It's not as if you are able to pretend its summer out there, or even Spring. Even here, safely, (you would have thought) behind the glass of Miles Cafe on the waterfront it's bitterly cold. So cold, I have to wrap my coat, like a blanket around my near freezing legs. Leaving my feet to freeze, bereft of covering. That it is so cold, reenforces what I have noticed this winter in other cafes, and restaurants of the area. Proprietors are not turning on their heating. They seem driven to take the chance of customers body heat, warming the place up. Of course, it doesn't work, and I for one, will not be a returned customer to any of these cold places. I can only assume, times are hard, profits small. They are having to cut down on expenses somewhere. Hence, switch of the heat, pretend its a cold store!
I gave up coming down here to the harbour, when the high winds were at their worst. Of the three, or four little cafes, all comfortable looking, none were comfortable enough. One was redecorating, and finally closed for the duration. The other two, or is it three, with main doors facing the harbour, and the direction of the wind,all had ill fitting doors. Not one of them was able to stand up the force of wind, blowing open constantly. Mmmm, mr proprietor, very cold, draughty and uncomfortable. Now what's wrong with that picture? Today then, is the first visit in some time. So, it's a shame, now the doors are fixed, or the wind less, it's as cold as a fridge. The food was good though, generous for the lunchtime special. Salmon en Croute, haven't seen that in a menu in many years. Only six pounds too, can't complain at that.
The Maritime Museum, on the side of the harbour. Always worth a visit.
I know I am not a person to enjoy the cold, I, like many more have had enough of the cold. We all dream of the sun, and feeling the sun on ours backs. Today, huddled in my coat, getting colder by the minute, I ate my lunch. I can tell you now, even good food won't drag me back there until I see a lot of sun. Until I can breathe again, without the breath misting before my face. Once in the street again, I had to buy stamps for a late birthday card, I am so bad at dates lately. Then I climbed in the car, with great relief, I might add. Headed straight for home, and a lie down, being cold is tiring. Guess what I saw as I exited the car again? The sun! Only a quick flash, but anything right now is welcome, and a promise of better to come.
Although I can tell you now, it's not enough, and I don't care. That was a waste of a potentially nice lunch. Since that place changed hands, they just can't seem to get it right. Every time I try going again, visiting my formally favourite place, it fails! Today, unfortunately was no different. It took me hours to get warm again after reaching home.
Of course, as you can tell, I am not to be mollified today. The harbour has such promise, if only the. Council don't mess it up. The whole of the harbour is struggling to become a bit more upmarket. Smart apartments, shops, and complex is planned for the corner of the beach down there, even though it has all been sadly delayed due to the world recession. Once built, it cannot fail but improve the feel of the place. There is a giant complex almost opposite the proposed development, next door to the Maritime museum. If they do it right, it could generate a lot of visitors. However I hear now that a large pub chain has bought (the lease, I presume) which I think, in fact the general oppinion is that there are already enough pubs in that area. Of course the wonderful outside space on the first level needs to be an eating, and viewing area. Whether it sells alcohol or not, is almost immaterial. As long as it a nice place for the public to eat, and relax. Surely though, the main ground floor, which used to be a casino, has space to be many things. An ice ring, a bowling alley, even cinemas perhaps all of those. At least it should be something the public can take part in, rather than just drinking. It is definitely a waste to be empty, and neglected as it is.
Post script. Some weeks later now, and the sun is slowly arriving, the temperature has risen over ten degrees, or more most days. Everything looks so much better in the good weather. My mood has lifted, as does how, and where you can sit in comfort, for a coffee break. Unfortunately my views on where is best is unchanged. Except I now here here is a new chocolate shop in the arches along the other side of the harbour. It is said that it sells home made chocolates, and hot chocolate. Mmm, can't wait to get down there to try it out. Maybe tomorrow, who knows you may beat me to it. As it is the town is already looking better to me. Do come, to see Ramsgate for yourself. It's really worth exploring, there are many places I did not review. Perhaps I will do another look around soon.
These are the arches said to hold the chocolate shop. The harbour, arches.
Don't forget to explore the arches above the road too. There are several cafe, and restaurants along there. A Thia, a breakfast place, an Italian, and a lovely friendly snack place, first in the line, which only opened in the sun. Ahh, a man after my own heart.
This is England folks, it needs to be warm. There needs to be heating. It's only february, (n.b.now March, and looking up) for goodness sake. Give me strength......
Give me warmth...
The harbour, from the street, see how great it can be.
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