The Alma, Painters Forstal, Faversham

Very traditional Shepherd Neame inn with a characteristic white weatherboarded façade. However, following the lockdown, it is currently operating on an 'all outdoors' basis so I didn't get the chance to look inside. Instead, part of the car park has now taken over by benches to supplement the established beer garden beyond. Everything was being served from a hatch to the left of the main entrance, including the Master Brew and Whitstable Bay Pale (£4.40) available from two of the three handpumps just visible inside.

A traditional Kentish timber-clad house which has been an ale house since 1837, its original customers being the hop pickers who worked the surrounding fields. It stands in its own small plot with a good sized garden with a covered patio and a small car park. Two bars inside, one mainly a restaurant and the other, smaller bar mainly for drinkers, the latter having a dartboard which didn't appear to see much use. Bat and trap is also played, and they have regular quiz nights, live music acts and psychic evenings. Two ales on, Whitstable IPA and Masterbrew, both in excellent condition. Recent modernisation has removed some of its character, but it's still well worth a visit for food, always cooked from local ingredients, or an evening's libation with optional fun.

Official site of the Alma, contains menu - www.thealmapublichouse.com

Official site of the Alma, contains menu - www.thealmapublichouse.com