Alfred Arms, New Town, Ashford

Busy locals pub overlooking Newtown Green, opened out at the front to leave a 'L'-shaped bar but leaving a compact lobby beyond with a small counter to serve the rear pool / darts room. Refurbished throughout with plain, semi-traditional furniture at some stage. The London Pride clip on the solitary handpump proved to be illusory, unfortunately, so resorted to sole keg bitter - Theakston Best (£3.30).

The Alfred Arms is located in between railway lines and a large park that stretches to estate housing. The bar area at the front of the pub is U shaped with plenty of stools and there are tables and chairs around the exterior walls. At the rear is a large room that houses a pool table, dartboard and plasma screen. There is an internet jukebox that was supplying some low back music and another TV that was also switched off. I didn’t notice any live sports advertisements, but I would be surprised if football isn’t shown. The bar is stocked with standard draught and the food stretches to some premade rolls that are found on the back bar. This is very much a local’s boozer, but the governor was very friendly and I was made to feel welcome during my fleeting visit. Due to the distance from the station I doubt that I’ll ever return as this isn’t a place that I would miss a train home for.