The Highlander, Sheerness

Situated in an elevated position on the narrow High Street, with splendid views from the back windows (and the beer garden on a terrace below) over the marshland and The Swale towards the Kent mainland. The staple-shaped interior must have been opened out at some stage to leave various tables around the pool table and feature brick fireplace (sadly not in use) at one end, a narrower seating / dining area at the other and the counter in between. I was unlucky to find no real ale available from the three handpumps (although I was assured that Ghost Ship would be coming on later after it had settled), so resorted to the John Smith's (£3.60).

A pub of two halves: from the front, it is a Victorian Shephard and Neame high street pub with wooden floors, gaming machines, a pool table and a carpeted 'saloon' area. It was first licensed in 1858. The original structure has been altered but can be easily inferred from the clumsily hidden columns and beams. The other half is at the back: picture windows have been installed to exploit the spectacular view from this highpoint out across the North Kent coast, The Swale and the bridges. There is even a picture window above the urinals in the gents' lavatory, a floor below the bar, which affords a similar view but can be distracting at a time when one should not be distracted. I cannot comment as to whether the same has been done in the ladies'. Another level down is an outside terrace, a bit scabby but provides a smoking area. There was one ale on, Spitfire, which was in very good condition and most enjoyable. The barmaid was charming and easy on the eye, the locals were decent and welcoming, there were newspapers available to read and TV screens showed sport. It's quaint, unusual, characterful and a great place to spend time; a pub worth visiting as long as you avoid the karaoke nights.