Earl of Clarendon, Folkestone

Not unreasonably self-described as 'a hidden gem', this pub may be within 100 metres of the beach but is tucked away up a steep, narrow street that is now pedestrianised with some higgledy-piggledy steps. The L-shaped interior features a compact bar and landside lounge, with picnic benches out front on the hill. Three real ales on handpump: Romney Marsh Gold, 3 Hop from Canterbury Ales (£4.00) and Parkway's Where's Polly.

Official site of Earl of Clarendon - the-earl-of-clarendon.business.site

Official site of Earl of Clarendon - the-earl-of-clarendon.business.site

Originally The Crown, this pub first opened in 1820, but at some point between then and 1871 it was reopened as The Earl of Clarendon. A friendly back street local with an emphasis on real ale, hidden away from the tourists up a steep back alley. There is outside seating on the hill path, and on entering you find two small bars taking up the ground floor of this Victorian house. Both bars are carpeted but otherwise look pretty much as they must have done for decades (apart from a small, muted tv in one corner). There is a bar billiard table, and the pub is dog-friendly. Furniture is basic, there are no noisy electronic distraction, the staff are jovial and the locals convivial. There were 4 ales on from 4 different breweries. I had a pint of Rev James's Tunnel Vision which was a truly excellent pint. Highly recommended and well worth finding. Why isn't this a GBG pub? It really should be.

Paid my first visit after it's rescue from Shepherd Neame about 18 months ago and found a a few welcome changes. The floor of the left hand part of the bar has been replaced, there's a dart board and a bar billiards table and the seating looks to have been replaced throughout. The decor remains a bit bland as I understand a previous tenant took everything when they left. The present owner, well versed in the pub trade from my conversation with him, is looking to rectify this and searching for local prints etc. to bring this historic pub back to life. The important thing is the beer and this is now a true free house. Four handpumps with local Old Dairy Brewery Blue Top, Everards Beacon, GK IPA and Rudgate Spring Elixir on during my visit. I'm told none of these are regulars (even the IPA) and change regularly. TV showing Sky Sports, a bit of outside seating for sunny days. This pub should now be firmly back on the agenda for anyone looking for real ale in a proper pub and can be combined with the Ship Inn just up the road.