The Smugglers Inn, Herne Bay

Solid-looking Shepherd Neame pub, with separate bars on each side of the main entrance. The one to the left with the pool table didn't appear to be in active use when I visited (although it may well be at the weekend), so I took a seat in the traditionally decorated and plainly furnished main bar on the right-hand side. There was some debate what real ale was available from one of three unclipped handpumps, but the consensus was Whitstable Bay Ruby (£4.50, in good shape and a new variant for me).

Official site of The Smugglers Inn - www.smugglersinnhernebay.co.uk

Official site of The Smugglers Inn - www.smugglersinnhernebay.co.uk

A pretty exterior with a fetching white, blue and red colour scheme. The inside has two rooms, one of which has obviously been very recently refitted in light wood and was deserted (dart board, pool table and plasma screen in here). The other larger room (saloon bar?) had a lot more character – dark wood panelling, birch thatching, low ceilings and real fire. To the rear is a well-maintained ‘bat and trap’ pitch. Three Sheps ales on, nothing overly exciting but the quality was good. Not a bad little place and worth popping in if you’re in Herne for the Butchers.