Furlongs, Faversham

Furlongs Ale House was not originally on my shortlist of pubs to visit in Faversham. Had the Phoenix not been closed, I wouldn't have visited this micropub. As it was, this was just about my favourite pub of the day in Kent. Although it was very difficult to separate this one and the Elephant. They offer very different, but excellent drinking experiences. The pub comprises of a single room, with what appeared to be a heated outdoor area to the rear just beyond the single unisex WC. The bar itself can be found in the rear left corner. Handpulls can be found against a white tiled wall, whilst ciders were being fetched from a cellar/cold room. Boards above the bar list spirits, wines, soft drinks and snacks, in addition to the beers and ciders. 4 cask ales were on - Kent Cascade, Rudgate Valkyrie, Verdant Penpol & Goacher's Imperial Stout. Ciders were Pennypot Apple, Rhubarb, Mango & Strawberry & Biddenden's Biddies 5, Kentish Kiss & Biddies Berries. Henderson's Spiced Cider was also available as a mulled option. Craft beers were Time & Tide Fridge King & Spratwaffler, Gadd's Black Pearl & Beavertown Neck Oil. There are a few pictures on the walls and a skylight was a further notable feature. What looked like a DJ booth could be found in the window to the left-hand side. Although, that wouldn't appear to fit into the micropub ethos. Music was playing during our visit, but was being drown out by conversation in what was a fairly packed room. Other than the beer selection, what set this pub apart was the friendly nature of the customers. We could probably have stood or sat anywhere in the pub and would have been very quickly engaged in conversation. We enjoyed a couple of drinks here in excellent company and received a good recommendation for a curry house (Spice Lounge) to head to before one last Faversham pub. Well worth a visit.

Rather odd seating arrangement - with very high bench seating along both sides. You feel like you are up before the jury on entry. The reason? So those seating can look in the eyes of those standing. For a micro, we also liked the fact that proper hand pulls were available and not just gravity fed barrels that other Kent micros were keen on. A hugely eclectic clientele covering what I would think are most of the social grading system.

Admirably described by the esteemed scribes below, this is a simple East Kent Micro enhanced by the elaborate roof light which harks back to the building's former role as a fish shop.Out back is a partially paved garden,though I was glad to escape the sun on my brief Sunday afternoon visit.An interesting selection of cask beers,together with wines and gins from Kent were on offer. Muggy Porter, from Northdowns, a newish brewery in Thanet,was on good form.

Narrow micro-pub with single-sided bench tables to left and right of the central passageway. The general alehouse appearance is enlivened by various pictures (some fixtures, others for sale). Also has a basic rear garden with a few tables. Six real ales on offer from the handpumps on the notional bar-back, but there were more on a stillage opposite the compact counter when I visited during the annual Hop Festival. I went for the Four Candles Citra Session Pale (£3.20, and in splendid form) but the other offerings were equally interesting.

Official site of Furlongs - furlongsfaversham.wordpress.com

Official site of Furlongs - furlongsfaversham.wordpress.com