The Sea Farmers' Dive Bar, Whitstable

Previously The Whitstable Oyster Company Beach Bar, this is a single room bar just behind the sea wall so was then, and now still is, accurately named. There is plenty of outside seating at the front from which to enjoy the view, while the inside feels rather grander than it should for its size and style. The bar is sparsely furnished and has various beach-associated bric-a-brac dotted around, including a prominent sign with the original name on the wall. The two young barmen were on good form, welcoming us with good humour and readily engaging in friendly banter. No real ale, sadly, but a large selection of craft beers was on offer, and not at the exorbitant prices we expected. Kentish Lager, Sundowner, Oyster Stout, Wrack and Ruin, Shuckers Session Ale, A Million Pretty Pieces from Pollyanna Brew, Pino Coco’s Overtone, Timeless, Restoration and Rothaus were all on tap. There was also a selection of canned beer in a large fridge, but that’s just wrong. It’s a pity about the lack of real ale, as that would make it much more attractive proposition for me but it does have a lot to offer and is worth a revisit.