Beefeater Long Reach, Whitstable

The first pub you find when entering Whitstable from the East is this Beefeater outlet with its large car park and extensive wheelchair ramp. There is a large main bar, mostly carpeted with a few misplaced tiles, shabby furniture and incredibly annoying muzak. A smaller room to one side is reserved for functions but was not in use when we visited. A Premier Inn shares the site. The food is typical for the brand, mostly worth avoiding. I found the staff unhelpful, lacking in knowledge and charm, and mainly inefficient. Most of the clients were in the over-70 bracket, which made the place feel like a care home refectory. There were two pumps on the bar but only one ale on – Spitfire – which was much too cold but otherwise in good condition. Not the pearl in Whitstable's oyster.