Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Leading pubs celebrating as judges find best places in Kent to enjoy a pint
Inns, micropubs and traditional pubs all feature among the latest list compiled by experts from CAMRA as the organisation names its top venues for beer and real ale, as Millie Bowles reports...
Judges have crowned an array of Kent pubs for their great beer in the coveted Campaign for Real Ale awards.
Eight of the county’s venues have scooped the Pub of the Year spot in their respective areas, chosen as “cream of the crop and the best place for you to enjoy a pint of real bitter”. In Ashford, Folkestone and Romney Marsh, the Dog House Microbar snatched first place. The venue is also Ashford’s best-rated restaurant on Tripadvisor, coming third nationally in CAMRA’S awards for dog friendliness. Landlord Duncan Randall told this paper: “We’re absolutely thrilled and extremely proud.
“It's a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional beer and creating a welcoming atmosphere for our patrons. “Being included in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, both recently and in the past is a source of great pride for us. “It signifies our commitment to maintaining and serving beer in impeccable condition, ensuring that every pint we pour is of the highest quality. “We are truly grateful for the recognition and support from our customers and the CAMRA community. Cheers to many more years of great beer and good times.”
Duncan and wife Claire took over the unit at Evegate Business Park, Smeeth in 2019. Their “passion and energy have infused this fun little pub with a vibrant atmosphere that keeps our customers coming back for more”, staff say. In October last year, they doubled their venture and knocked through into the next building, adding 12 extra tables.
For Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay the Thomas
Becket came out on top. This 18th-century inn is just two minutes from the city’s cathedral and serves a selection of cask and craft beers.
It is managed by Chris Lurcock, offering “seasonal ingredients and decadent flavours” and “local ales and tipples to tempt any taste buds”.
The Deal, Dover and Sandwich category was trumped by the Berry in Walmer.
This traditional boozer specialises in serving quality real ale, bosses say.
It is its third year running in the top spot, and the 12th time overall.
In a Facebook post, the publican said: “It still means as much as it did the first time. “A huge thanks must go to our incredible staff for all their hard work, our amazing customers for creating the wonderful atmosphere that we receive so many compliments on and our families. “Now, more than ever, your local pub needs your support.” In Gravesend and Darent Valley, the Compass Alehouse beat the rest after having regularly appeared in the rankings – this is its second time winning.
Reacting to the news, bosses said in a statement: “This is such amazing news.
“Our Compass family have made this possible.
“We are overwhelmingly proud and can't thank you all enough!”
For the Maidstone and Mid Kent section, the winner was named as Larkins Alehouse. The landlords of Cranbrook’s first micropub also thanked their loyal customers.
“We are honoured and privileged to receive this yet again for our amazing little micropub, which means so much to us and so many,” they said.
In Medway, Coopers Arms in Rochester came out on top. The pub dates back to the 1500s and prides itself on “many carefully nurtured cask ales” and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
The Swale winner was the Three Tuns in Lower Halstow. Owners said they were “delighted” on Facebook after the news.
The tavern was built in 1468 and has held an ale licence since 1764.
In Thanet, the Royston, Broadstairs was named Pub of the Year for the second time. Another micro venue, it serves local and national cask ales, cider and fresh roasted coffee.
On Facebook, its publican said: “This is no mean feat, as the judging process is extremely meticulous. “We take great pride in serving the very best quality, well-kept ales and ciders in the cleanest and most welcoming environment we can.
“So, this award is testimony to the hard work we and our staff put in to maintain our impeccable standards.” Finally, the West Kent winner was The Nelson Arms in Tonbridge.
This inn was a runner-up for the national Pub of the Year award in 2023.
It is a community-owned venture, boasting “quality cask ales, an ever-changing selection of craft beers, real ciders and great value food”.