Thursday 9th April 2026 – Margate Dreamland – Hall By The Sea
Hall By The Sea is Margate Dreamland’s warehouse-style indoor event space, known for its retro-industrial charm and versatility. It’s hosted everything from high-energy concerts and DJ sets to theatre productions, conferences, and award ceremonies. With in-house staging, lighting, and audio rigging, it’s a dream setup for performers and audiences alike.
It was an early start as we had a very long journey ahead…
We were looking for a stop-off about an hour away from Margate so we were thinking about going to Gravesend…
The maritime town of Gravesend is an ideal place for a short stay. The borough of Gravesham has the Thames riverside, countryside, historic villages and picturesque parishes for you to enjoy. All this and it’s only 24 minutes from London and has convenient links from Ebbsfleet International Station to continental Europe.
Thankfully the video player was working…
It was really funny!
On arrival in Gravesend, we could hardly get out of the van as we’d been cooped up that long…
But here we are at our chosen pub ‘The Three Daws’…
You are standing in front of the Three Daws one of the oldest public houses in Gravesend and possibly in West Kent. It is named after a type of bird, called the ‘Cornish Chough’. It was later known as the Three Cornish Choughs before settling on ‘The Three Daws’ from 1778. The pub is famous for its secret tunnels, an extra key to a lost door, tales of smuggling and men from press gangs.
Inside we ordered the Bexley Brewery’s ‘Feather Soft Pale’…
Bexley Brewery was founded in 2014. Brewers Cliff and Jane Murphy produce regular, seasonal and experimental brews, all of which are gluten-free. ‘Feather’ is a 3.8% ABV soft pale ale, featuring notes of apricot and lychee with a light, pillowy mouthfeel and low bitterness. It is available as part of their light and hoppy beer range.
We took our drinks into the library…
The pub is situated on the River Thames at Gravesend Town Pier…
Gravesend Town Pier is famously the oldest surviving cast iron pier in the world. Designed by William Tierney Clark and completed in 1834, it is a Grade I listed structure that originally served as a major gateway for steam packet passengers traveling between London and Kent.
We were starving so we headed back to the bar to order food…
The most wonderful pie…
Pie of The Day with seasonal veg & your choice of potato €16.50Beer Battered Fish & Chips with either garden or mushy peas small £11.50Chicken Skewers marinated in fresh herbs, served on a bed of salad with sweet chilli sauce or tzatziki £8.00Beer Battered Fish & Chips with either garden or mushy peas large £16.50
Another pint…
After lunch we went out on deck…
Crew mates Nu & Karl
Then finished our drinks…
Over the road from the pub was the ‘Heritage Quarter’…
The Heritage Quarter is a charming area in Gravesend, renowned for its historical significance and potential as a shopping destination. While visitors appreciate the unique shops and cafes that reflect the town’s heritage, many note that the area requires more attention from local authorities to enhance its appeal. With a blend of cultural offerings and hidden gems, Heritage Quarter stands out yet yearns for investment to reach its full potential.
Pleased with achieving our full lunchtime potential, it was time to climb back aboard the bus…
Destination Margate…
In medieval times, the northeastern tip of Kent, including Margate, was an island called the Isle of Thanet…
When the English Channel was formed by the sea breaking through, an island of chalk was left on the east side of the county. It was separated from the rest of Kent by the Wantsum Channel which at its peak was a significant waterway, measuring up to two to two and a half miles wide at its mouths and ran from Reculver in the northwest to Richborough in the southeast. This area is now marsh land with numerous drainage ditches draining into the River Stour, and then to the sea. Early maps show water between the Isle of Thanet and the mainland and place names including “Ferry” point to the existence of a former expanse of water.
The River Wantsum…
The River Wantsum and the River Stour together formed the Wantsum Channel, which separated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland of Kent. Now the River Wantsum is little more than a drainage ditch starting at Reculver, and ending where it joins the Stour.
