The George & Dragon, Sevenoaks

Upmarket village pub, although the partly opened-out and refurbished interior is less traditional than one might expect. That said, it still has a decent-sized bar area with another small room beyond the fireplace housing a woodburner and one large TV in a corner for sport, etc. The large dining room is located down a few steps at car park level, as is the rear patio beer garden that can catch any afternoon sun. Duplicated Shepherd Neame selection of Master Brew, Whitstable Bay Pale and the seasonal Late Red (£4.95) from the two banks of three handpumps.

Official site of The George & Dragon - www.georgeanddragon-ightham.co.uk

Official site of The George & Dragon - www.georgeanddragon-ightham.co.uk

Oh dear! Attractive whitewashed old-timbered exterior gives way to a completely lobotomised, open plan characterless interior, a fine example of what should not be happening to our country pubs. I was so disappointed by the evident architectural vandalism that I can't be bothered to relay the décor here and will restrict myself to asking why fireplaces and tables were decorated with lit t-light candles at 15:30 on Thursday, wtf? They were serving 3 Sheps beers and, at £3.10, the EarlyBird was distinctly average. There is a bus stop immediately outside and, when I heard a bus arrive, I left most of my pint & did one.