Pearson's Arms, Whitstable

As described by Wittenden, below. This was one of the better pubs we visited this time around, receiving as we did a friendly welcome and some decent beer. The barmaid looked a bit fierce but was really friendly once we got to know her, while one of the barboys was just creepy. The atmosphere was convivial, the locals were welcoming and it was pleasantly devoid of grockles. The one real ale on was Pearson’s Arms Ale (brewed by Sharp’s) which was very good indeed. Inch’s Cider was also on draft. Craft beers were Lagunitas Daytime Session IPA and Brixton IPA. The megakeg selection included Red Stripe, which did seem a bit out of place. I’d be very happy to come back here and include it in a crawl.

Attractive white weatherboarded timber framed pub by the beach in the Horsebridge area of Whitstable.Inside, a bit soulless and barlike, with a central fireplace and a peculiar vault area. Upstairs, above the kitchen, a pleasant zone laid up for dining, with iconic views over the oyster beds and the distant mirage-like vista of the Isle of Sheppey and Essex. On our visit on a Thursday lunchtime in the dead zone between Christmas and New Year, the pub was humming with diners and drinkers.The beer range was rather limited-Gadds' Little Cracker, which while not my type of beer was on cracking seasonal form, together with Oliver's Island from Fullers, and something red from Jennings.As we were in Whitstable, I allowed myself some craft keg in the for of AHDE ME from Angels and Demons,which was surprisingly good and gass free. A Whitstable take on the gastropub.OK.

On the sea wall, right by the beach, this could be an atmospheric destination pub but unfortunately it feels a bit sterile inside. Food is clearly a major player with seafood dishes leading, plenty were eating, mostly in the lower semi-cellar area. The place is on three levels but it is not that large, the upper area seemed to be just a service zone plus toilets. Old boarded floor, distressed wood panelled walls, framed beach and sea related pictures, a wild boar's head on a wall. There is a central fireplace which may get use in winter as there were stacked logs adjacent. Mixed seating and with a clutch of sofas and armchairs to the front of the bar, one "table" is formed of a wooden case. You can sit outside with partial beach/sea views however this involves plastic glasses, just not worth it for me. Four handpumps, Landlord, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Harvey's Sussex Bitter plus one unclipped. It's not an unpleasant spot by any means but to me not really taking advantage of it's premium location.