When deciding which of my favourite places to write about for this series on Kent’s lesser-known highlights, there’s always a lingering thought: “Do I really want to let everyone in on the secret?”

Unit 1 in West Hythe is my preferred pit-stop on the rare occasions I bother to get out on my bike, and in the summer months it can already be a challenge to secure a table in the beer garden.

But I’m a generous guy at heart and, even if it makes these coveted seats even harder to snaffle, I’m prepared to bring this wonderful destination to wider attention.

On my most recent visit I came on foot, starting out along the canal-side path from the Hythe terminus of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. This route is well-used by dog walkers, joggers and cyclists, hugging the northern side of the Royal Military Canal.

It’s a relaxing stroll, and it does not take long until I am in West Hythe, a hamlet sitting at the foot of Lympne Hill. Although tempted to dive straight in for a pint and a bite to eat, I decide to continue westward beneath the slopes of Port Lympne Wild Animal Park.

The path runs right along the southern perimeter of the park, and there is a good chance you might be able to spot some exotic creatures as you pass by. It’s well worth extending your walk this way; who knows what you might come face to face with through the fence.

After about an hour’s walking, I turn back the way I have come and head towards Unit 1, appetite well and truly stoked. The venue describes itself as an ‘alehouse and kitchen’, and it offers a fine selection of locally-sourced beers and ciders, as well as a revolving menu of street food-style offerings.

From Monday to Wednesday the menu is all about the light bites, sandwiches and toasties. But things really go through the gears as the weekend approaches. On Thursday the oven is fired up for pizzas which, in my experience, are excellent. And then from Friday through Sunday the menus are provided by a rotating cast of pop-up kitchens.

I’ve made the trip down on a Friday eager to try the Mexican-inspired creations of T's Tacos, a regular fixture in the kitchen at Unit 1. But first things first – to the bar.

There is a great selection to choose from, and I opt for a pint of Fallout, a thirst-quenching 3.6% pale session ale from the local Hop Fuzz brewery. How local? Brewed in a unit just next door. How’s that for sustainability? Forget ‘food miles’, we’re talking ‘beer yards’.

Pint in hand, it’s time to get some food inside me. I give the menu a rather perfunctory glance – I already know I’m going for the tacos, and choose to mix it up with two shrimp and one chicken taco, a trio for £13.

Finding a seat, I take in the extremely relaxed vibe of the place. It’s quite quiet today, being a rather chilly and overcast weekday afternoon in January, but the interior is a welcoming place to rest awhile during a canal-side walk. Unsurprisingly, the seats in the beer garden are not in high demand today - save them for the sunny days yet to come.

My tacos arrive with a smile, and I’m soon tearing into them. Delicious, fresh, filling – the perfect accompaniment to a crisp, refreshing pint. Definitely worth seeking out if you’re in this neck of the woods.

I down the last drops of my pint and its time to head back into the weakening winter’s sunshine, hunger banished and spirits lifted. Unit 1 really is a cracking little place, serving up great fresh menus and showcasing some of the best beers our brewers are creating in this corner of the county.

Striking out from Hythe to find it, you’ll be rewarded with a warm welcome and very decent bite to eat. If you do decide to try it for yourself this summer, save a seat for me in the beer garden. Mine’s a Fallout.