The Grove Ferry, Canterbury

Impressive Georgian building serving the eponymous former crossing of the Great Stour until it was replaced by a bridge in 1966. It benefits from a fine riverside position, with numerous small craft moored up along the banks, overlooked by the decking terrace. Indoors, the front bar (with a semi-separate lounge at one end and and a side room with booth-style tables at the other) is separated from the main dining area by the central servery and a cool room housing a row of casks on a stillage. With no handpumps on the counter, my Spitfire (£4.35) - dispensed by gravity - was the only real ale available at the Shepherd Neame pub.