Smugglers Ale House, Cranbrook

The Black Pig, Hawkhurst 24th. July 2011 This was, in a prior manifestation, the Kent Cricketers, and a house of doubtful repute. Fortunately , for it and the inhabitants of Hawkhurst,it has been bought by the family that runs the Benenden Bull.Now, with a tasteful redesign, and a somewhat bizarre black external colour scheme,it provides pleasing dining arrangements and a selection of locally produced beers and ciders.The pub is also an outlet, unusual in these parts , for “craft keg” from Hepworths and Whitstable. A rather fleeting visit, we were busy with the Market on the Moor, but I enjoyed the pint of Faversham Creek from the Whitstable Brewery: despite the name, a clear,hoppy nettley ale, with an end flavour of plums.The first sunny Sunday in weeks saw a good crowd of families in the suntrap garden to the rear. I like this pub, and plan to come back for a meal when things are quieter. An added bonus is that they run an event bar in the form of one of those iconic French vans that look as if they were made of corrugated iron.This fine vehicle was doing a roaring trade on the Moor that morning, selling Larkins Traditional and Red Top from Old Dairy.