The Plough and Harrow, Oad Street

Probably one of my favourite pubs in Kent, particularly as it has remained largely unchanged while other hostelries feel obliged to knock two bars into one, add big TVs etc, etc. Not here! A big old fireplace, friendly locals in wellingtons and sweaters who seem in their element here and are happy to welcome newcomers. Pleasant sandwiches and snacks available whenever I visit. I certainly have no complaints about the beers. No, you won't find a big selection, but what is there is well kept, tastes delightful and is not overpriced. If you're looking for a traditional country pub the way they ALL should be, you should find that passing a couple of hours here one afternoon will help you feel that all is right with the world.

27 May 2011 22:28

The Ringlestone Inn, Ringlestone

The Ringlestone Arms does tend to go up and down every few years. I remember it when it was owned by "Ma" and her daughter. Back then, you often had to knock on the door to gain admittance and that was by no means a guarantee if Ma didn't like the look of you. She kept a loaded shotgun behind the bar, and would grab it quite often to deter anyone she didn't feel deserved to be in her hostelry. On one occasion, Peggy & Barclay, who were at that time owners of the nearby Blacksmiths Arms in Wormshill, told me that they visited Ma on their night off. Several youths were attempting to get in, rattling the locked door. After Ma told them to "piss off" and they continued to ask to be let in, apparently Ma said, "Barclay! Get my gun!" And sure enough, he said, she fired buckshot at the inside of the door and, not surprisingly, the lads outside decided to go home. I did not see Ma actually use the shotgun, but she did wave it around, convinced that customers were intent on robbing her, because there was no electricity and the place was quite gloomy at night, lighted only by flickering gas lamps or oil lanterns. The beer was very good, as I recall, served directly into jugs from barrels behind the bar. After Ma passed on it lost a lot of its atmosphere and really wasn't worth a visit. A few years ago, another owner took over, introducing a fairly wide menu and some good draft beers. I would always try to visit when I was back visiting my old home in Kent. Haven't been there in a while, so I can't comment on the current state of the place. But Shepherd Neame beer is certainly not a bad beverage, although it would be nice to have the choice that you get in a 'free' house. No doubt, still worth a visit to get a bit of 'atmosphere' if not for the food [according to recent reviewers]. But as it tends to go up and down over the years, by the time you read this, it'll probably be back on the way up!

27 May 2011 22:13

The Royal Naval Reserve, Whitstable

One of my favorite pubs in the area. Small, cosy and friendly. I certainly didn't notice the "smell of fried food" mentioned by another reviewer who must have a more sensitive nose than I. Very nice pint of well-kept beer. Definitely worth a visit if you're going along High Street with a thirst.

27 May 2011 21:41