The Ferry House, Sheerness

Wonderful location at the end of a country lane - about five miles long - which leads to nowhere but the pub since they shut the ferry it's named after down over fifty years ago. Very traditional interior though, as another reviewer has stated, the place is moving away from being just a pub and more into the restaurant cum venue cum accommodation game. However, I've always found the selection of beers to be adequate with good quality. Lots of space outside to park and let the kids burn off some energy along with a path that leads down to the river itself. Gorgeously peaceful and quiet most of the year - but, I'd suggest, avoid in the school holidays unless you have kids of your own with you. Haven't eaten here for many a year but it used to be good, honest and not too pricy. Several bird watching spots in the area.

This isn't what I would call a pub anymore; its a restaurant/'venue' with a bar. After many years away, I returned to find the Harty Ferry in new owners and having had a major refurb that has left it looking like an upmarket Beefeater with fake 'rustic' artwork and the usual repro rural features that you find everywhere. It has now pitched itself as a wedding venue and family restaurant which is far removed from how I remembered it. It has a big garden with fine views over the Swale and gets busy in summer with the holiday trade. A weekday lunchtime offered only Youngs Special at the pumps which was a good pint and there were several lagers etc from the taps. The food, however, was horrible. Scampi and chips for £9 was no more than frozen and oven chips with a pathetic 'salad' that was a lettuce leaf and thinly sliced onion and if it was half the price it still would have been a rip off. The place was quiet but the tables went uncleared by staff and there was an atmosphere of them not being interested. A shame, and I hope that they can survive from the wedding trade as there is no real reason to visit otherwise.

Official site of the Ferry House Inn - www.theferryhouseinn.co.uk

Official site of the Ferry House Inn - www.theferryhouseinn.co.uk