The Cricketers, Canterbury

Shepherd and Neame high street pub. It consists of two ground floor bars, floorboarded, with part of the original 17th Century structure apparent, although the front appears to have been rebuilt. There is also a courtyard where food and drinks are served. Gaming machines, an overloud jukebox and ageing dried hops around the bar make it feel tacky. The landlady was friendly enough, but the young bar staff were inefficient. The clientele were best described as obese and moronic, which made a refreshing change from the irritating tourists (maybe I'm just getting less tolerant), although there were one or two normal people among the regular cadre. There were 2 S&N and one guest ale on; the guest was Tribute. I went for the Spitfire, which was fresh and in perfect condition. Worth coming back to for the beer quality and architectural interest.

Cricketers page at the Shepherd Neame site - www.shepherdneame.co.uk

Cricketers page at the Shepherd Neame site - www.shepherdneame.co.uk