Dancing Dog Saloon, Sittingbourne

Previously The Halfway House, this pub dates back to early-Victorian times and is first recorded as having a licence in 1851. Some of the original features, such as fireplaces and wooden floors, are still visible. It used to be a busy road-house, but since the A249 was re-routed it has become a quiet back-water. Arriving here, I was prepared to enter what appeared to be Kent's naffest theme pub, but actually found something rather better - the inside, although cluttered with American-West artifacts, was quite intriguing. An odd mix of faux-Western and 1950s transport cafe, it's full of mild surprises - the local gentry eating fish and chips, well cooked, cheap food, and three hand-pumps on the bar (though sadly none was working). Opening hours are non-standard, so it's worth checking before you come here or you might be out of luck. There is a large car-park to one side, and I am told that they have Country and Western nights, but there was no evidence of this when I visited. Worth a look in if travelling to/from Sheppey.