The Old Coach & Horses, Canterbury

Disappointment of the week is this once-fine country pub which ha become unworthy of a revisit. The location is described below. The atmosphere was unwelcoming, and the locals were loud, aggressive and profane. The barmaid clearly thought that visitors were an encumbrance who got in the way of her smoking – which she did in the open doorway so everyone inside could share. Only one ale on, Pride, which was in poor condition and exorbitantly overpriced – we also had to ask twice for it to be topped up to a full pint. Not worth the bother.

Traditional inn on the old, old road from London to Canterbury, and rather inconveniently located half-way up a steep-sided hill so there is no space for a car park. Still, the place was doing good business late on a Friday afternoon, with the patio terrace beer garden near enough full (allowing for social distancing). The slightly split-level interior has just has a few small spaces (currently acting as a one-way system) but this retains some character. Although the only real ale from the three handpumps was Doom Bar (£4.00), this was in as good shape as one might hope.