The Jolly Fisherman, Hastings

This cosy seafront micropub occupies an unusual old building, offering a very intimate setting that came with a few space issues during a busy Saturday evening visit. Inside, the pub presents a bare-boarded room with rustic-looking wall panels and an exposed brick fireplace to the right-hand side, whilst the compact servery stands along the rear wall. Seating is limited to pews, benches, and stools arranged down either side, often broken up by partitioning screens that lend a surprisingly private feel not often associated with micropubs. The bar features a short, plain counter with beer boards mounted on the canopy above, and keg taps and cider lists spread across the bar back, along with a few old drawers whose former purpose is left to the imagination. The front windows are stacked with empty bottles, while the walls are decorated with old storefront photographs and fish-themed drawings. A small recess to the rear right houses a few board games. Radiohead provided the background music during my visit. The pub was so busy on arrival that there was initially nowhere to sit or stand, but two blokes who recognised me from a previous pub kindly offered me a seat, close to the pub's Toad in the Hole table. The beer selection included Kirkstall Bitter and Arbor Mosaic on cask, alongside an impressive range of ten craft keg options sourced from Belgium, the UK, Germany, and Estonia. The barman was friendly and welcoming, and both dogs and children are allowed inside. After my two friends departed, another punter was quick to take advantage of a free seat and we also got chatting, such is the nature of this type of friendly boozer. This is a top quality micropub which ticks just about every box you'd want from such a venue. I particularly enjoyed the convivial atmosphere on a Saturday night, but thought the beer was great too and the building seems to be a characterful spot that offers something a bit different to your typical shop-converted micro. A really great visit and for me, this was the pick of the pubs that Hastings has to offer. Date of visit – 21st December 2024

Diverging from the East Kent micropub template, The Jolly Fisherman features just 2 cask ales, but 8 keg taps (6 of them in action today) and they are all pretty much indistinguishable on the back wall. A blackboard makes it clear what's what, however. Plenty of wines and ciders too, if that's your preference. Seating is basic, being the usual micropub fare of wooden pews and stools, with one or two cushioned seats for the lucky few. While genre purists might be appalled, beer quality can't be faulted, so you'd be a fool to miss out.