The George Hotel, Cranbrook

More a hotel than a pub,this seems to be the bar of choice for the jeunesse of Cranbrook. Tile hung,with vaguely Georgian windows,the interior seems much older, with exposed beams, a fine staircase,and oak boards.Indeed, Queen Elizabeth 1 is reputed to have come here. Entering from the street one encounters a fairly streamlined modern style bar,insofar as anything here can be totally modern.Given its age, the building can be described as rambling, and many of the outshots, nooks and crannies and curious little rooms on various levels are given over to dining. On our visit, on a damp August midweek evening, three generations of the family ate at a long table in front of an intriguing fireplace.The food could be described as contemporary, with a bias towards local produce,and well presented. The George now belongs to Shepherd Neame, and the Whitstable Bay was on cracking form. At the back,through an archway is a vestigial coaching yard, now serving as a little carpark and al fresco drinking area. If I lived in the town, I would definitely use the George, though I fear I would feel a little out of place in the bar!