The Bear Inn, Faversham

This is an ancient pub that is almost entirely unspoilt as more than well described below. Although there were four hand pumps in the tiny public bar only two were used with both sub 4% brews from Shepherd Neame namely Master Brew and Whitstable Bay Pale. For a long established GBG listed pub to have only two beers with almost the same ABV seems remarkable to me so I have to assume it gains the GBG status just for the classic interior. I went for the Master Brew (£3.30) a beer I've tried many times in the past and although in good condition found it to be quite bland, uninspiring and poor value for money. An unspoilt interior alone doesn't make for a great pub and for me this was pretty average.

This is a Grade II listed pub in the centre of Faversham, and its largely unspoilt interior has earned it a place on CAMRA's Regional Inventory of pubs with historic interiors. As you enter the pub there's a corridor on the left with separate drinking areas all with their own doors leading off from the corridor. These doors all have (Victorian I think) painted leaded light glazing in them. At one time there was a jug and bottle bar, but this has now been incorporated the main drinking areas. These comprise a Public Bar at the front; a snug in the centre; and a Saloon bar at the far end. I liked the Public Bar, which had a large painting of a polar bear, as well as all kinds of other interesting decor on the walls, plus a dartboard. Being a Shepherd Neame pub, they had on Late Red and Masterbrew, but also St Austell Trelawny, presumably as a guest ale. I didn't see any sign of food when we were in during Saturday afternoon. This is easily one of the best Faversham pubs. Even though it's smack bang in the centre of Faversham, next to the old Guildhall and at one end of the market, it remains a real pub seemingly patronised by local people. I don't know if I'll get the opportunity to visit again, but if I lived here it would certainly become one of my regular watering holes.

A traditional high street pub, The Bear has its origins in medieval times, and was once The Bear And Ragged Staff, indicating its 15th Century connection; today's pub sign still hints at the allusion to Warwick's political influence. It has a narrow frontage and is three bars in depth, a public bar at the front, largely full of the rowdier element, a crowded snug in the middle and a saloon bar at the rear packed with people from across Faversham society. The staff are helpful and friendly, and the beer is excellent, there being a mix of Shepherd and Neame and guest beers. I had a pint of Late Red which was in perfect condition. Without doubt, one of the better pubs in Faversham, and a must for inclusion in a town crawl.