The Blacksmiths Arms, Sittingbourne

Picturesque pub / restaurant hidden away in a North Downs hamlet. Compact, partitioned bar having just enough room for two tables, with a collection of chiming clocks and all sorts of other bits of pieces adorning the walls. A few wooden benches can also be found along the frontage. Just a solitary handpump, dispensing The Miller's Ale from Canterbury Ales (£4.50 and a bit cloudy but drinkable).

A 17th Century village pub formed from 3 farm workers' cottages and an old forge, plus a small more modern extension at one side. It has been modernised and reorganised in the last 40 or so years and the larger room on the left is now a restaurant, while the smaller bar on the right forms a split-level bar with ivy draped around the beams and multiple antiques and clocks for sale on the walls. The original forge brick floor is still visible in some places. There is limited parking at the front, and there are some bench seats with umbrellas. It used to be a venue for motorcyclists, including the Vincent Owners Club, but the drastic reduction in bar area meant that was no longer practical, while much of its original character was lost. The clients now are one or two locals, plus people who come out into the countryside to find an expensive meal. Three ales on draft, Cottage Lightning, Blacksheep and British Bulldog. Beers were fairly well kept. Dogs are allowed in the bar area, children are not. A decent enough place to come and eat if you've got time, but its remoteness and loss of its historic charm make it a chore to come out here for a casual pint.