Ship Inn, Deal

This is an excellent old inn just off the sea front, you can almost smell the neatical history (and I don't mean the place smells of fish!). Feels old and historic despite being opened up as there are twists and turns between the areas. On my visit in the afternoon the light was filtering through, it was peaceful and one of those places you could just sit, drink beer and while away the hours. 5 local real ales, if they could just cool them slightly would finish off a througherly excellent pub.

Although located in a quiet side street, the historic Ship Inn is quite an imposing three-storey structure.It has a cosy, traditional bar area with additional seating in side and back rooms. Basic patio beer garden down a flight of steps at the rear. Five handpumps, offering Deuchars IPA, Pride, Dark Star Hophead and two from Gadds - No 7 and a splendid pint of Seasider Amber Ale (£2.60). Overall, this seems like a proper pub which should repay the short walk northwards from the town centre. (NB - Review dates from August 2011.)