The Woolpack Inn, Ashford

After a visit to the Red Lion at Snargate, any subsequent pubs were likely to be a bit of a letdown. But in fairness to this one, it surpassed by initial low expectations. On approach, it appears to be more of a foodie pub than anything else, but once inside you can appreciate the multiple room layout of another historic Kent pub. Food is indeed the mainstay of this place which belongs to a chain called Pickled Egg. I think we were the only customers who were in solely for a drink. But despite a wait for service, we were well accommodated nonetheless. Staff cleared off a long bench-like imitation bar, adjacent to the main bar and complete with 4 handpulls, to allow us to sit there. Ales on were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Old Dairy Uber Brew. A small chalkboard sitting on the bar listed 4 Kent Cider Company ciders - Lemon Cider, Henderson's Rhubarb Cider, Henderson's Spiced Cider & Discovery. I initially challenged the barman as to whether the Discovery was actually from Kent Cider Company, believing it to be from Nightingale, but on further research, he was indeed correct. So, it was a new cider for me. We didn't try the food, but it was clearly popular given how busy the place was on a weekday lunchtime. I may not have been expecting much here, but I was suitably impressed.

I was rather distracted during my visit here, because the chain had come off my bike a few metres up the road, and I spent a lot of time cleaning the muck off my hands which I would otherwise have spent making notes and looking at the important features of the pub. Fortunately Rex Rattus was here a few weeks before me, so you can read his review instead. Service was friendly and the local beers were well kept. We sat outside in the front garden, which was very pleasant - oh, and I nearly got run down by another cyclist while taking a photo of the pub, much to the amusement of all who witnessed the event. Date of visit: 31st August 2016