Black Griffin, Canterbury

A young persons' town pub with a stripped wood interior and various arty artefacts, rather spoiled by overloud music. There is a patio out the back. The beer selection looked interesting, with Butcombe Citra and Robinsons Dizzy Blonde on pump, and Old Dairy Red Top and Mighty Monk (I think it said) on next. Note 50p off real ales on Wednesdays!

Not been in this pub for years, although I must have walked past it on the High Street a hundred times thinking I must pop in next time I'm visiting the city... Anyway, it's tidier than I remember, although it retains an alehouse look in the front bar, and the back has been extended at some stage. Three of five handpumps in use, offering the seasonal Yule Hog from Hogs Back and Black Sheep's Blitzen (£4.00) plus Old Rosie cider, with Rocking Rudolph and Black Wolf Brewery's Tundra coming next.

A pub with 16th Century origins, it was known for a while as The Hobgoblin but reverted back when it was bought by Enterprise who still own it. The downstairs has been opened out to form a main L-shaped bar with a feel of the micro about it, with high wooden furniture, and a larger back bar which is mainly a games room. The whole thing feels very 1970s urban, teenager-friendly and basic. The staff were pleasant, the clientele a mix of locals and ale drinkers, and the ambiance was slightly marred by an overloud jukebox. They hoist open mic nights and the occasional live band, while they draw in crowds of younger drinkers with offers on cheap spirits and that awful Prosecco stuff. Ales on were Hollybush, Greedy Goose, Moorhouse's Ice Witch and Yule Hog, plus Old Rosie on draft. It was actually quite enjoyable, and I'd be happy to come back for the beer, which was well kept (though possibly too chilled) and enjoyable.