesar Salad with Monkfish nuggets, anchovies and parmesan; Pork belly and black pudding sausage roll; and Avocado and oven roasted tomatoes on grilled sourdough.
“Being a dog-friendly establishment, we attract a good number of walkers, and customers have requested lighter options – especially in warmer weather – and to eat later following a long hike,” said chef Craig Mather.
Thanet boasts 26 miles of golden sandy beaches, with more Blue Flag awards than Devon and Cornwall combined. Bicycle riders, ramblers and dog walkers have long been attracted to Thanet by the Viking Trail coastal path – which extends over 30 miles – half of which is traffic free.
The May Spring Bank Holiday relaunch of the famous Dreamland amusement park in neighbouring Margate, with a £25 million investment, has also attracted huge visitor numbers.
Editors’ Notes:
The Empire Room restaurant is furnished with Victorian and Georgian wooden tables and chairs, linen napkins, Georgian style wine glasses, original Empire magazine covers on the walls and history books on library shelves with stone and wooden floors. It is heated in winter by a wood burning fire.
The Royal Harbour Hotel is a quirky 26-bedroom townhouse hotel that stands on a picturesque Georgian crescent with views of the harbour and beyond. Its coastal-inspired rooms, individually styled with antiques and period furnishings, come with smart TVs, free WiFi, and tea and coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms have 4-poster beds, sea-view balconies and Nespresso machines, while suites also feature living areas with fireplaces. Three homely sitting rooms feature stripped floors, armchairs, crackling fires and an honesty bar. Furnishings include a roll-top desk, a large collection of beautiful art spread throughout the building, gramophone player with an extensive collection of vinyl records and library. Herbs for The Empire Room restaurant are grown in the courtyard garden. The location is within easy reach to the railway station, the ‘Blue Flag’ award-winning beach, seafront, marina, ferry terminal, good local pubs and restaurants as well as a diverse selection of independent local shops in the town centre. Photos available.
Media Contact: To review contact George Shaw at Avocado Media
T: 01892 750851 M : 07860 695555 E : geo@avocadomedia.co.uk
The Empire Room Restaurant
T: 01843 582511 Tw: @EmpRoom W: www.theempireroom.co.uk
Royal Harbour Hotel
T: 01843 591514 E: info@royalharbourhotel.co.uk
Tw: @RHHotel W: www.royalharbourhotel.co.uk
10-11 Nelson Crescent, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9JF
