The White Horse, Dover

Nice old pub in the current Good Beer Guide, but this comes with a major caveat: due to close on the 8th of March, and future uncertain. Because of this, neither of the regular cask beers - Harvey's and Landlord - was still on, nor were the pair of Camden keg offerings. Made do with a Beavertown Neck Oil (£6.00) while looking around the irregular arrangement of small seating and dining areas at the front (with graffiti recording numerous successful cross-channel swims) and two smaller rooms (one wood panelled) up a bit at the back. So, a shame that I missed its usual benefits, but let's hope that it comes back in some useful way?

Supposedly Dover's oldest pub, the White Horse has 14th Century foundations and a rambling interior which appears too large for the building. I counted 4 separate seating areas on the ground floor, though I didn't go upstairs. There is also a small private garden. There is a mix of flagstone and carpeted floors, various comfy seats, open fires, wooden clad walls, a scattering of 'antiques' and an unusual feature - names of cross-channel swimmers and their times scribbled on the walls. All in all it's homely, atmospheric and very welcoming. Three ales on - I had Hobgoblin which was in perfect condition. There were a few traditional seafood dishes on offer but I didn't try these. Was previously a GBG regular, but for some reason isn't in the latest one. Well worth a visit for the interest and the ale.