Soon enough we arrived in Margate…
We parked the bus at the back of the venue…
Inside it was a big space…
Our merch…
Outside we sampled all the fun of the fair…
Considered to be one of the oldest-surviving amusement parks in Great Britain, the site of Dreamland (as it was re-named in 1920) dates back to the British railway boom of the early 1870s when, in its original form, the ‘Hall by the Sea’ was operated by the famous circus impresario ‘Lord’ George Sanger.You gotta fight for your bite
Time for the soundcheck…
Now to discover the delights of Margate!
We walked past what looked like a shop…
A blend of British and Indian ambiance greets punters at this Margate pub in the former Henry’s electronics store in the High Street. The bar has retained the Henry’s name as a respectful nod to history to the store that had traded at the spot from 1932 until 2017. The pub offers a great choice of real ales, ciders, and keg beer and boasts the most fantastic sea view. There is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, along with the unique, quirky decor.
Henry?
Paul
Henry’s Ale?…
Henry’s Pale Ale 4.2% Zesty, easy-drinking Pale Ale, brewed with a mix of Citra & Cascade to give notes of citrus and grapefruit.
We took a window seat at the back…
What a view…
“…the skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe” – J M W Turner
One more for the road…
Then time to head back…
Back stage we had one or two Hazy Janes…
BrewDog Hazy Jane is a highly popular New England-style IPA (NEIPA) known for its pillowy mouthfeel and heavy tropical fruit profile. It serves as a highly approachable, juicy alternative to the brand’s traditionally bitter Punk IPA. 5%ABV
Time to go on…
Thanks to Gary English for the videos
Great crowd…
We watched the Mondays as we were staying local…
They were brilliant as usual…
Gig over, it was a short journey to the hotel…
Where tonight…we were the 101ers!
The 101ers were a pub rock band from the 1970s playing mostly in a rockabilly style, notable as being the band that Joe Strummer left to join the Clash. Formed in London in May 1974, the 101ers made their performing debut on 7 September at the Telegraph pub in Brixton under the name ‘El Huaso and the 101 All Stars’. The name would later be shortened to the ‘101 All Stars’ and finally just the ‘101ers’. The group played at free festivals such as Stonehenge, and established themselves on the London pub rock circuit prior to the advent of punk.
What a fantastic day we had!!!
Next stop Guildford…
Friday 10th May 2026 – Guildford G Live
G Live has been developed as a contemporary state-of-the-art entertainment and concert hall. The light-filled, spacious foyers house the G Live Cafe-Bar which offers bistro-style daytime food and the elegent Mezzanine Restaurant, which offers pre-show dining. G Live aims to set the standard for the finest live entertainment in Surrey with an events programme to suit all tastes.
We woke up to a beautiful morning near Ramsgate…
And walked to the most lovely village…
Minster, also known as Minster-in-Thanet, is a village and civil parish in the Thanet District of Kent, England. It is the site of Minster in Thanet Priory. The village is west of Ramsgate and to the north east of Canterbury and lies just north of the River Stour. Minster is also the “ancient capital of Thanet”.Too early Carl
The ‘Cathedral of the Marshes’…
The Church of St Mary the Virgin was originally founded in 670 AD as a small monastic parish church. The present Church was started by the Saxons and enlarged and absorbed by the Normans. The chancel is typically ‘Early English’ in architecture and style, and the beautiful nave has remained in its present form since 1150. On the exterior walls of the tower, it is interesting to observe Roman red bricks, which were probably recycled from the nearby Roman Villa.
Time to leave this ancient capital…
And head back for breakfast…
The return of the white slice
After a quick service of the guitars in the hotel lobby, we were ready to go…
The plan was to drive into the town and have a look around Ramsgate…
But all we got was a fleeting glance…
Plan B was to drive to a pretty area for lunch…
Bessels Green is a village on the north-western outskirts of Sevenoaks, in the parish of Chevening. It has a village green and a public house, the King’s Head. There are two churches: the Bessels Green Unitarian Meeting House built 1716 and the Bessels Green Baptist Church 1771.
En route we travelled past the White Horse Wood Country Park…
Set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, White Horse Wood Country Park offers beautiful countryside, local history and panoramic views. Perfect for a picnic or walking the dog, you’ll also be able to explore the medieval ruins of Thurnham Castle.
