The Old Oak, Sittingbourne

Originally opened as an ale house in 1881, The Old Oak previously has a reputation for excellent beer and home cooked food. Its current incarnation is not quite so traditional, as it now has a Portuguese bar/diner theme, complete with cafe-style Iberian menu, new continental furniture and open plan styling. It is much lighter and airier than before despite its small size, the original fireplaces have been plastered over, the ceiling skimmed and the floors covered with carpet at the rear and laminate at the front. There is no doubt that the business has been modernised, but the pub has lost a lot of its character. There is a lot of pale beech wood on display, tv screens, and background music I heard another customer describe as "the Portuguese Chaz and Dave". Only one ale on now, Masterbrew, which was not on top form. OK to drop in for a cafe style lunch, but I wouldn't include on a crawl (this is Sittingbourne, not Lisbon).