The Ferry House, Sheerness

Possibly the most remote pub in Kent, located at the far end of the Isle of Sheppey, with the last ferry having departed in 1941. However, it somehow survived to become a very upmarket restaurant, hotel and events venue in more recent years. The bar remains open to all, unless there is a wedding on (so best to check before visiting). Splendid terrace overlooking The Swale and the mainland beyond. Just the Wife of Bath's from Canterbury Ales (£5.60, but very 'end of the barrel', although a fresh supplies from the dray were just arriving as I left).

An historic inn associated with the ancient ferry between Sheppey and Faversham, once busy with the movement of gunpowder and sheep, now no longer in operation. The building has 14th Century roots, though much of the current structure is an 18th Century house. The remote setting in largely unspoilt marshland makes it a very pleasant place, and the 3 mile track from the main road keeps the rabble away. There is a large car park and an even larger garden overlooking The Swale and the marshes on the main land. The garden has ample bench seating and a play area for children, while the location on relatively unspoilt marshland rather than a more accessible rock island makes it popular with bird botherers. Inside, there are two main bars, a restaurant and a separate dining room. The décor is pleasant and 'rustic', plenty of polished oak including a bar counter made from oak barrels. Food is locally sourced and cooked to a high standard. Wines are also local, mainly from Kentish vineyards, and the two ales on during this visit were both from Whitstable Brewery. I had a pint of Native, which was in very good condition. As a gastro it is a bit of a cliché, and the atmosphere was slightly marred by the stony-faced landlady who had clearly missed a couple of lessons at charm school, but otherwise it was a pleasant place to come and have a leisurely lunch and a decent pint.