The White Hart, Cranbrook

Newenden on a sunny summer Sunday is a real picture, with its weatherboarded pub, curious church tower, cricket ground and historic bridge conjuring-up the nostalgic and timeless England of George Orwell and John Major. I had thought about a quick stop anyway, since my last visit was some years ago, but seeing the sign proclaiming 'Beer & Music Festival 2016' was a clincher. The 12 real ales were being served from a wooden shed out in the garden, which was full of families sat on the wooden picnic benches and on the grass, all enjoying a nice relaxed afternoon. The local Hot & Rothered had sold out, so I opted for the single-hop Beerd Blueprint (although nobody had the first idea what variety had been used). Just popped inside for a quick look at the pleasantly traditional interior, with the staff working overtime washing glasses and generally keeping the show on the road. Splendid.

Official site of The White Hart - www.thewhitehartnewenden.co.uk

Official site of The White Hart - www.thewhitehartnewenden.co.uk