The Leading Light (JD Wetherspoon), Faversham

Formerly a Coop supermarket, the Leading Light is not a nautical reference - surprising given Faversham's nautical associations - but a reference to Henry Wreight, a "leading light" in the town's 19th Century commercial and philanthropic life. The single large bar is irregular in shape and there is a decent sized patio to the rear. The staff here are unusually efficient and pleasant, even though the pub is very busy, but as is often the case with JDWs, the food lets it down - poorly cooked chips and a tasteless burger, in this case. There were 8 ales on - I had a pint of Whitstable Brewery's Wreight Ale, brewed especially for this pub - it was an excellent light, refreshing drink, very light for a 4.3abv beer. Overall, it's the best JDW I've been to in a long while, a rare one that actually deserves its GBG entry, and is worth returning to and including on a crawl.

Unremarkable 'spoons, comprising a 'L'shaped layout with an extension at the back and a rear patio beer garden. A fair selection from the 12 handpumps despite several 'available soon' notices, and the Leeds Jubilee IPA was certainly great value at £1.99.