Eventually we arrived at our destination…
The King’s Head…
While enjoying good access to the busy A21 only a few hundred yards away the pub still retains a rural feel facing the village green and with a spacious rear garden. Styled as a gastro pub, a changing daily menu is available throughout each day. The smart interior offers the drinker or diner a variety of candle-lit tables of different sizes and styles, partitioned by exposed brick fireplaces and walls adorned with all types of prints. The garden features plenty of seating on the patio and lawn and also more private thatched huts, all beneath a mature eucalyptus tree.
Our table…
Timothy Taylor Landlord was the beer this afternoon…
The drinkers’ favourite, a classic pale ale with a complex citrus and hoppy aroma. It has won more awards than any other beer, winning both CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain and the Brewing Industry Awards Gold Medal four times. The beer is 4.1% ABV.
Food looked good…
Cotswold White Chicken Schnitzel Fennel slaw, garlic butter, fries, garlic aioliCumberland Sausage Caramelised onions, English mustard, coleslaw on the sideTimothy Taylor Ale Battered Haddock Triple cooked chips, mushy peas, charred lemon, tartare sauce
Another pint then it was time to go…
One last Polaroid…
Just time for a snooze before heading to Guildford…
Nice venue inside…
Soundcheck…
Quick pint…
Welcome to The Three Pigeons, Guildford – a landmark where tradition and community come together. Standing proudly on Guildford’s historic High Street, our pub has been a gathering place for generations, offering comfort, conversation, and a true taste of local life.
London Pride it has to be…
Brewed under the watchful eye of our Griffin since the 1950s, London Pride is unmistakably London’s beer. With its well-rounded flavour and rich history, everything about this authentic, characterful beer binds it to our capital city and the people who love it. Cask: 4.1% ABV
You can just about see Carl bottom right next to Terry Waite…
One more pint…
Then time to head back to G Live…
We’re on!!!
Thanks to Gary English for the video
Sadly we had to pack up early as we were driving home…
But what a fantastic day we had!!!
Next stop Manchester…
Saturday 11th April – Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse
The 02 Victoria Warehouse is a live music venue in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The venue is made up of two storage warehouses used during the early to mid-20th century. It was redeveloped as a music venue in 2012 and given its current name in 2018.
We got back from Guildford in the early hours so a 2pm start wasn’t bad…
The bus was late your honour…
Punch Tarmeys is Liverpool’s largest Irish bar, based within Cains Brewery Village. It’s praised for its lively atmosphere and offers a delicious and hearty food menu alongside a wide selection of drinks, including a good Guinness selection and a great collection of fine Irish Whiskey.
The plan was to drop us off not too far from the venue allowing the crew to set the gear up…
Mission accomplished
7/11…?
The SEVEN BRO7HERS brewery was founded in 2014 by McAvoy brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Daniel, Nathan, Kit, and Greg, inspired by their dad’s home-brewing in their cellar at home. ‘11 Central’ is their new bar and microbrewery and named so after the team’s extended family – which includes the seven brothers and four sisters. With a state-of-the-art microbrewery on site, customers can enjoy limited edition beers made just metres away from the bar.
We ordered the New England Pale…
New England Pale Ale is a sessionable beer packed with all the flavour of a modern classic. A full and fluffy mouthfeel assisted by the presence of malted oats, combined with a progressive, well considered dry hop. Expect hints of pineapple and coconut from the Sabro hops, and a clean finish from our American yeast strain. A beer that brings sunshine to a cloudy day.I felt the rays😎
We grabbed another pint then went outside to meet the bus for the soundcheck…
It’s a massive venue…
After soundcheck we went back to the 11 Central to watch Liverpool v Fulham…
The Guinness was great!!
Guinness Draught is widely praised as an iconic, highly drinkable stout, known for its creamy nitro mouthfeel, roasted malt, coffee notes, and surprisingly light body (4.2% ABV). It offers a balanced, smooth, and low-bitterness experience that is considered a staple of the Dry Irish Stout style.
Liverpool were winning but he had to go…
A spot of Deja Vu as the bus came for us once again…
sipadvisor 