The Belle Vue, Ramsgate

Shepherd Neame's pub of the year 2017 (make of that what you will), but in an historic building dating from 1725 in an undeniably fine position overlooking the expanse of Pegwell Bay. The interior features a 'U'-shaped bar with a side dining room set down a couple of steps, and the Balcony of Kent restaurant upstairs. However, on a splendid early May Bank holiday lunchtime, the only place to be was the large cliffside patio terrace. This area also features the beach-hut style barbecue shack and a small outside (keg only) bar. For those looking for real ale, Master Brew, Whitstable Bay Pale (£4.00) and Spitfire Gold were available from the two banks of four handpumps.