The Vaults, Faversham

As described below this is a long narrow place that looks quite old. There is a small area at the front before you get to the bar on the right. This had two hand pumps for cider and four for beer. Sadly one of these was unused and the others had a pathetic choice of Well's Poppy, the grossly over-rated Taylor's Boltmaker or Cottage Pacific. I went for the Cottage beer (£3.70) which was way too cold and tasteless but I wouldn't expect anything else from a brewery that even JDW no longer use on their national guest ale list. To be honest anywhere with the name Cask or Kitchen in the name might just as well have the words rip off in brackets after it so in this case it was a double whammy. £3.70 for a mediochre 4% ABV beer is over the top. The 10p CAMRA discount wouldn't have altered my view if I'd known about it.

Attractive old building, with a much larger interior than one might guess from the frontage. Small bar / restaurant at the front, with a much bigger bar to the rear. Large beer garden with a smoking shelter. Visited during the annual Hop Festival so the place was packed and it was not clear exactly what the beer choice was, but my pint of Green daemon from the Hopdaemon Brewery (£3.70) was first class. The outdoor stage and a range of stalls are probably not a regular feature either, but I would certainly like to go back at a quieter time to see what's what.

Previously The Albion Wine Vaults, and was Hole in the Wall for a short time. A deceptively large high street pub with a small front bar, a much large carpeted lounge bar and a dining area at the back, plus a good sized beer garden. It's atmospheric, has low ceilings and exposed beams, a laid-back pub dog and charming bar staff. Part of the original structure – probably 17th Century – is visible. They host regular live music events and offer freshly cooked good including traditional Kentish kangaroo burgers. It is Locale and CasqueMark accredited and is a GBG regular. Free wifi and a bar billiard table are available. Highly recommended for a visit any time.