Phoenix, Canterburyback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Looks old & traditional from the outside, geared to students inside
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There's always a decent range of real ales here but there's also a cliquey feel to the place. The regulars line up along the bar chatting to the landlord and bar staff so the effect is that anyone else is seen as an outsider.
There are a few picnic tables outside but basically you're sitting in the car park!
It's very handy for the cricket and I generally have a couple after play before moving on. Not sure how many people visit after about 9pm.
The choice of ales is good. The last time I was there they had Wantsum More's Head, Dark Star Partridge, (both of which were fine), along with 3 or 4 other beers.
Good marks for ales, poor marks for atmosphere.
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After my wondering to the cricket ground the other afternoon i was surprise to find the place open, to find that new owner had taken the place ov the guy behind the bar was very good and knew about the ales he had on which to my surprise was 5, to start with it was me, but within 20mins there were a few people sitting at the bar. after a long time i have used this pub, it was nice to see it open all day, with a nice selcetion of beer from london pride to the local whitstable brewery to which i like both i asked if they could get some dark star in to which they would look into in so fingers cross.
binks - 20 Aug 2010 18:03 |
Popped in acouple of weeks ago after the cricket and was a bit dissapointed.
Only had 3 Greene King and Charles Wells beers on. I hope the new landlord gets it right. I did however see a For Sale board on the wall outside which does not bode well. This pub could be a goldmine if the right people took it over.
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The Phoenix is probably the best pub in the city for real ale. It's a little way out from the centre though very handy if you're going to the cricket.
There are always 6 or 7 real ales available. Bombardier is generally on the others can be very varied indeed.
Anyone who is a fan of real ale should visit this pub.
The food is pretty good too.
It has to be said there is not too much other than the beer to keep the visitors. Not the most lively of pubs it seems to rely on a few elderly locals much of the time who probably enjoy a quiet drink of decent beer.
And why not!
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What a find! After over 10 years of regular visits to the city, not once had I been to the Phoenix, or even been aware of its existence. I berated my chum with whom I was drinking and who was brought up in the area for not introducing me sooner, for it is a perfect gem to the committed ale drinker who prefers his or her pubs simple, without affectation, but still friendly. The landlady, who admitted she is not in the best of health, appears to handle the running of the pub herself without assistance, which is no mean feat given the hard labour it entails and long hours - she has to be a tough lady. She was very chatty and pleasant, and we left feeling like we'd been regular visitors for years.
The beer - which is surely the chief attraction - was both plentiful and in good condition, despite the very cold weather. Some really unusual fare for this part of Kent too, which shows an alacrity (and ability) to offer the broadest possible choice. And a variety of styles were available on our visit, from modern golden ales to traditional stouts.
The pub did not attract exclusively CamRA types; the few others who'd ventured out in what can be a weak period for trade just after Christmas were down-to-earth locals, young to old, drinking anything from whisky to vodka, so don't dismiss this as being just a beer-heads' venue if that isn't your scene.
In summary, a good honest boozer, there for the community and beyond. My best wishes go to the licensee, and to BITE users, please do seek this out if you're able.
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Excellent beer. Pleasant, friendly service. Not trendy, but comfortable like an old slipper. Good for a nice, quiet pint - except when the cricket's on...
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Went in here last friday to meet a friend who was supposed to be watching the cricket but was rain off, the beer was great with a friendly atmosphere my friend said the food is good as well so will visit again
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Just been refurbished apparently, beer was good, about seven real ales on but nothing very unusual, pub was a bit cold
anonymous - 25 Oct 2007 16:17 |
excellent kept ales, good well priced home cooked food.
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Filthy gents loo with mould on the urinals. Insipid Wychwood beer. No food at lunchtime on the Tuesday I visited. Odd clientele.
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