The Freed Man, Deal

Nicely appointed micro-pub, with plenty of memorabilia which belies its recent origins as a converted shop. Sensible mix of seating for the limited space available. A key feature is the four-handled Victorian beer engine, dispensing Hellhound Cock Blocker, Rocket Three Hop American Amber Ale, Four Candles Fruity Session Ale (£3.30) and Rev James Gold. Also has (shock horror!) a lager tap which indicates a slightly different take on the concept, but which does nothing to dampen the appeal of this new venture.

Official site of The Freed Man - www.thefreed-man.co.uk

Official site of The Freed Man - www.thefreed-man.co.uk

An East Kent Micro,opened in January 2016,in the former Walmer sub post office.Furnished with the typical eclectic tables and chairs, and decorated with a largely nautical range of memoriabilia.The beer, from micros based in Kent and further afield, is served from a characterful "cash register" style bank of handpumps. On my brief visit on a warm June Saturday evening, I enjoyed a pint of Brew Buddies BB01 Challenger Bobek Best Bitter. Perhaps unusually for a micropub,"real " lager and a range of wines and spirits are available, alongside authentic looking cider.In fact, the Guv descibes it as a mini- rather than micro-pub in intent.The name refers to the relief he felt from no longer being beholden to a brewer's tie on opening his own business. A contented, relaxed atmosphere, with a knowledgeable and friendly barman. It seems as if you can consume fish'n'chips from the neighbouring chippie,though I'm not wholly sure about the logistics of this.A welcome addition to this attractive coastal town.