Old City Bar, Canterbury

The layout is as described below, and it’s currently a Shepherd Neame pub. Pleasant young staff and, for the most part, a decent bunch of locals generating a lively local atmosphere, although one obese idiot made his objection to dogs in pubs clear; presumably he was jealous that the young female staff were more interested in the dogs than in overweight sexagenarians. There was live rugby showing on a large drop-down screen, and it was mainly a good visit. Only one cask ale on, Masterbrew, which was in good condition. The craft offerings were Bear Island Pale Ale, Spitfire Lager and Whitstable Bay Blonde, plus there was a choice of Strongbow, 1664, Fosters and Moretti. A decent place to just to pop in for a few beers

Surprisingly large pub in the backstreets on the edge of town. The bar is in the front room, with a large room containing a pool table behind and a garden behind that. Usual beers from the Shepherd Neame range. While hardly a destination, it felt like it is probably a good pub to have as your local.

Official site of Old City Bar - www.oldcitybar.co.uk

Official site of Old City Bar - www.oldcitybar.co.uk

Obviously an old inn on the original Dover Street (with what looks like the former stables in the adjacent building), this place has been thoroughly modernised inside. The main bar at the front has several different seating areas, with two ways through to the larger rear room (in a single-storey extension, although this is not obvious until you go outside) with more seating and a pool table. Surprisingly large patio / grass beer garden at the back. Appears to be an unbranded Shepherd Neame pub, with Master Brew, Whitstable Bay Pale and Spitfire Gold (£3.70) available from three of four handpumps.