Harvester The Bybrook Barn, Ashford

Yes, it's a Harvester, but the bar area at the front is quite an attractive conversion of historic barn (with most general seating under the high wooden roof, apart from a small mezzanine). However, the larger - and much more anonymous - dining areas are in a linked modern building at the back. No real ale of course, and not even any keg bitter on tap, but at least the bottled Sharp's Atlantic was only £3.75. However, despite the poor choice of draught beers, the staff were friendly and efficient, and this is - albeit damning with feint praise - probably the best outlet from this chain that I have encountered in terms of just stopping by for a drink.

As described below, a fair-sized Harvester constructed out of bits of old barn. The bar, which is to the left on the way in, is pleasant enough but the place is really only geared to diners. The Atlantic was off but the Doom Bar was in reasonable form.

This Harvester was opposite the hotel in which we were staying, so made it the obvious place for a bit of nosh on the Friday evening. The layout of the place is described by the previous reviewer - the only thing I would add is that it has a large large car park. The food was the same as every other Harvester. I think the staff performance has gone up a few notches since ETA's visit. The young lady who served us in the restaurant was as efficient as one could expect in a Harvester. There were a couple of ales on; Sharp's Doom Bar and Atlantic. The Atlantic was brought to our table, and came just about in the undrinkable category. Returning it to the bar, the barman drew a small taster and then admitting he had no idea what it should taste like summoned a more experienced colleague to make the judgement. Said colleague agreed that it wasn't up to par, and replaced it with a pint of Doom Bar, which by Doom Bar standards was very good. It's a Harvester so you wouldn't consider visiting if you're seeking a genuine pub experience, or even some good real ale, but it was handily placed opposite the Holiday Inn in which I was staying.