The Anchor Inn, Hastings

Normally I can be somewhat scathing about Shepherd Neame pubs. The reason being their beer selection is tied to the output of the Shepherd Neame brewery, and so few of their pubs serve anything more than Masterbrew and Spitfire (if you're lucky). The Anchor did three Shepherd Neame lagers and four Shepherd Neame ales. We stopped off for a pint on the way back to the railway station – I had three. And their jukebox is probably the best for miles around. thisd place warrants a well deserved 8/10. 18 February 2008 Four decent ales on the hand pump, including the Shepherd Neame porter which is excellent. Good food, friendly service. Will certainly be going back.

Although this place is not as interesting as the pub opposite I have to say that there were twice as many (4) ales on during my visit and they were much better kept. The staff were nice enough, but I think that the music was a tad loud for a Mothering Sunday afternoon. The pub is basically a large room with the bar in the middle and I'd imagine it is very nice in the winter months when the huge inglenook fireplace is utilised. This isn't the most interesting place, but the beer was up to scratch and I would go back again.