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The Gatekeeper (formerly The New Inn) (Free House)

Beer (sort)Average Score (sort)No. Samples (sort)
McCanns (used to use Angels and Demons name as well) - Hockley SoulExcellent1
Timothy Taylor - Boltmaker (formerly Best Bitter)Excellent1
Hydes - 1863 Classic BitterExcellent1
Wantsum - 1381Excellent1
Thwaites - Original BitterGood1
Robinsons - Robin BitterGood1
Shepherd Neame - PorterGood1
Wadworth - Henry's Original IPAAcceptable1
Sharp's - Doom BarAcceptable1
Hop Fuzz - AmericanPoor1
McCanns (used to use Angels and Demons name as well) - EvaNot Tried0
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew BitterNot Tried0
Fuller's (part of Asahi Europe) - London PrideNot Tried0
Greene King - IPA (was 3.6%)Not Tried0
Timothy Taylor - LandlordNot Tried0
Picture 1. The Gatekeeper (formerly The New Inn), Etchinghill, Kent

Visits Details

06 Oct 2023 (Magnus Greel)
A busy lunchtime visit with a fair few diners and more arriving during my short stay - the food must be good here! I opted to enjoy my beers in the sun trap front patio area on an unseasonably warm sunny day.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Timothy Taylor - Boltmaker (formerly Best Bitter)4.00ExcellentNigh on faultless condition temperature and the full hit TT experience. The first pint didn't touch the sides so with another 33 minutes to spare before my next bus north I had time for another.
Fuller's (part of Asahi Europe) - London Pride4.10Not Tried
11 May 2022 (Jack William)
Late afternoon. A few in - all drinking lager by the looks of it. New pub for me - had a good feel to it - shame about the pint, but I would give it a second chance.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Hop Fuzz - American4.20PoorLong cycle to get here - I was very thirsty and necked about 1/3 of it before I realised it was slightly sour. Felt obliged to finish having quaffed so much already!
Timothy Taylor - Boltmaker (formerly Best Bitter)4.00Not Tried
11 Jan 2017 (Magnus Greel)
Mid afternoon visit a couple of others in. Pleasant comfortable atmosphere with a good choice of beers and local ciders.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Wantsum - 13813.80ExcellentFruity golden ale with a hoppy and honey hit.
McCanns (used to use Angels and Demons name as well) - Hockley Soul4.20ExcellentImagine a Twiglet dunked in an Espresso? Superb.
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30Not Tried
McCanns (used to use Angels and Demons name as well) - Eva4.50Not Tried
16 Oct 2013 (Trevor)
A few in when we went at lunchtime to take advantage of the 50% off food offer. The meal was good and service fine. 2 real ales available from 4 pumps.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Sharp's - Doom Bar4.00Acceptable
Greene King - IPA (was 3.6%)3.40Not Tried
01 Mar 2011 (Trevor)
There were a few in the bar area when I arrived with my wife and two friends at 12:30 for our lunchtime meal. The restaurant part had a similar number but soon filled up. Our meals were very good and reasonably priced and the service pleasant and efficient. As two weeks ago there was only one, but different, real ale available.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Hydes - 1863 Classic Bitter3.50ExcellentAdvertised as Classic Bitter it was in good condition and pleasant to the taste.
15 Feb 2011 (Trevor)
Arrived soon after 12 noon for lunch with my wife and a friend and had an excellent meal. We were the only customers until we were about to leave. The staff were friendly and efficient.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Thwaites - Original Bitter3.60GoodAmber ale which was quite malty and with distinctive flavours.
24 Dec 2008 (Ian)
It was lunchtime and I wanted to meet up with my ex colleague Mette from Denmark, who now lives in the village. It's an ok pub, good friendly people, but I always feel that the people behind the bar could relax a bit more. Sat here from 1.30 to closing at 3 and had a really good time chatting with Mette, her fiance his father and younger brother.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Shepherd Neame - Porter4.80GoodContinuing its early season form. 1st pint had really good choc but the second suffered a bit from being the last out of the barrel.
Wadworth - Henry's Original IPA3.60AcceptableI mis ordered this. It was supposed to be for Mette's father in law, but he only wanted a half and it was already poured, so I went and had it myself. I expected to find it boring and bland, but the condition was good and the yeast character held its own and there was some malt and hop flavours. A reasonably pleasing bitter that I was quite pleasantly surprised at, at being ok.
Fuller's (part of Asahi Europe) - London Pride4.10Not Tried
09 Jan 2007 (Brian)
Called in the middle of the evening with a couple of French colleagues. Fairly empty but it was a Tuesday. Clean feel to the pub which is already non-smoking. Friendly bar staff and although I didn't stop for the food I was told it was good.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Robinsons - Robin Bitter4.50GoodLovely clear dark brown pint. Consistant, lasting head and a smooth feel in the mouth. The flavours are either subtle or weak depending on your opinion. I really liked it, but stopped from being excellent by the lack of bite.
Shepherd Neame - Master Brew Bitter3.70Not TriedHo hum

About The Gatekeeper (formerly The New Inn)

The pub sign. The Gatekeeper (formerly The New Inn), Etchinghill, Kent

Summary of Beer Scores

 Total
Exceptional-
Excellent4
Good3
Acceptable2
Poor1

Website.

The pub is found in Etchinghill, Kent, CT18 8DE.

Old looking building in the middle of the village. L shaped bar with a large number of tables laid out for food. The interior has a sanitised feel and feels newly refurbished. Closed throughout 2014 and reported to be re-opening in late spring 2015 with the new name The Gatekeeper. Opened Friday 1st May 2015 in its new incarnation.

We have visited this pub 8 times, seen 15 different beers and tried 10 of them.

Map location

Postcode: CT18 8DE