Category Archives: Kent

04/04/25 – Margate

NorthDown Brewery, launched in Margate in 2018 by Jonny and Katie Spanjar, has breathed new life into the local brewing landscape. The brewery boasts a friendly taproom known as the “NorthDown Saloon,” which accommodates about 45 guests and features local art. Alongside this, other spots like Banks Ale & Wine House and The Tap Room play a significant role in Margate’s lively ale scene. Community spirit shines through in venues such as The Laughing Barrel, The Fez, and The Two Halves, each offering a distinct vibe and a selection of craft beers. Moreover, establishments like Little Swift and Ales of the Unexpected prioritise sustainability and variety in their drink menus, contributing to a vibrant pub atmosphere.

31/03/25-03/04/25 – Maidstone, West Malling, Charing and Ashford

In this blog, I explore a variety of pubs in Kent, sharing their backstories, atmospheres, and what makes them special. The Malling Jug is a historic hangout known for its cask ales and welcoming atmosphere. Low Key Taproom is all about community vibes and a great selection of craft beers. The Charing Bar Company has strong connections to horse racing, while The Flower Pot has been exuding cosy charm since the 1830s. Craft Brewed is a lively spot that combines coffee with craft beer, and Rifle Volunteers Inn has a rich military heritage. Finally, The Olde Thirsty Pig boasts a rustic design, and The Cellars Alehouse brings back the traditional pub feel with its excellent ales.

31/03/25-03/04/25 – Swanley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells

The Cotton Mill Micro Pub in Swanley, which opened its doors in June 2018 thanks to Dave and Sasha Miller, turned an old restroom into a lively spot dedicated to local craft beers. Over in Sevenoaks, the South Park Tap made its debut in May 2023, featuring a welcoming vibe and unique décor in what used to be a café. In Tunbridge Wells, the Allkin Tap & Bottle opened in 2023, serving as a community-focused taproom for Allkin Brewery and promoting inclusivity. Meanwhile, Fuggles Beer Cafés, founded by Alex Greig, have been delighting customers in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge since 2013 and 2017, respectively, offering a fantastic range of British and European beers while blending the feel of a traditional pub with a café atmosphere.

02/04/25 – Folkestone, Hythe and Dymchurch

The Firkin Alehouse, Folkestone’s first micropub, kicked off in 2012 and has moved around a bit, now settled at Number 21. Founded by Neil King, it focuses on local ales in a laid-back, community-oriented setting. The Bouverie Tap, which opened in 2017, offers hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, The Hidden Treasure, a micropub that started in 2019, boasts a lovely beer garden next to a historic Martello Tower. Other noteworthy spots include The Potting Shed, Docker Bar, The Blind Pig, The Beer Shop Folkestone, and Kipps’ Alehouse, each providing its own unique vibe and selection of local brews, contributing to a lively pub scene in the area.

01/04/25 – Walmer, Deal and Dover

The Freed Man is a cosy little micropub located in Walmer, which opened its doors in January 2016, thanks to former licensee Ian Goodban. The place is all about giving customers more freedom in their drink choices. With its nautical-themed décor and historical touches like a Victorian Beer Engine, it really has a unique charm. Over in Deal, The Just Reproach encourages socializing without any distractions, boasting a no-phone policy and serving up four cask ales. Meanwhile, Smugglers Record Shop merges a bar and a record store, complete with live music. The Hoptimist in Dover offers a contemporary vibe and a diverse selection of beers. Lastly, The Staggered Inn is a family-run micropub that hosts community events and has a welcoming atmosphere, while Breakwater Brewing Company features a chic taproom that emphasizes local ingredients and includes a pizzeria.

17/04/24 and 20/04/24 Faversham, Sittingbourne and Queenborough

Starting at Faversham well know for its historic churches, whilst here I visited “Furlongs Ale House” and “Creekers Tap”. A short train journey to Sittingbourne, famous for its brickworks and paper mill. 3 Micropubs visited here, “Yellow Stocks”, “Donnas Ale House” and “The Paper Mill”. Finally a train out towards Sheerness getting off at Queenborough, which has the only true concentric castle built in England. Visited “The Admirals Arms” here.

18/04/24-20/04/24 Westgate-on-Sea, Birchington-on-Sea, Swalecliffe and Whitstable

Starting the day at Westgate-on-Sea, a lovely Victorian town. Visited “Bake & Alehouse” here. Onto Birchington-on-Sea, with some lovely views across Minnis Bay. Here I visited “Old Bay Alehouse” and “Wheel Alehouse”. On the train to Chestfield & Swalecliffe, Swalecliffe being well known for its Brickworks, hence visiting “The Brickfield” here. Lastly onto Whitstable, famous for its Oysters. Whilst here I visited “The Handsome Sam” Micropub.

17/04/24-20/04/24 – Minster, Ashford and Charing

A visit to Minster, Ashford and Charing. Started off at Minster with a visit to “Hair of the Dog” Micropub in the town. Ashford I visit “Curious Brewing” located a short walk from Ashford International Station, before finishing in nearby Charing at “The Bookmakers Arms”.

18/04/24-20/04/24 Rainham, Strood, Gravesend, Gillingham and Rochester

Starting off in Rainham visiting “The Prince of Ales” Micropub, jumping on the train one station up to Gillingham for “Past and Present Alehouse”. Then heading up to Strood to visit “10:50 From Victoria”, onto Gravesend for a trio of Micropubs starting with “Three Pillars” and moving onto “The Mole Hole” and “Compass Alehouse”, and finishing at Rochester visiting “RAMS – 12 Degrees” Micropub.