The Unicorn licensees Martin Short and Shirley Wooldridge welcome St George to the start of their beer festival on Friday. Picture: Paul Dennis.

Bekesbourne pub The Unicorn displayed the true spirit of St George last weekend, as the patron saint of England arrived on horseback to kick off its April beer festival.

Landlord Martin Short decided to call on the dragon slayer’s services last Friday to help toast the best in English food and drink.

Martin and partner Shirley Wooldridge, who have run the village pub for the last 18 months, held a weekend of beer, food and live music, to support the best Kent has to offer.

Martin said: “St George’s Day has always been a thing of mine and I think there’s a place, without being political, for celebrating all things English.

“There’s not enough celebration of our culture and recognising the things a lot of people take for granted. Having lived abroad, I value the things around us in this country and we should mark the fact that we’re proud of where we come from.”

The weekend’s entertainment continued on the English theme on Saturday and Sunday, with a special performance from the Betteshanger Colliery brass band, a hog roast and 12 cask ales from independent brewers across the county.

For more information on latest events at The Unicorn, call 01227 830210.