A tricky one to work out from the exterior view, Lesters in Margate bills itself as a pub and restaurant but, with its surrounding glass screens it looks more like a large seaside café.

It advertises an a la carte menu and also promotes the fact it can be hired for a whole host of events – from baby showers to weddings, to wakes.

But, once you’re inside this large family-friendly place on Ramsgate Road the message is very clear and straightforward, it’s a place of two halves.

If you are in for a few pints and a catch up with your mates then you’ll be heading left, if you’re planning to experience what Lesters describes as ‘stunning food’ it’s the right-hand side you’ll need.

We happened to be visiting on a Fishy Friday, which I noticed included a dessert and a tea for £15.95, and I almost wished I hadn’t already enjoyed Mrs SD’s culinary offering before venturing out for a pint.

On the subject of ‘er indoors, no sooner had she got her hands on her usual Sauvignon Blanc and she began to wobble – though I hasten to add it had nothing to do with the large glass of white, for just £6.40, and everything to do with her stool.

Our obliging barmaid, immediately nipped round to the front of the bar to replace her wobbly one with a much more stable option and, at the same time, when she noticed, apologised for serving my Atlantic pale ale in a Strongbow glass.

There were plenty of old boys sat around putting away quite a few pints and, at the same time, putting the world to rights – several were still sporting shorts despite the recent change in weather. By comparison, a couple of much younger lads favoured stools at the bar and their chosen uniform was the tracksuit.

Our seats at the bar just happened to be opposite the glass dishwasher so we were regularly visited by the bar staff, either the ‘experienced’ barmaid (her words, not mine) or, again her words, ‘one of the lads’. They were busy enough but still found plenty of time to chat and the banter was lively. She did her work experience here 28 years ago and has been working full-time in local bars for 23 years.

Like the staff, the clientele was a mixture of ages, though for a long time, with the exception of our barmaid, Mrs SD was the only lady in residence.

Peeking through the glass behind us to gain a view of the restaurant the food did look good and I was particularly impressed by a groaning seafood platter for two – although you do need to order this one in advance and pay a deposit on the £60 price tag.

There is a decent-sized function room at the back, which is also where the pool table and dartboards are positioned. It was empty just before 8pm but there was sign saying it had been reserved and within 10 minutes it was beginning to fill up.

There are plenty of TV screens in the bar but none were switched on and our hosts confirmed they are usually only used in response to requests from customers, though they did say there isn’t a subscription to Sky.

By way of an alternative, I did spot a newspaper rack, though there were only two titles available – the Daily Mail was more than a month old but The i paper wasn’t quite as dated.

The what’s on board in the side entrance hall was only being used to promote food but the barman says they have a regular quiz night and occasionally host live music. He also shared a post on Facebook where the regulars had been asked to vote for the next event – 17% wanted karaoke, 13% a themed quiz night and 32% an 80/90s disco. However, the most popular choice, with 38%, was an ‘adult’ bingo night, whatever that is?

I think that up until 8.30pm it would be fair to describe the customer base as falling into the ‘older bracket’ but as the clock ticked on and the bar filled up the average age fell dramatically.

As the atmosphere picked up, we were persuaded to stay for one more and a now much more stable Mrs SD felt confident enough to switch to a double Baileys.

When I first saw this Ramsgate Road pub/restaurant, just a stone’s throw from the QEQM Hospital, I wasn’t sure what to make of it but by the time we left I’d decided there’s much to applaud at Lesters and it’s easy to see why the regulars rate it so highly.

LESTERS PUB AND RESTAURANT, 162 RAMSGATE ROAD, MARGATE CT9 4EZ

Décor: I wasn’t sure what to make of it from the outside, but inside there’s a very clear divide between the bar and the restaurant. It’s a good sized place, with a large function room as well, and is comfortably furnished (avoid the wobbly stool!) ***

Drink: I wasn’t in a Doom Bar mood so selected a Sharp’s Atlantic pale ale, which was well poured, with a decent head. Although she later switched to a large Baileys, Mrs SD declared the wine to be a very decent drop. There were a good variety of drinks on offer. ***

Price: One of the lads behind the bar reckons Lesters is popular because its prices are generally cheaper than other nearby pubs. A large Sav Blanc was £6.40, an Atlantic pale ale £5.20, a Cruzcampo £5.50 and a double Baileys £9. ****

Staff: Chatty, upbeat and very down-to-earth, we both found all the bar staff an absolute pleasure. Special mention for the barmaid who not only shared how long ago she did work experience but also saved Mrs SD from a tumble. *****

Catch up on all Secret Drinker's Kent pub reviews here

Click here to follow Secret Drinker on X

Want more Secret Drinker? Sign up here for his monthly newsletter