The Railway Hotel, Faversham

With a few minutes to kill before my train, I popped in here to see what I was missing by not going into any Shepherd Neame pubs. Only Master Brew was on the pumps (£1.80 for a half) - though I did spot a keg Spitfire - but it was as ordinary and lacking in class as the last time I had it. This pub, its interior well described by the previous reviewer, had a smattering of after-work drinkers exchanging banter with an edge. What with one thing and another I was glad to be on the train rather than having another beer or three in here.

This corner pub looks unremarkable from the street (and hence I've previously walked past it several times), but the interior proves rather more interesting than expected. Many Victorian features remain in the 'L'-shaped bar, including the counter screens and tiled flooring, and there is a little extra seating in a snug round the back of the bar. It also still offers accommodation and the adjoining Carriage restaurant is part of the same business. As a Shepherd Neame house it offers a good selection of their beer, but it was all a bit frantic during the annual Hop Festival so I opted for a quick Master Brew (£4.00) before crossing the road to the station.