The Crispin Inn, Sandwich

Old brick & beamed pub near river bridge. Wood floor and narrow around the bar, lots of hops hanging around and a nice, old-world relaxing feel. Food area to one side, menu just underr a tenner for most & looks like quality food. 4 real ales, including Kent based beers

A medieval limewashed pub alongside Sandwich’s iconic Barbican,close to the Quays fronting the River Stour.The bar faces the door as you enter,with a little snug tucked away to the left:this was empty on our visit on an arctic January Saturday lunchtime, with most customers in the comfy chairs round the open fire to the right of the door.Behind the fire (open to both sides),is a larger room laid up for meals.Given the age and history of the pub, the decoration seems to be anonymously contemporary. A long term Good Beer Guide regular (in the Punch Taverns stable), the Crispin has a reputation for following an adventurous beer sourcing path.However, on this occasion,probably due to some January malaise,two handpumps were inactive, and one offered the dreaded Doom Bar.This left the house beer-Crispin Ale from Mad Cat over at Brogdale and Exmoor Gold.Being determined to drink Kentish this weekend I stuck with the Cat, a decent brown bitter,malty and earthy with a mid range snack of hops.Fizzy lager is also available. As a fairly foodie family, we were intrigued by the Caribbean cookery on offer:warming and spicy on a nippy day.A good country town pub:dogs were welcome.