MANSTON

JOLLY FARMER 3 High Street Manston Ramsgate Kent CT12 5BG 01843 823208 11-3, 6-11; 11-11 Fri/Sat; 12-10.30 Sun Unknown Real Ale (H) Pub known to have existed since 1777. The pubs name is an corruption of the 'Golden Farmer', the nickname of Bagshot man William Davis (1627-90), who allegedly accrued his riches as a footpad and not a farmer! Many 18th century pubs honour him in their name or sign. It flourished as a coaching inn it its early years being the first staging house for conveyances leaving Ramsgate. Its close proximity to the former RAF and now commercial airfield has made it a popular haunt for flying personnel, including the Battle of Britain air crews in forties. The pub is full of mementoes and memorabilia of that period. In the mid-80's the two bars previously known as the Spitfire and Hurricane Bars were knocked into one and a rear extension built.