A little while ago a couple of pub lovers and Secret Drinker readers, Elaine Wadhams and Paul Bourke, recommended a visit to the Shipwright’s Arms on Hollowshore, just outside Faversham.

So, braving the weather and several serious potholes, we headed for this Oare Marsh free house offering real ales, creek views and log fires. Sadly all we found at the end of the treacherous private road was a Goacher’s delivery truck and a ‘Closed’ sign propped up on a chair.

Winding our way back through town to look for an alternative watering hole we came across the Market Inn, a large corner pub right next to the Rec.

We entered via the side door and walked into a meeting of the local blind club which was gearing up for a lunchtime bingo session.

Steering a path to the larger front bar I chose a pint of Hurlimann (‘Hooligan’ as it was nicknamed when it boasted a higher ABV) and Mrs SD went for her usual large Sauvignon Blanc.

The manageress had disappeared out back after explaining she’d woken up with a bad cold, had a terrible night’s sleep and was not feeling it at all. Fortunately, the barmaid was a deal more chipper and having worked at this Sheps pub for 20 years plus, explained the reason why Hurlimann, and Stella for that matter, used to affect folk differently, apart from the higher strength, was they used to contain a higher level of hop oil.

Then, demonstrating her extensive lager knowledge still further, she explained that Shepherd Neame’s Five Grain lager (5%) is ‘incapable of giving anyone a hangover as it contains no chemicals’.

Suddenly a pint of lager seemed a lot more attractive than my usual real ale, but first I took a meander around this sizeable pub and even more sizable garden so I could report back to you.

It’s a huge corner bar with a massive side room and a stage at the far end where live music is hosted on a regular basis. We might have been unlucky but it was very quiet and dull when we were in – to be fair the carpet was about the brightest thing on display.

The garden, unsurprisingly unoccupied during the current cold snap, is an absolute monster and includes two bat and trap pitches as well as another extensive grassed area at the side.

Back at the bar, it was time for a second round and Mrs SD switched wine colours with a large Malbec. They don’t do food here, and apparently never have, so it was a packet of S&V for me and C&O for her – that’s another resolution gone.

Although I did notice a small, cute ginger dog on a corner seat was being hand-fed chicken so I can only presume this was brought in especially for it. For anyone interested, it was an 11-year-old ginger poodle by the name of Darcy Bussell.

This is an old-fashioned pub with an old-fashioned wooden bar and old-fashioned wooden bar stools. There’s a fruit machine in one corner, a dartboard in the large entertainment room and several large screens dotted about, although none were switched on.

There are signs demonstrating the pub’s history – the rounded window in the corner used to be the main entrance and, according to Darcy’s minder, the strange round shape on the red ceiling once housed a gas light. I certainly wouldn’t dream of asking a lady’s age and I assumed she didn’t personally remember the old light, but I definitely think it’s safe to say we were the youngest visitors in at lunchtime.

Originally there was no music in the pub but I did notice a few old swing tunes playing later so maybe someone had decided to invest a few coins in the jukebox.

Like the rest of the pub, both the gents and ladies’ toilets were traditionally decorated with old-fashioned tiles and plain surfaces. Whilst being a little tired, they were nevertheless clean and fresh, but you’ll want to keep your visit short as both the toilets were absolutely freezing.

One sign above the bar inexplicably noted this is Market Inn, not Meerkat Inn but alongside it another board advertised details of the Market Inn Social Club AGM which, for anyone interested, is on Saturday, January 13 at 8pm.

THE MARKET INN, 42 EAST STREET, FAVERSHAM ME13 8AT

Decor: Traditional and standard, this is exactly what you would expect to see in a town centre pub of this age. The furniture and furnishings are all in reasonable nick and if you look carefully there are a few interesting historical elements. ***

Drink: The usual Shepherd Neame staples are available and both the white and red wines were reasonable. With regards to the Five Gran lager being ‘hangover-free’, I would need a few more pints to test it fully, so you may need to judge for yourselves! ***

Price: A pint of Hurlimann will cost you £5.40 and the Five Grain is £5.75. A large glass of Sauvignon Blanc is £6.85. A packet of crisps will cost you £1.10. ***

Staff: I’m not sure all the barmaid’s claims about the contents of various lagers were strictly accurate, but she was friendly enough and helpful. ***

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