Rack of Ale, Dover

Dover’s first micropub.

Closed: December 2017. Planning Application: 18/01065 - Change of use to an office. Granted: December 2018.

Dover's first micropub is a modern style two-roomed pub with simple but quirky decor providing a great atmosphere and a safe place to drink.

At the rear there is a comfortable leather sofa seated function room, appropriately called the "Back Rack".

The pub encourages conversation, reading a paper or book or playing a game or two, but frowns upon the use of mobile phones.

Typically five real ales, including beers from Kent microbreweries, and a real cider, from Kentish Pip, are served on gravity, dispensed from a chilled cellar room. There's also a tasting rack of three one-third pint glasses if you'd like to try a range of ales or ciders.

The Rack also serves a diverse selection of other drinks. These include a good selection of Belgian and international ales and a range of artisan gins, rums, posh vodkas and Rack-devised cocktails, each served in its own unusual way.

Occasional beer festivals are held to coincide with other local events.

Pop-up food is occasionally served and you are welcome to bring your own food into the pub. In addition, local food outlets are happy to deliver.

The Rack encourages live music events and holds film nights, games nights and much more, details of which are advertised on their FaceBook page. There is a TV in the Back Rack, but this is only used to show major sporting events.

Opening hours are flexible, depending on how busy the pub is. The pub has its own loyalty card scheme.
Kent’s Public House Archive: Rack of Ale, Dover