The New Inn, Canterbury

Cosy backstreet pub with a reputation for well-kept ale, situated on a quiet road just outside the city walls. You enter to a small front bar with scuffed floorboards, orange and cream painted walls and two fireplaces along the left-hand wall. The servery is along the right side of the room and has an angular dark wood counter with a smart canopy and rather unimaginative two-part bar back. Hard bench seating runs around the perimeter, boasting some spectacularly thin and threadbare upholstery, with plenty of basic chairs in support and a row of high stools along the bar. Décor is the usual traditional odds and ends, including plenty of old photos, a big collection of horse brasses above the brick fireplace and plenty of CAMRA certificates attesting to the pub’s ale credentials. Beyond the bar, you move through into a rear space with a bit of a conservatory feel. High tables and stools fill much of the space back here, separated by nice modern etched glass screens in plain wooden surrounds. From here, you can move out to a well-appointed beer garden that looks like it might be a bit of a sun trap. There were five handpulls in operation when I arrived, dispensing Kent The Quiet American and Sunset, St Austell tribute, Musket Powder Burn and Nightjar Chosen. The latter was a very reasonable £3.60 for a pint and in good condition, served to me by a friendly enough landlord. I’d popped in at lunchtime on a Bank Holiday Monday and was a little surprised to find I was the only customer for the duration of my stay. I liked this place and thought it was a proper drinker’s pub with a well-kept selection of ales, comfortable seating options and no-nonsense service. I clearly didn’t time my visit too well, as the place was a bit dead, but I get the impression it would be an enjoyable boozer if there was a bit of a crowd and I’d say it’s worth making the short walk out to. Date of visit – 1st May 2023