The Robin Hood, Chatham

Really hidden away off to the side of a dead-end road in the woodland on the top of the North Downs south of Rochester. With white weather-boarding above black-painted brickwork, the building is of indeterminate age, but certainly old. With a newly improved and extended beer garden (in what was once part of the car park), almost everybody was sitting outside on a fine summer day. London Pride and the more local Musket Ballpuller (£4.40) available on handpump.

Official site of The Robin Hood - www.robinhood-pub.co.uk

Official site of The Robin Hood - www.robinhood-pub.co.uk

A charming country pub dating from the 14th Century and associated with the pilgrims who travelled Pilgrims' Way. It's now down a cul-de-sac and is off the beaten track thanks to the new Bluebell Hill trunk road. Although close to the city it has a real rural feel. There is a pleasant garden surrounded by woodland and a reasonable amount of parking space. It's a family run pub and is making a name for its regular beer festivals. Inside there are 2 bars, an inglenook with wood burner, oak beams, carpeted throughout, and it offers food freshly cooked on premises. There is a cosy friendly feeling to it, it's dog-friendly and it's popular with walkers and cyclists. There were 3 ales on: the Masterbrew was in good condition. Well worth visiting and I intend coming back for their Summerfest next year.