The Churchill Tavern, Ramsgate

Intrigued by the reviews for this one so decided to take a nose. It’s a big place with an 80s Americana-feel refit (I would mildly dispute ‘country pub’!) - wood and exposed brick with a couple of raised areas in the bay windows which afford a great view over the harbour and Pegwell Bay. Three microbrew cask and my Tonbridge Blonde Ambition was surprisingly good (NBSS 3.5). Aimed at the mid-market punter with music, quiz, darts, pool and the FA Cup final on the tellybox. Perhaps better than expected and I’d recommend putting it on the crawl list en route to the Artillery.

Although perhaps not quite the 'country pub in town' that the external signage proclaims, this alehouse-style establishment still has some merits. These include ornate Italianate features on the façade and the rustic, partly split-level 'L'-shaped interior (especially the compact bow-window areas offering the best views of the harbour). Pool table and live music advertised. Three of four handpumps in operation, offering Adnams Ghost Ship, Old Dairy Gold Top and the dubiously-named Knob Jockey house beer. Two boxed Lilley's ciders also available.