Donna's Ale House, Sittingbourne

A nice little micro, which I entered just as the landlady was fixing the latest GBG sticker to the door, which had to be a good sign. Quite smartly done up and a friendly place as might be expected. Just three ales on - Hopfuzz Hopstar, Wantsum Imperium and Kent Golden - as she explained that she keeps fewer beers on earlier in the week to maintain condition. I wish others would follow suit. Further bonus marks as she opens lunchtimes and manages to offer a limited range of food, which shows it can be done. Nice.

I had reserved a table inside at this small micropub at the western end of Sittingbourne's town centre. But we could probably have got away without booking, especially as the weather was allowing for drinking on the pavement at the front. Partitions have been added to the room, which gives it a cosy feel. 4 ales were on. They were Kent KGB & Mayflower, Canterbury Ales Kentish Best & Leigh-on-Sea Legra. My eyes lit up at the cider selection, with no fewer than 11 listed on a blackboard, 4 of which I'd not previously tried. The choice was Dudda's Tun Blackcurrant Cider, Cheery Old Dudda, Pear o'Duddas, Original, Disco, Sweet Apple & Apricot Cider, Kent Cider Company Rhubarb Cider, Strawberry Cider & Waken & Nightingale Discovery. The guy serving was possibly the owner's husband. He had a good sense of humour and was happy to chat to all of his customers. One of 3 micropubs in this town, I may well be back without the car to have a better session.

In most respects, a typical micro-pub although there is enough room for a counter and the furniture is more modern than most. No decor to speak of, with bare-brick walls, but the full-height window at the front helps. Six real ales (mostly reasonably local) in a variety of styles, from which selection I went for the Mad Cat Jet Black Stout.