Secret Drinker reviews The Hare pub at Blean Hill, near Canterbury

By: Secret Drinker whatsoneditor@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 01:30, 17 May 2024

I must have passed this pub on Blean Hill, near Canterbury, several times without calling in, but I’ve never been sure if it was open and even had a feeling it was closed down for several years.

Pulling up at The Hare at Blean it all felt a bit Darling Buds of May with hens clucking around in the background and a shepherd’s hut at the back of the garden.

In past times the pub has also been known as the Hare & Hounds and the Blean Tavern

The welcome from both barmaids could not have been warmer and we were immediately invited to sit wherever we felt comfortable. There’s a sort of lounge-ish area on the left side of the bar with dining tables set out the other side. Further into the pub is another, larger dining area in a conservatory-style section on the left.

It’s certainly an old building with plenty of history, as the uneven floor and wooden beams are a testament, but I think it’s also fair to say it’s got a charming, slightly rough and ready, feel to it.

Having already been made to feel at home, it was decision time and after sampling the 3.4% Kernel Table Beer, from the brewery of the same name, I immediately knew what I was having.

This is the view of the pub, which dates back to 1792, from the back garden

The new pub sign looks good but this place was completely derelict for three years before it was rescued

We made our selections from the menu and, while we were waiting, I wandered through the door on the left to take a gander at the garden.

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If you were unfair you’d say it was a little scruffy, if you’re trendy and eco-minded you’ll be singing the praises of a beautiful little wilding project.

I was still enjoying the evening air when the chef popped out to say hello and pass the time of day. This turned out to be main man Matthew, who took the pub on with his Dominican wife Paola.

Mrs SD played true to form with the Sav Blanc and I was mightily impressed by my pint of Kernel Table Beer

A few regulars had chosen to sit on stools at the bar but there was still plenty of space to get served

Chatty, informative and instantly likeable, he admitted he’d let the garden go a little wild, not least because we’d had stacks of rain but also because he thought it was a good idea.

He talked through his plans for the shepherd’s hut (it could maybe be on Airbnb within a few months, including a hot tub) and explained how he and his family saved this place from complete dereliction two-and-a-half years ago. He also added that the pub, which used to be called the Hare & Hounds, dates back to 1792.

He also gave me a full rundown on the family and the roles they fulfil at The Hare – one thing’s for sure, there won’t be many places more entitled to be called a ‘family pub’, as just about everyone mucks in.

You’re not going to get more local ingredients than this, the eggs come directly from the pub hens situated just yards from the kitchen

If you’re going to host a wilding area, particularly one with a bouncy castle and children’s play equipment, you’re going to need a sign stating your case

The pub was closed for three years and there was a brief spell when it was owned by a chain which, in Matthew’s opinion, foolishly disregarded its history and changed the name to the Blean Tavern.

Matthew also added that the flat bouncy castle at the back left-hand side of the garden was ‘definitely’ going to be dragged forward and inflated ready for the weekend.

I returned just as the food was delivered by Matthew’s daughter Niamh and the music switched to Che Che Cole by Willie Colon – Niamh explained the playlist is definitely down to her dad and has been described as eclectic on more than one occasion.

My burger, an El Pollo Diablo, along with fries, arrived deconstructed but once I’d put it together and tucked in I can report it was fantastic

Landlady Paola is from the Dominican Republic so Mrs SD decided the only pizza to sample was a Dominicana (roast chicken, salami, sweet peppers, onions, cheese, avocado)

The lounge area contained a large number of books and board games but you won’t find darts, pool or a jukebox here, it’s all about people getting together to chat and enjoy each other’s company. There was a big screen on the wall but it wasn’t switched on so I assume this is saved for special sporting events.

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The food was superb, and although Mrs SD felt she made the right choice with her La Dominicana pizza, I reckon my perfectly spiced burger just shaded it.

Either way, the food was good enough to keep us quiet for quite a while and it was only late on in the meal I realised we’d been joined by local Ken who taken up position on a stool at the bar.

Equipped with a sofa and easy chairs, I’d describe this as the pub’s lounge area, which was stocked with plenty of books and games – I managed to photograph it during the brief time it wasn’t in use

Keen to pull the punters in, The Hare hosts a whole series of different events – one regular told me the inaugural Wing Wednesday had been a huge hit

It’s good to see a pub which can comfortably accommodate both locals in for a pint or two, and those seeking to dine.

The music had shifted first to Neil Diamond and then two further Latino tracks but Matthew was busy back in his kitchen so I didn’t get the chance to discuss his musical taste!

As we bid farewell I couldn’t help recalling Matthew’s comment that the pub’s a little raggedy in appearance. This may be true and there’s no denying it’s received more attention inside than out, to date anyway, but I’d argue the whole family has played their part in creating a brilliant village pub.

And, there can be absolutely no doubt that without the insight and initiative shown by Matthew and Paola, this place simply wouldn’t have survived and Blean would have lost this real gem.

I must have passed The Hare at Blean many times in the past but haven’t called in previously because it was either closed, or I thought it was

Very much on his list of things to get around to, the Shepherd Hut will be getting the full Matthew treatment very soon

The guest beer when we were in was an alcohol-free option called Only With Love described as Juicy AF Mango!!

THE HARE AT BLEAN, 4 BLEAN HILL, BLEAN, CANTERBURY CT2 9EF

Decor: This is a proper family pub which they’ve saved from complete dereliction. In their own words the owners describe it as ‘raggedy’ but I reckon it’s got stacks of character, is homely and feels like a proper pub. ****

Drink: The Kernel Table Beer from the brewery in Bermondsey is an extremely sessionable IPA and I’d have happily settled in for several more. Mrs SD rated her wine well above average and we both enjoyed the guest beer. ****

Food: There’s definitely a theme to the food, probably best described as Latin American – My El Pollo Diablo burger was brilliant, juicy and cooked to perfection, with a sauce offering the perfect zing. The small amount of Mrs SD’s pizza I was allowed to try was also great. *****

Price: Mrs SD’s 14in pizza was £17.95, my burger with fries was £11.95. The pint of Kernel Table Beer was £5.75 and a large Sauvignon Blanc £8. The half of guest beer was £2.10. ***

Staff: Barmaid Niamh was chatty, friendly and efficient. It was good to see chef Matthew creating a few opportunities to spend some time front of house. A real family pub with everyone digging in to create a warm welcome. *****

I haven’t ordered a half for years but Mrs SD was determined we should both at least sample the guest beer

The bouncy castle was flatter than a flat thing, but again, Matthew assured me it was on his list of things to do

They’re not swish or swanky, but the toilets were fresh and spotlessly clean. I didn’t take advantage of the Right Guard but it’s good to see extras on offer in the gents as well as the ladies.

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