The Shipwrights Arms, Hollow Shore, Faversham

An iconic and historic Kent pub with strong connections to local maritime life, including a history of smuggling, barges and, more recently, yachting. Once difficult to get to from land side, it is now approached through what is about to become an awful housing estate, and it has a somewhat pot-holed tarmac track leading to it as well as the adjacent boatyard – a recent innovation given that previously it was a mud track impassable in very wet Winters. The pub has somewhat modernised since I first went there some 4 decades ago, having been extended and now having a kitchen. The original fireplace still stands, as does the core structure which now contains 3 seating areas, plus there is an extension housing a basic but good value restaurant. The younger bar staff were helpful and friendly, and the beer was excellent. The ales were kept on stillage behind the bar and in a separate cellar, brought through by hand. The selection was Goacher’s Dark Mild, Bitter and Shipwreck, Kent Brewery’s Citra and Prohibition and Harvey’s Best Bitter, all in outstanding condition. Definitely a pub to visit under any circumstances, including from the sea when the tide allows, but do check opening times first.