The Monument, Canterbury

An absolutely cracking freehouse with excellent ales and a superb atmosphere, by far the best pub visit this week. The Georgian building has been sympathetically restored, while opening out the ground floor to make it open plan hasn’t ruined it at all. It was previously a Shepherd Neame pub, but given what I’ve seen of their pubs this week, it has been rescued from mediocrity. The TV was mute as was the piano by the door, the staff were really engaging (especially he Irish barmaid who made us feel very welcome) and the atmosphere was wholly convivial. Food was original but pricey, the other customers were a friendly bunch and provided good company. Toilets were gender neutral – whatever that means. Ales were Hop Project Clear Head, Hophead Dark Star and Reeves’s Canterbury Ales Nutty Copper Bitter, all in superb condition causing us to linger longer than we’d intended. There were also 2 boxed ciders, again keeping us there for an extended period. Definitely worth a visit and a must for a pub crawl.

under new ownership

Terraced Shepherd Neame house in St Dunstan's, with the old-school façade not quite reflecting with the modernised (if still decidedly traditional) interior. Partly opened-out, but there remain three seating / dining areas around the bar and some more tables in a rear conservatory. Three real ales on handpump: Spitfire (original) plus two badged as Whitstable Bay - Pale Ale and Red IPA (£4.30).