Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey

The Trafalgar is another Ramsey pub that has improved since my last visit. So much so, that it was one of the 4 finalists in the CAMRA national pub of the year competition last year. I agree that it's the best pub in Ramsey, but I've found better elsewhere on the island. So, it's finalist position is somewhat of a surprise to me. With a view over the harbour, the interior is quite traditional. It was also fairly warm and cosy on our visit. These days, there are 6 handpulls. Regular beers are Timothy Taylor Landlord & Odin Laksaa Pale, Manx Mild & Rhumsaa Bitter. The other 2 handpulls were clipped with a couple of stouts - Odin Black Claw Stout & Timothy Taylor/Northern Monk Northern Rising Unity Stout. The barman was quite enthusiastic about beer and was recommending the Yule Ale from Odin, a plum porter that was about to come on in the week ahead. I think he was a little surprised that I'd tried it in the Thirsty Pigeon a couple of years ago. Well worth a visit if you find yourself in Ramsey. Although, I'm not sure it's worth a special visit.

Quayside bar with an abundance of local characters. 3 cask beers to go at plus a few kegs.