by Andy Grayagray@thekmgroup.co.uk

A backstreet Maidstone real ale house has retained its title as Kent Pub of the Year.

The Flower Pot in Sandling Road was one of 16 regional winners announced in the latest edition of the Good Beer Guide, produced by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

"A must when visiting the county town” was their verdict on The Flower Pot, which took the regional title for the first time last year.

David Davenport, 30, who runs the 200-year-old pub with wife Julie, said: “It’s an ­amazing achievement to win it twice, ­especially at our age.
“You normally think of a publican being an older person but we seem to be doing quite well.”

Among the winning criteria for CAMRA’S 130,000 members is beer quality, decor, customer service and value for money.

David's success is all the more remarkable bearing in mind the pub’s inconspicuous ­position tucked away behind wall next to a petrol station off the A229.

As a regional winner, the pub is now in the running for the national prize so seekers of good beer and company could soon be arriving from around the UK.