Paddy McGintys, St. Leonards-On-Sea

Although much changed in character, this 1930s? pub retains some character including the dark wood-panelling inside the bar and several original doors. Sadly, there is nothing doing from the three handpumps these days, but at least the landlady pointed me towards the bottled Abbot and Old Speckled Hen (£4.30) before I ordered.

At some point over the last four years the Rising Sun has been redecorated and renamed Paddy McGinty’s. The interior consists of an open plan seating area that is faced by the bar located on the rear wall. A pool table and dartboard have been shoehorned into a small raised area to the left of the bar. Plasma screens are now located on every wall and during my Friday afternoon visit they were all showing woman’s cricket. Out the front is a high walled enclosed smoking area with some seating. I quite liked the interior and I found the barman to be friendly. Unfortunately the uneducated locals in attendance were crass and foul mouthed. This is another pub in the area that I will not be revisiting any time soon, which is a shame because there is potential.

The Rising Sun is a small L shaped Shepherd Neame pub with the usual Shep draught available alongside two hand pumps that were drawing Spitfire and 1648 Triple Champion. I went for the Guinness that was well served by a friendly barmaid. The furniture is a bit sparse with a few tables and chairs and an old sofa, but there are numerous bar stools to park upon. I spotted one plasma screen that was showing muted rugby on ESPN whilst a DJ played some house tunes before the karaoke kicked off. I left before the warbling started and noted that karaoke is found here every Friday and Saturday night. Children are permitted and I didn’t spot any food advertised, but the Deep Blue fish and chip shop is next door. Although friendly, this pub doesn’t really offer anything that would have me rushing back.