The George Inn, Sittingbourne

Attractive village pub, with a partly opened-out interior given something of a makeover, but with the various seating and dining areas retaining a traditional look. The compact lounge in front of the bar also has a warming wood-burning stove. As a Shepherd Neame house, it was disappointing to find just Master Brew (£4.00) available from the bank of four handpumps, but at least this was in good condition.

A 17th Century village pub, currently owned by Shepherd and Neame. It sits next to the village main road and has a small, tight car park. The main bar has structural oak timbers on display, an inglenook fireplace, wooden floors and plenty of rural charm, including the liberal hanging of hops around everything. The second bar is used mainly as a restaurant but has not been spoiled and is also a very atmospheric room. There is WiFI but no other electronic distraction. The food is very good, but it is also very expensive, even given its quality. There were 4 ales on draft, Whitstable Pale Ale and 3 from Shepherd and Neame. I had pints each of Masterbrew, Whitstable and Bishop's Finger, all in first class condition. The barman, clearly not a local, was reasonably chatty, the clientele a mixed bag including a local coven of cackling crones who, apart form the hideous screaming, were reasonably harmless. Worth seeking out, maybe tying into a country crawl with other nearby village pubs.