The Chambers, Folkestone

My mates were a bit suspicious that I was leading them into a coffee shop, as that's what the upstairs actually is, but they settled down once we were downstairs and they saw the handpumps. It can feel a bit studenty, as most of the staff seem to be, but they do know their beer and provide a friendly service. There is always a good selection of beers and ciders and even when the pipes are being cleaned they'll draw the beer straight from the barrel. I recall Henry's IPA, Ramsgate Bitter, Dogbolter Porter and Skrimshanker IPA and we tried all of them during the three visits we made over as many days. An eclectic clientele mixes well, with the trendy young beautiful people drinking harmoniously alongside the real ale enthusiasts. CAMRA newsletters and local information leaflets are available and there's an unusual little alcove near the main bar where the telephone sits. A good place for a beer.