I appreciate that it’s still mid-week, but I thought I’d
spring this idea on you, especially as it will be the weekend,
before we know it. I’m planning a day out in the attractive, north Kent town of
Faversham, a location that despite a couple of changes, is easily accessible by rail. Furthermore, with the aid of my old git’s railcard, is a relatively inexpensive train
ride away.
It’s probably a couple of decades since I last visited the town,
and so today, I spent part of my lunch-break at work, planning out an itinerary.
I also asked my friend Copilot for a few suggestions, and I’m pleased to report
that AI’s recommendations were a pretty close match to my own. So, without further ado, this is what AI came up with.
A Faversham pub‑crawl is one of the best
ideas you could have in Kent — compact town centre, proper heritage pubs, and
of course the gravitational pull of Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewery. Based on the fresh local data above,
here’s a structured, pub‑ticking‑friendly plan that plays to your interests:
Victorian interiors, real ale, and places with character.
Top picks – shortlist
1. Bear Inn – central, historic, very
well‑kept ales, strong reviews.
2. Sun Inn – 14th‑century coaching
inn, atmospheric, reliable beer.
3. Elephant – independent, lively, good
beer range beyond Shepherd Neame.
4. Phoenix Tavern – beamed,
old‑world, refined food, cosy.
5. Anchor Inn – rustic, food‑led, locally
sourced produce.
A practical pub‑ticking route that is easily walkable
Bear Inn (Market Place)
A cracking place to start – central, handsome
frontage, and one of the best‑rated pubs in town (4.5★, 551 reviews). Good for a first pint while
you get your bearings. Beer: Shepherd Neame classics in excellent
condition.
Sun Inn (West Street)
Only a minute’s walk away. A 14th‑century inn
with beams, nooks, and a proper old coaching‑house feel. Beer: Again
Shepherd Neame, but the setting makes it worthwhile.
Elephant (The Mall)
Independent, friendly, and with a more varied
beer selection — often local or guest ales. A nice change of pace after two SN
houses. Atmosphere: Lively, community‑minded, very well reviewed .
Phoenix Tavern (Abbey Street)
A beautiful old building with bare brick,
beams, and an inglenook fireplace. More of a dining pub, but still a lovely
stop for a quieter pint. Beer: Shepherd Neame, but the setting elevates
it.
Anchor Inn (Abbey Street)
A short stroll further up Abbey Street.
Rustic, food‑led, and attached to its own farm. Beer: Not the widest
range, but the pub is worth seeing.
To finish this short article, here’s a link to a post I wrote about Faversham, which dates from April 2017. This was almost certainly the date of my last visit to the town, so Friday’s proposed trip, is long overdue.
