Pub 31, Winchelsea

Plain-looking pub in an area of holiday park caravans, so one might not expect too much. However, it was quite busy on a sunny Saturday afternoon in September, but more out in the basic conservatory-style extension and the patio beer garden between that and the road. The pool table and dartboard were expected, but the passable Greene King 'London Glory' (£5.60 with a packet of peanuts) from one of a pair of handpumps did come as more of a surprise.

Pub 31 has a weatherboard exterior, large car park behind and front beer garden/car park with some picnic tables and a covered smoking shelter. I wasn’t expecting much as I approached so was surprised to find a proper pub interior complete with a pool table and dartboard. The television was off, but BT Sports is advertised. There are extended opening hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturday and live music is held here on Sunday afternoons. During my recent Saturday afternoon visit there was some background music playing. The L shaped bar supports a standard keg range and the solitary hand pump was drawing St Austell’s Tribute. I didn’t see any advertisements for food. There was only one other customer, but I was made to feel Welcome, as are dogs on leads. I preferred this place to the Ship Inn up the road, but it cannot compete with Ship’s beer garden.