please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Brought a group of 27 here last Saturday lunchtime and they loved the place. I did make special arrangements with Martyn in advance as he usually closes at 1.30 - he stayed open until we left about 3.30 and a great time was enjoyed by all. Thanks for the hot snacks which were very much appreciated and were a nice gesture. Hope to see you again in the not too distant future...
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Well, the pub was very much open when a couple of chums and I popped in last Friday, although anyone who knows this pub will realise this doesn't necessarily mean one can get in and stay in, for this is famed as one of Britain's smallest boozers. Provided you're don't have a vast entourage, this is a must for any ale lover, and indeed anybody fascinated by quirky pub interiors. The place is bedecked with innumerable artifacts, some pertaining to its rich history as a butcher's and others to beer history in general. It is odd to have customers lined up on either side of a central floor area, staring in on those standing. But, only vegetarians, and those of a weak disposition generally, would be offended or intimidated by this place or its punters. Friendly wit and banter pervades the palpably enthusiastic atmosphere, and it's impossible not to be drawn in. Oh, the beer? Well, from a selection of 5 available, all drawn direct from cask, I had the Over The Moon. And it was the best I'd had and no mistake. Hophead etc went down equally well with my chums. The only disappointment to me was having to leave. What can you do, especially with so many fine beerhouses in Kent needing attention?!
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I popped by on the off chance after really 'GETTING OFF MY NUT' at Fat George's all-day knocking shop and opium den. To my surprise the pub was open.
I had eight pints of Yootha Joyce mild, half a Buttock's Old Acid Bath Murderer ale and a thimble-full of mulled Umbongo (they drink it in the Congo you know!).
WONDERFUL.
I floated home, like.
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I popped by on the off chance after really 'GETTING OFF MY NUT' at Fat George's all-day knocking shop and opium den. To my surprise the pub was open.
I had eight pints of Yootha Joyce mild, half a Buttock's Old Acid Bath Murderer ale and a thimble-full of mulled Umbongo (they drink in the Congo you know!).
WONDERFUL.
I floated home, like.
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I visisted on the off chance (I was visiting a nearby knocking shop) and found the place open. I had two pints of Scruttocks Old Detergible, a flagon of Monkcraft's Saucy Maiden and a tankard or three of Umberton's Minky Manky Ale.
All were just at the right temperature.
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I would love to pay this place a visit, but it's hardly ever open.
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What can I say but to agree with these comments - truly superb and only sad there aren't more like it. I like the fact that the only Shepherd Neame beer to be found in the pub is a bottle of Spitfire which is hanging from the ceiling by a noose! Nothing against Sheps beers, but they are very dominant in Kent. Me and two friends visited a couple of weeks before Xmas and yes, the friendliness and banter of the locals was very entertaining, oh, and the Orkney Dark Island was superb too.
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Superb pub, one of the county's best. Very chatty landlord. Superb beer. I can never remember it's odd opening times and have sometimes found it shut. THIS REALLY IS THE COUNTY'S SMALLEST PUB.
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This is one of the best pubs I've visited. Good beer, great landlord with friendly, chatty punters - what more can you ask of a pub? Do not miss!
as025 - 13 Sep 2009 10:40 |
excellent decor very nostalgic good beer excellent landlord , TERRIFIC.
suemadwoman
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Another fine example of what happens when some silly bugger (AKA the landlord) cocks a snoot at the smarta*ses who say that the country pub is finished. The BA is busy all the time its open (NB limited hours apply) and the camerarderie/banter/badinage amongst regalars/guests is huge fun.
The beer is faultless, the snacks er.... original and the local cheese? Do try!
As this pub is unique (Kent's only beerhouse) it's worth a visit just for that.
Do check that the BA will be open though
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One of a kind. Only had time for a quick pint of Dark Star Porter, but could happily have stayed all day. Now open on Sunday lunchtimes.
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Excellent ale, fine company, good conversation. What more do you need from a British pub?
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Outstanding beer, pickles, cheese and surroundings. Unique!
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This Canterbury CAMRA pub of the year has now won the Kent pub of the Year, so will go forward to the SE England regionals. It is closed Sunday and Monday, however when the clocks go back on Oct26th it will be open Sunday lunchtime 12 to 1.30 (by public demand!). No one has mentioned you can bring your own food, or pop over the road to get a sanck at the village shop.
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Six of us planned to pop in toiday as the village was having its annual village fayre. The area was heaving with people and traffic. The pub was closed.
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Absolutely fantastic pub that, very deservedly, has recently been awarded Pub of the Year by the local CAMRA branch.
The Butchers Arms bar features the original chopping blocks as tables, plus hooks and other implements from its days as a butchers. " Compact & Bijou - two words that might have been invented for this pub - it measures 15' by 12'.
The bar has seating for ten and room for another 10 or so standing customers.
There is no music, no TV and no machines and visitors are sure to enjoy plenty of banter with the locals whenever they visit - I know I do!
An argument between two locals about whose home grown pickles were best, resulted in what has become an annual contest. Each of them brought in a jar of their produce for judging, the event was opened up to all-comers and the pickle contest was born. One jar of pickles contained roundish objects with the remains of where they had originally been attached to the torso of the animal concerned - "no exactamente los cojones de un perro!" the label proclaimed. How we chortled and chuckled.
The excellent beer comes from stillage at the side of the bar, and Martin, the landlord does off sales. If you want, he'll even sell you a cask! Dark Star beers seem to make quite a regular appearance.
It's on the "Triangle" bus route between Sturry and Herne Bay. The opening hours are limited so I would recommend planning any proposed visit.
"If I had all the money I'd spent on drink - I'd spend it on drink!" A well deserved 9/10
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Wonderful pub in Herne village just outside of Herne Bay. The smallest pub in Kent and the smallest freehouse in the country. The record stands at 33 people and a dog in attendance. Only sells ale and wine for the ladies apparently. There really is no way to fault this pub.
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