Looking as traditional as it’s possible to be from the outside, I was confident I knew what The Farrier in Deal was going to look like inside but wasn’t sure if they’d be serving food.

Mrs SD had not only persuaded me to take her out on Saturday night, but also that she deserved wining and dining.

Unfortunately the kitchen wasn’t in action, if indeed there is a kitchen, but our genial host said he was more than happy for us to get a takeaway delivered or bring something else in.

Generous as always I ordered a pint of Old Dairy’s Copper Top bitter, a large Sauvignon Blanc, and two packets of crisps.

The simple fact was I’d already been massively impressed by the pub, enamoured by the landlord and, once I’d heard the cost of the round, very taken by the prices.

Something felt a touch American to me at first, though I’m not sure why, and once Mrs SD pointed out the landlord’s grandad shirt, a dartboard at each end of the bar and a fair selection of horse brasses I knew there was something very British and very right about this pub.

The place was packed out with an incredibly wide range of ages and groups, all enjoying themselves immensely. Lots of laughter, fun, good chat, in short a brilliant atmosphere with absolutely no sign of poor behaviour of any sort.

I was settling right in and the 60s/70s music playing at a good level in the background was only helping my mood (London Calling by the Clash is still a great song) – Mrs SD would have to go hungry for the evening.

Like so many good free houses it’s immediately clear they spent the Covid downtime wisely and a large area at the back has been carefully developed to make maximum use of the space for alfresco dining and enjoying any good weather.

There was even an old horsebox which seemed to double up as an overspill, impromptu bar when numbers allow.

By the landlord’s own admission the car park was the main casualty of the improvements but as he says, there’s still plenty of room for his Bentley and none of the regulars drive here anyway.

The big screen on the wall outside was switched off, presumably as there was no sport on, but the one inside was proudly displaying GB News, with the sound turned off, to a captive audience.

At this point I was a little surprised to receive a very gentle lick on the back of my leg and turned around to find a delightful ball of fun wagging its tail affectionately. This is an unashamedly dog loving house and pub hound Peggie Jay isn’t even six months old yet.

The pub itself is a good deal older and can trace its roots right back to the late 1500s although it has undergone several reincarnations over the centuries.

When Dayle and Donna bought it from Admiral Taverns six-and-a-half years ago it was the Admiral Keppel but the new owners were well aware of several less-than-savoury characters - and some fairly questionable behaviour - so quickly set about removing anything undesirable.

The result is a proper local pub which is attractive to both family groups and mates out for a few pints.

There is no doubt the landlord is the life and soul of this place, Dayle likes nothing more than to step out from behind the bar and shoot the breeze. In fact, I’m reliably informed he’s recently taken the pledge and has lost several pounds, if not stones, as a result, though he’s clearly lost none of his genial host appeal.

I took a moment to pop to the gents and was impressed, not only by the way they are maintained but also by the level of decoration – most of the signs are automotive and several feature Michelin Tyres, though I decided not to rush out and check my pressures.

You will not find many better local pubs than this one, or a landlord more appreciated by his regulars.

If you get the chance you really should take the opportunity to visit The Farrier, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

The Farrier, 90 Manor Road, Deal CT14 9DB

Decor: Something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a cosy spot by the fire in winter or somewhere to get together with a few friends, this is the pub for you. Plenty of traditional touches without being too old school. ****

Drink: There was a large range of drinks available and I’m reliably informed the beers are changed on a regular basis. Our options were Copper Top, Citra, Hurricane and the Reverend James. *****

Price: It’s tough to argue with these prices – my pint of bitter was £3.50, a large white wine costs £4.50 and a pint of Kronenbourg is £4. Crisps, as I’ve said previously, seem to be a standard £1 a bag just about everywhere these days. *****

Staff: Genial, charming and no-nonsense in the very best of ways, this is a landlord who loves what he does, respects his loyal regulars for their continued support and prides himself in the service he offers. *****

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