Coachworks, Ashford

Coachworks has a central outside square with long orange benches where food from the various vendor huts up the side of the square can be consumed. The large bar is in a vaulted ceiling building that feels a bit like a scout hut. A blue tiled serving counter runs across the rear well where it faces a row of beer hall benches that run from the right to a line of high tables up the left-hand wall. Television screens on the back bar list 16 premium and craft beers and a cocktail menu. There was some crap shouty music playing in the background during a Friday evening visit when it was very busy both inside and out. My train home from Ashford is hourly, so I’m sure I’ll find myself back in here at some point.

The main seating area is in the courtyard, with the beer hall on the right-hand side, three street-food type outlets straight ahead and a two-storey venue and events space in the old works off to the left. A total of 16 mostly crafty beers and ciders are to be found on the various multi-tap keg founts, including my House Party from Lervig (£6.20).

Official site of Yard Bar / Hothouse Bar - www.coach-works.co.uk

Official site of Yard Bar / Hothouse Bar - www.coach-works.co.uk