A touch dark and forbidding outside, there was nevertheless a cheery fellow stood in the doorway who immediately welcomed us and walked back into the Royal Norfolk Hotel with us.

He was pleased to see us but was absolutely smitten with the SD Hound and explained he’s desperate to get himself a dog. By the time we’d reached the bar, after some serious ear scratching, he’d explained he currently commutes to France and a daily 12-hour shift isn’t conducive to owning a dog but fortunately he retires soon and will buy a hound the very next day.

We’d already enjoyed a late Friday afternoon romp on Sandgate beach and a great bag of chips so I was more than ready for a decent pint and asked what was available?

The barmaid said unfortunately she currently only had one beer on offer, however, she did say she’d only just put it on and assured me it was a brewery special edition and was a good pint.

I’d sampled Shep’s Late Red at this time of year before and had been impressed so was hopeful this would live up to expectations – it did.

By the time I’d returned with our drinks Mrs SD, or more accurately the SD Hound, had been surrounded by adoring fans who were either tickling her tum or plying her with tasty treats.

The pub was busy but whether it was down to our four-legged friend or our own sparkling personalities I’m not sure but we must have shared a few words with everyone in the place.

There were two TV screens, the one in the front bar was switched off, the one in the back was showing women’s football and was being watched by absolutely no-one. The pool table, on the other hand, was in constant use during our entire visit.

While I remember I need to mention Mrs SD’s drink which had cost me exactly a tenner – astonishingly, even at this price, she reckoned it was brilliant value! A large New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc which she concluded was probably the best she’d ever had in a pub.

I insisted she try my £4.80 pint but, heathen that she is, she said it just tasted ‘burnt’, although it didn’t stop her having a second slug just to make sure.

I must give mention to the soundtrack which was playing tunes right out of our era and, to be fair, the majority of the clientele’s era – I haven’t heard Buggles for years, or Tainted Love but frankly wouldn’t have missed Two Hearts from Phil Collins.

This is a functioning seaside hotel but the bar, on a Friday night at least, is clearly a real locals’ venue and was buzzing from the moment we walked in until we left.

The toilets are currently going through a very liberal phase, due to major decoration, as the gents is in fact the ladies – a fact I discovered when I dutifully followed the sign announcing a new layout.

The actual ladies was in fact the disabled loo, which I’m reliably informed, was spotless and very fresh smelling.

Back at our table, we were again joined by a gaggle of regulars, each keen to introduce themselves and say hello to, a surprisingly well-behaved, brown furball. Dogs, like vaping, are accepted in the hotel bar, but the former do need to be on a lead at all times.

Full-on smoking is obviously restricted to an outdoor section and there is a pleasant covered area at the back of the hotel which was fairly full most of the time. In fact, when we popped out there to take a look we were joined by so many others I think the bar was pretty much deserted.

One local who stayed firmly put was Monty but, to be fair, he was well and truly restrained behind bars and, given he’s known to give people an occasional peck, it’s probably as well.

There were a few posters around the bar promoting live music though, apart from open mic nights, the next band due to play are the Blue Moons on Sunday, November 24.

I can’t deny that having the SD Hound with us meant we probably attracted more attention from the locals than would otherwise have been the case but everyone we met was incredibly friendly, chatty and upbeat. If you’re looking for a decent pint, a group of new friends and a picky bird then look no further than the Norfolk.

And, if you fancy chips first then the Little Fish Shop is a good bet – the SD Hound only got a few but adds her recommendation.

ROYAL NORFOLK HOTEL, 7 SANDGATE HIGH STREET, SANDGATE, FOLKESTONE CT20 3BD

Décor: Fairly traditionally decorated with plenty of brown furniture. Decorating is currently taking place and I’m sure the facilities will be neat and tidy when they’re finished. Special mention for a number of interesting music photos. ***

Drink: Just the one ale available on tap, but given it was a fine pint of Late Red that’s just fine. And, according to my good lady, the wine was one of the finest on offer in Kent. ****

Price: A tricky one as my pint of bitter was ok value at £4.80. And, despite being more than twice the price, Mrs SD reckoned her wine was equally worthwhile. A San Miguel lager was £5.20. ***

Staff: Efficient, friendly and approachable, we were served by two different barmaids but both were equally welcoming and helpful, I couldn’t fault them. *****

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