Hopper's Hut, Sidcup

New(ish) micro-pub, very much of the now 'traditional' style with a limited number of tables (seven) and simple decor based on breweriana. Happened to have a Vibrant Forest 'tap takeover' when I visited, featuring five real ales (including the very hoppy, but light, Summerlands at £3.80) and six craft keg beers. The regular Paulaner lager was also being dispensed from one of the other taps on the bar-back.

This place is the antithesis of the previous pub on our tour (Star at Sidcup Place) being a pokey shop conversion in contrast to an erstwhile manor house. But I like pokey shop conversion micropubs, and this one's typical of the breed, with some tall upholstered fixed bench seating along the sides, with tall tables and tall stools. A couple of barrels were serving as tall tables as well. A blackboard behind the counter listed the beers (served by gravity dispense from a cold room) - keg on the left, cask on the right. There were five real ales on when we visited: Brew Buddies UK Hop Pale and Citra IPA; Williams Bro's March of the Penguins; American Pale Iron Pier; and Roosters Distant Sun. I had the the UK Hop Pale (£3.80 4.1%) which came unfined. The staff were friendly, offering to order in the right size Brew Buddies T-shirt in which one of our group was interested. This pub will suit you fine, as long as you're OK with no frills micro-pubs.

The Hopper's Hut is a fairly typical shop conversion micropub. It's a rectangular room with a laminate floor and just tall tables and stools with benches along each wall. There's a small serving area at the end with the cold room behind. Only the eight or so keg offerings are served here, the cask and ciders being drawn straight from the cold room. It wasn't that busy on my Good Friday afternoon visit but Nelson the pub dog was a source of amusement. There were only three cask ales on Boutilliers Smoked Oatmeal Stout, Hackney Kapow! and Brew Buddies Best Bitter. I went for the Kapow! (£3.80) which was excellent but a bit pricey. I tried the Duddas Kent Dry Cider (£4.00) which was a very good typical Kent dessert apple cider and much better value. It's worth a look this one but it does seem to have a bias towards the expensive keg products.

Official site of The Hopper's Hut - www.hoppershut.co.uk

Official site of The Hopper's Hut - www.hoppershut.co.uk