Evening just before 10pm. So few in I did not chance having cask. A good old East Kent CAMRA bigwig told me recently that the keg Whitstable Bay Black Stout is often a safer bet in Shep's houses so I tried one and it was sweeter than Guinness and not noticeably carbonated and quite palatable. Perhaps my advisor will become an out-and-out kegman in time.

Evening. Not the goner I thought it might be. Light on and seems like finishing touches prior to re-opening.

Evening. Peered through window, interior totally gutted and only external signage remaining is the hanging sign on High Street frontage. Presume a major upgrade but who knows given Shepherd Neame's extensive disposal of wet led town pubs.

I had 10 minutes to kill in Herne Bay. I planned to go to the Frog opposite in the hope that they'd have some Goachers on - but peering through the window at the board they didn't. I've not been here for ages. It was warm, friendly and sealing wax red.

Evening. Quick one as opposite the newly opened Micropub and waiting for the Canterbury bus. No real feeling of being a real ale house so the Micropub will not, I suspect, be a business threat.

There was one guy sitting at the bar, 2 guys in the back playing pool, the women behind the bar and me. One end of the pub was given up to darts with shelves full of darts related trophies. The floor was bare and the seating set out in semi-booths. Heavy metal banged out from the duke box. Afterwards I went to Woolworths where I heard 2 staff discussing the subtle flavour differences between Stella and Fosters. Apparently Stella has a bitter finish that makes it less easy to drink than Fosters. Gosh.