The Coastguard, Dover

Shepherd Neame pub / restaurant in a prime position right by the beach at St Margaret's Bay. The emphasis is very much on food here, but there is a patio terrace with fine views over the Straights of Dover if you can't find a seat inside. Disappointingly, just Master Brew (£4.40) available from the bank of four handpumps on my visit. For trivia fans, this is apparently the closest pub to France.

Inflexible. Don't ask for anything off menu. Doesn't work if you have kids. Full adult portions or nothing. We paid £2.50 for some bread and got 5 tiny slices of French bread. 50p each!! Total rip off. Full portions for grown ups look good, but if you have special dietary requirements, kids or don't have deep pockets - avoid!

I’d heard about the Coastguard some time ago, and this pub has been on my list of “pubs to visit” for quite a while. I suppose I should really have booked in advance. The food was excellent, not cheap, but not as expensive as some places I’ve been to. But it’s not really a pub – more of a restaurant with a good bar. (I don't expect to have to book at a pub.) Having said that, I’d certainly go back.

Official site of the Coastguard, with beer listings - www.thecoastguard.co.uk