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The Mermaid Inn (Shepherd Neame)

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Beer (sort)Average Score (sort)No. Samples (sort)
Shepherd Neame - Early BirdGood1
Shepherd Neame - Brilliant AleGood1
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew BitterGood8
Shepherd Neame - Spitfire (or Spitfire Amber Ale)Acceptable1
Shepherd Neame - Green Hop Ale (No. 18 Yard Brewhouse)Acceptable1
Shepherd Neame - The Faversham Steam Brewery - Whitstable Bay Pale AleNot Tried0
Holt's (see also Joseph Holt) - Two HootsNot Tried0
Picture 1. The Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne, Kent
Picture 2. The Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne, Kent
Picture 3. The Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne, Kent

Visits Details

29 Jan 2023 (Andrew)
Fairly busy with locals, walkers and families.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70GoodGood condition and very drinkable
14 Oct 2020 (Jack William)
Lunchtime - a circular walk from Bridge and I timed it perfectly to arrive at noon. Four of us for drinks only but we got a very nice welcome and pleasant service. The pub feels more spacious these days and I noticed that the patio area to the side now has a selection of blankets - so an al fresco pint in cool weather can be had.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70GoodOnly ale on - well kept.
14 Sep 2019 (Andrew)
Ah the Mermaid. We sat in the garden and enjoyed pretending it was 13 years ago by recreating our Kings of Rock n Roll photo.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70Good
30 Jun 2017 (Jack William)
Long walk from Bridge Andrew? I stopped here en-route from Canterbury to Coldred - 6 miles down 7 to go. Lunchtime - half a dozen diners but my dog and I had the "public" bar to ourselves.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70Good
Holt's (see also Joseph Holt) - Two Hoots4.20Not Tried
29 May 2017 (Andrew)
After a long walk from Bridge we were pleased to see the pub was open. We sat in the garden with Isabel's friend but soon had to go as they were getting bored.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70GoodExcellent condition and very refreshing.
22 Oct 2016 (Jack William)
Moderately busy for Saturday night, pleasant welcome from the landlady.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70Acceptable
Shepherd Neame - Green Hop Ale (No. 18 Yard Brewhouse)4.20AcceptableA bit on the sweet side.
15 Oct 2016 (Andrew)
We walked from Bridge over fields, past hop poles and honking geese. The pub was empty at 4:30 but it was nice and warm. Jane, Isabel and I sat in the window and Isabel talked about Christmas.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70GoodBrewed by masters?
Shepherd Neame - The Faversham Steam Brewery - Whitstable Bay Pale Ale3.90Not Tried
07 May 2016 (Andrew)
We walked over from Bridge across the fields. Very bucolic. The pub wasn't too busy and we sat by the window overlooking the allotments.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Early Bird4.30GoodNice
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70Not Tried
09 May 2015 (Jack William)
Saturday evening - lively crowd in. Haven't been here for a couple of years - has had a bit of a refresh and new owners (nearly a year ago). The woodchip is still on the wall, but painted white instead of 1970s advocado. Still two bars but the serving area has been opened up to make more of an inclusive feel. Menu and wine list have both been improved. Shame that the ale selection has not. Overall much improved though.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70GoodAs it should be,
Shepherd Neame - Spitfire (or Spitfire Amber Ale)4.20AcceptableNot in best condition - possibly end of barrel.
24 Aug 2014 (Andrew)
Quite busy. We sat in the garden which had been smartened up since we were last here.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Brilliant Ale4.00GoodRefreshing. Clean tasting. Slightly tart bit zingy. Long leafy hop finish
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70Not Tried

[More Visits]

About The Mermaid Inn

The pub sign. The Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne, Kent

Summary of Beer Scores

 Total
Exceptional-
Excellent3
Good10
Acceptable3
Poor-

Website.

The pub is found in Bishopsbourne, Kent, CT4 5HX.

The pub was built in 1861 as a tap house for estate workers. It was originally known as the Lion’s Head until it was bought, along with the Bourne Park estate, by industrialist Sir John Prestige in the 1920s. The name was changed to The Mermaid Inn because a mermaid features on Sir John’s coat of arms. The pub was extended in 1968. Small pub with 2 rooms served by the same bar allowing occupants of both rooms to see each other. The pub has a friendly feel to it and also a pretty garden at the rear.

We have visited this pub 14 times, seen 7 different beers and tried 5 of them.

Map location

Postcode: CT4 5HX