Allkin Tap and Bottle, Tunbridge Wells

Facebook page of Allkin Tap and Bottle - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Allkin Tap and Bottle - www.facebook.com

Official site of Allkin Tap and Bottle - www.allkinbrewing.com

Official site of Allkin Tap and Bottle - www.allkinbrewing.com

Compact split-level craft beer bar for the Eridge-based brewery of the same name. Housed in a narrow shop-conversion unit, there's little space for seating around the bar in the front part, but five solid bench tables can be found up three steps at the back (along with a tiny kitchen servery). Both parts have a smart modern appearance. Surprisingly perhaps, only one of its own beers featured on the 13 active keg taps from the array of 15 on the wall, with an equal number of beers from Verdant and Track being showcased. However, the former's Radio Silence (£4.30) was also available from the solitary handpump on the counter.

This is the uber-cool base for the former Good Things Brewery, reborn as Allkin. A single wooden stick for a handpump, serving up Burning Sky Plateau on my visit, albeit not as at it's very best, as well as a tap wall providing 12 further keg options in the usual modern style plus a fridge if you feel you just need a bit more choice. On top of that, they have taken the commendable step of uncapping a 750ml bottle and selling 150ml glasses - a Burning Sky Saison was the choice on the day (though at a steep £4). Background music was what sounds to this ageing pub-goer like "modern jazz" and it's just the place if you've one or more of: iPhone, tattoos, beard. I fitted in as best I could, as did an ensemble from the local CAMRA branch, so it's a broad church. The service was helpful with advice and tasters freely offered, which helped encourage me to make 3 trips to the bar. Overall, I enjoyed my visit and I have to say that Tunbridge Wells does enjoy a high standard of interesting pubs and bars.