THE FEZ, MARGATE it's a Fez, it's funny.

Today I am at Margates most loved pub, The Fez.

You can find it at the bottom of Margates high street, rubbing shoulders with the former Sands Hotel, Waverley House and Buoy and Oyster. It is the cheeky little sibling, the rebel, mums not-so-secret favourite. 

While the big boys and girls are busy studying and getting the best student award, Fez is down the shed on the drums making noise.

The world needs more Fez.

So what is a Fez? Well, in obvious terms it is a hat of Moroccan origin. Whilst its heritage is blighted with association in its native lands, it's meaning here is quite different.

It could be a symbol, a metaphor. 

The Fez is meta, trans, different and proud of it. 

Is it a micro pub? Is it a real ale pub? Is it a theme pub? Is it a museum? 

No it's a Fez, it is seriously silly. If you were born before the year 2000 you may recall a British comedian called Tommy Cooper, the fact I have to explain is a sign of the times for there will be people under 30 that won't have a clue. 

Here he is, Just like that!

Cooper’s act is hard to picture without his tasselled hat, a Fez,  which – incongruous, unexplained, perched atop the lumbering, 6ft 4in comic – identified him instantly as silly and different.

Silly and different... There you go, we got there.

Step inside, you will find all manner of kitsch to transport you back half a century or so, including a  barbers chair.

A Juke Box, a fairground waltzer cab repurposed as a cosy seating nook. 

A 1960s hair dryer which is like something from the Jetsons, they have fitted some neon lights into it, people a drawn to it for a photo opportunity, helpless in its tractor beam.

It attracts characters, but it has a universal appeal, ages range from entry 18 all the way up the scale. It bridges the gap between creed and class. 

All can exist in the same space here.

Usually 4 local cask ales and slightly more real ciders are available.

Serving only real ales and ciders by the pint, but also some lovely wines and craft spirits means there is something for everyone.

Live music is a feature, and for a small space this really does pack alot in.

I saw an article where the owner has been campaigning for padestrianisation of the lower high street, and who can doubt it would positively affect the small businesses that try to make a worthwhile business here, if Harbour Street in Ramsgate can, then why not?

HOW DOES IT SCORE

1) Is it to the expected standard?

There is nothing expected about this place, but good beer and good cheer aplenty ONE STAR and ONE BONUS STAR

2) Does it do something that you have always wanted to try?  

I never knew I wanted to put my head under a Neon lit antique hairdryer before ONE STAR and ONE BONUS STAR

3) Is it fairly priced? 

It certainly is! ONE STAR

4) Cleanliness, including customer toilets 

As expected ONE STAR 

5) Service 

As expected ONE STAR

CONTRIBUTING EVIDENCE  

A) Does it have a clear and relevant identity?

Clearly 

B) Does it stand out for quality and standards?

This is straight up fun bar, what's not to love?

C) Is there areas of the business that someone else does better?

It is unique 

D) Does it diversify?

They hold live music acts, as well as creative events

E) Will customers return without hesitation?

Yep. JUST LIKE THAT!

FEZ

40 High St, Margate CT9 1DS