Lunch in the countryside

Secret Drinker unearths a real rural pub where tractors still trundle past the front door

The Apprentice and I had been enjoying a little lad’s quality time on a Saturday and found ourselves right outside a country pub at lunchtime.

The Black Lion in Lynsted, between Faversham and Sittingbourne, looked inviting and with the sun shining and a country garden at the side it really was a no-brainer.

Like several other pubs, whose owners decided Covid was the perfect time for a revamp, this one has undergone a complete makeover during lockdown and looks all the better for it.

For the second time in as many weeks I found myself facing a Goachers’ pump and opted for the 4.1% Dark. His nibs went a shade darker still with a pint of Guinness.

Despite the slightly late lunch hour, it was now after 2pm, several tables had arrived to order food so, on the advice of the barmaid with tattoos and alternately coloured nails (green and black), we each selected a ciabatta from the sandwich board to avoid the rush.

I knew straight away I was going for bacon and brie and my apprentice was not far behind me in selecting the sausage – adding onions when prompted again by the barmaid.

The heavily beamed interior with stools along the bar, not to mention George Ezra crooning gently in the background, was inviting and we could easily have been tempted to sit inside but gave in to the lure of the early spring sunshine and commandeered a picnic bench at the front of the garden.

Actually, the pub must be warm during even the coldest winter months as I counted at least four open fififireplaces. Our cutlery was delivered almost immediately and we weren’t many sips into our pints before the lunch proper was served.

Between the kitchen and the bar there were four women manning the place and they were all kept extremely busy. It must be hard to judge staff numbers these days when it’s so difficult to know if passing trade will be quiet or full on.

The ciabattas, priced at £7.95 each, were delivered at the perfect temperature and were fantastic – fresh, tasty and served with a handful of tortilla chips and lightly oiled salad. We sat in silence for the next few moments and gave our chosen lunches the full attention they deserved.

Suitably replete I sat back with my Goachers and watched a pair of ageing cyclists enter the garden through the side gate from the road. It looked as if it should be a simple manoeuvre but one judged it all wrong and, much to the hilarity of his companion, had to pick himself up out the bush not once, but twice.

The road at the front of the pub was reasonably busy and the number of tractors passing served to remind you this village in a rural setting is surrounded by agricultural land.

After lunch we popped back in and sat at the bar to finish our drinks. It was a busy lunch/afternoon session and, despite the staff’s best efforts, at times the bar was left unmanned so newcomers were left waiting before being able to order.

I noticed a sign behind the bar which contains a careful record of punters with a pint in the wood.

From what I could work out Holy (sic - although it could be the local vicar!) has seven to look forward to and Nici just one less at half a dozen, while Wes has got through a few in a fairly quick timescale.

You’re not going to find darts, pool, a jukebox or any other such distractions here – it is a pub which is mainly set out for, and equipped to deal with diners, but a row of stools is available at the bar for those simply seeking a swift pint or two.

The gents is located along a corridor to the left of the entrance and I can report the facilities were clean, fresh and well maintained.

Sadly we both knew we had Saturday chores to attend to so reluctantly made our exit, back into the afternoon sunshine to head home and explain to Mrs SD we had been unavoidably delayed by Operation Brock!

The Black Lion, The Street, Lynsted, Sittingbourne ME9 0RJ

**** Recently rejuvenated during the enforced lockdown, the pub looks fresh and inviting. The de rigueur stripped wooden floorboards are complemented by plenty of beams and trendy light fittings, not to mention four open fireplaces.

****

The Goachers Dark is always a good starting point and I was assured the Guinness was also right on point – both were well kept and well poured. ****

***

The Goachers is £4.50 a pint, while the Guinness is 50p more expensive at a fiver. The ciabattas are all priced at £7.95.

****

Fresh, tasty and delivered in good time, I obviously thought my selection was best but it didn’t stop me taste testing the apprentice’s choice, which was also good.

***

It was full on for all the four staff working a busy Saturday lunchtime shift and there were a few moments where customers were left waiting at a deserted bar.