Three Hats, Sittingbourne

The Three Hats is a small pub that is made even smaller by an enclosed central staircase that leads up to the flat above. Seating runs along the front windows, and up the right-hand wall is the bar counter that supports standard keg alongside Amstel. There are also four hand pumps, but only one was in use drawing Harvey’s Sussex Best. Behind the wide staircase column is more seating and the gap between the column and left-hand wall was being used as a messy storage area. In the right rear is more seating, and a dartboard is found on the rear wall. There is a jukebox that was playing a random selection of background songs during a recent late Tuesday afternoon visit. There’s a pink tinselled cubicle with a small glitterball and Barbie written across it in the right-hand wall at the end of the bar counter, maybe for karaoke or something? Food is available, the Iceland portions were very generous. The service was friendly, but the curious wet dog and children running around made me feel like I was at a distant relatives tea party, I was glad to leave.

The Three Hats is Sittingbourne's only current GBG entry, and it's thought that the name comes from three Cavalier supporters of Charles II who dined there at the time of the restoration. It was a Courage pub until it became a Freehouse at the end of the 20th Century. It has deteriorated quite a bit recently, and is now looking a bit tired, while the ambiance is ruined by too many gaming machines and a tv screen. The carpet is faded, but the welcome is still warm and the pub is dog-friendly. Three ales and one cider on - I had Banks's Mild which was in very good condition. Worth dropping in for its beer quality.

This cosy little pub dating back to 1503 is situated in a quaint Village High Street that has now been consumed by the expanse of Sittingbourne but still retaining a degree of isolated charm. The pub has alternated between being a pub and a private dwelling many times over the centuries and was also once used for a carpentry business. The fairly small interior is divided into two and there are plenty of sagging beamed ceilings (you may need to duck a few times), exposed brickwork and wonky pillars to admire. The front upper section has a TV, a couple of game machines and a large collection of pump clips. Note also the sign on one of the beams dedicated to lost local who “passed away legless and is reunited with the devil”. The rear section contains a bar billiards table, dart board, quiz machine and beyond is an attractive beer garden. I found the staff, customers and menagerie of dogs all very friendly and welcoming. The 3 ales (Sheps Master Brew, Skinners Heligan Honey (one of my favourite all time beers) and Westerham Freedom Ale) were top notch with prices about par for the area. They are listed in the current Good Beer Guide. Food wise there is a selection of very good value bar food although I didn’t get to try any on my visit. It is a 10/15 minute walk from the centre of Sittingbourne to find the place but it is well worth the effort and I will certainly be paying it another visit if I find myself in the area.