Fitzwalter Arms, Canterbury

Interesting-looking pub with the distinctive round-topped windows that feature in so many of the small village's buildings. The bar comprises two small areas - one slightly lower than the other - and there is a separate dining room on the other side of the entrance, all with a semi-traditional look. Accommodation also offered, and a barn to one side has recently been converted to a village shop. However, as a Shepherd Neame house, it was slightly disappointing to find just Master Brew (£3.90) from one of four handpumps.

Facebook page of Fitzwalter Arms - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Fitzwalter Arms - www.facebook.com

Official site of Fitzwalter Arms - www.fitzwalterarms.com

Official site of Fitzwalter Arms - www.fitzwalterarms.com

A brief visit to this attractive brick built pub in a remote estate village in East Kent.Next to the church, the pub has unusual round headed window frames, reminiscent of the “Toke” windows in and around Pluckley and Little Chart. Perhaps there was some dynastic connection.Inside, the public bar is pleasingly homely, with benches, hops on the beams, and a welcoming open fire, much appreciated by this writer on a dank February lunchtime. I didn’t venture into the Saloon, which was laid up for meals: I gather that the pub has some reputation as a foody destination, the landlord having served time at some stratospherically grand East Kent dining pubs. It’s a Sheps pub, and on entering I thought to myself ”only Master Brew”. However, I was running down this under rated beer unfairly. It isn’t my favourite beer from Sheps, but today it was crisp and resinous:on top form. I would have liked to have spent longer here, but business called. Dog friendly.