Tucked away on a business estate is a quirky little micropub with reviews so good it has been rated the town's best “restaurant”.

KentOnline reporter Liane Castle visited this hidden gem with a music theme and more than 5,000 vinyls to choose from.

It describes itself as “your not so local local” and the fact it's tucked away on a business estate, that's exactly what it feels like.

The Dog House, a micropub and vinyl bar, is 10 minutes from Ashford, 15 minutes from Hythe, 20 minutes from Folkestone and can be found at the back of the Evegate Business Park, located off the A20.

But despite its out-of-the-way location, the venue is the top-rated restaurant in the whole of Ashford, according to Tripadvisor. The reviews are so good, I just had to try it.

At first impressions, it had a very chilled-out vibe with great attention to detail in a beautiful, scenic location.

My name was written on a little chalkboard on a reserved table under a canopy decorated with bunting and flowers welcoming me as I arrived.

All the walls inside were covered with quirky and personal decorations which no doubt all have a story behind them.

There was everything from music memorabilia, family photos and polaroids of pooches hanging from strings.

A pretty impressive vinyl collection and a record player were kept by the bar, which grabbed the attention of most who walked past.

You can even play your own if you’re brave enough to share your music tastes with the rest of the crowd.

When I got there at 6pm, it wasn't too busy but that soon changed with the queue for the bar almost spilling out the door.

The staff, who were very friendly and helpful, seemed unfazed and handled the queues like pros.

Soon after ordering, folk singer Sam Brothers began setting up just outside the main door.

I’m not usually a folk fan but the live music, which you’ll find every weekend at The Dog House, really added to the atmosphere.

A two-course meal consisting of mains, desserts and drinks for two cost us exactly £40 – not bad value for money at all.

I opted for the halloumi burger with chunky fries for £12 which was delicious, simple and just what you’d expect from a traditional pub.

For dessert, a sizeable chunk of the Biscoff cake for just £3 went down a treat.

Out of 103 businesses listed in Ashford on Tripadvisor, the Dog House is rated top with five-star ratings in all categories.

It is closely followed by Italian restaurant Montalbano in Tenterden.

In third place is KOYLA in Mersham, while my favourite Italian restaurant Amici is in fourth place.

Duncan and Claire Randall are custodians of The Dog House, which gets its name from the fact it is housed in what was originally a barn for dogs recovering from veterinary treatment.

The pair from Willesborough took over the pub in 2019, nine months before the pandemic hit.

But despite the tricky start, the husband and wife team worked hard to build up the business and have been humbled by the positive response.

Mr Randall said: “I rekindled a love for bar work after about 20 years and when we bought the pub, it just felt right.

“The previous owners started the music and vinyl theme, but we took it and went a bit mad with it.

“We added more vinyls, a better sound system and more music memorabilia.

“We have somewhere in the region of 5,000 and 6000 records that we rotate so there is a lot people will want to listen to.

“Because we're off the beaten track, we've got no locals because we're in the middle of a few villages.

“People have to drive so it becomes a destination pub so nobody comes here to get too drunk.

“I like to think we’re the best-kept secret.

“It's a place for everyone and we want everyone to be comfortable.

“We don’t try to be too fancy or pretentious, it’s the customers who have supported us that make this place what it is.”

The pub has become so popular, the Randall’s are planning to double the inside seating space by October.

With ample parking, homemade food, and good music, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit.

One thing I didn't get to try was some of the long walks and nature trails through the surrounding countryside nearby, but that will just have to wait until next time.