The Goudhurst Inn, Cranbrook

Previously known as the Chequers or Chequers Tree,this pub is now owned by the local and upmarket Hush Heath Vineyards at Staplehurst. Painted a distinctly unwelcoming battleship grey, a recent refurbishment has made it somewhat more visually appealing. Basically a nineteenth century brick building with later extensions,the interior has an urban, clinical feel at odds with the pub's rural environment. Entering from the car park to the rear, one is met by a jolly manager -with-laptop in the lobby. The bar, reached on passing this worthy is to one side of a largish room, fitted with occasional furniture. Four handpumps served beers from Kent and Sussex breweries: I had a rather foamy pint of Whitstable Pearl of Kent , served through a swan neck sparkler.Sparklers are fine in the North:Kentish beers are not designed to have all the life sqeezed out of 'em.Also available were wines and ciders from Hush Heath, together with various fizzy keg delights. To one side of the bar is a rather quaint chintzy sitting room, presumably for the use of the residents of the accomodation.Much of the pub is given up to dining, and attached on the terrace is a facility for pizza and the like. The clientel on my brief Saturday midday visit on Yorkshire Day was mainly young- middle aged and aspirational, the staff however were friendly and welcoming, as indeed they were at their sister pub the Bull in Bishopgate by Liverpool Street Station.In my mind , the plus point of this pub is the view over the Low Weald to the Greensand Ridge from the terrace. Not really my sort of pub,I'm afraid, but an organisation of which I'm a member holds its AGM here, so I might well be back.