The New Inn, Canterbury

The New Inn is set in a terraced street and to me looked from the outside just like any of the other houses. It's been around for a while as it's listed as a Free House in my old Kent beer guide from over 20 years ago. Inside it's a small wooden floored L shaped room with a long conservatory and a further small area off it at the rear. It looked like there was some sort of garden behind that. I saw seven hand pumps of which two were unused (it was a Tuesday afternoon) so the five beers were Oakham JHB, Woodforde Wherry, Adnam's Ghost Ship & Cashmere IPA and Purity UBU. This seemed a bit mainstream but I suspect that was just the luck of the draw. The old school governor was cheerful, friendly and enthusiastic about his beer. He insisted I try the Oakham JHB which had just come on so I did (£3.10) and it was fine as well as being a reasonable price compared to some Canterbury pubs. It was closing soon after I arrived but I had to move on anyway. I really liked this back street pub.

Official site of The New Inn - www.newinncanterbury.co.uk

Old-fashioned side-street local of the sort the has almost vanished in many parts of the country. Narrow terraced frontage, leading to two small rooms (that once housed a school apparently) and a conservatory to the rear. Suitably traditional furniture and decor. Usually has about seven real ales on handpump, but I was lucky to find a beer festival underway when I visited with 16 beers on stillage in the rear patio beer garden (including Gadds Rye Pale Ale and Hop Studio XP). Recommended.

Official site of The New Inn - www.newinncanterbury.co.uk