Popping out for a spot of lunch on Tuesday I was left wondering if I’d received a glimpse into the future of pubs.

Firstly, the car park at The Wheatsheaf in Whitstable had numerous spaces allocated for punters to charge their electric cars.

Walking through the front door reminded me of stepping onto a plane, except here those intending to spend more money turn right, while the others turn left.

We were served quickly and having found ourselves a table, and noted the number, were free to order our food at the bar.

The menu was extensive, with a variety of burgers and grill dishes available, as well as two different pies, but for once Mrs SD somehow managed to drag her attention back to the lunch menu and we both decided to order a chicken, bacon and avocado ciabatta for £6. Although one of us decided a portion of onion rings and cheesy garlic bread, for £2.99 and £3.49 respectively, were unavoidable.

The food arrived in a timely fashion and was fresh and tasty – for anyone (who shall remain nameless) with eyes bigger than their tummy I can report there was more than enough for lunch.

Drinks wise I went traditional and, as I hadn’t had one for a long time, chose an Old Speckled Hen. It was the same deep copper colour I remembered and was served with the same creamy head. It took me back in time and was a very tasty pint.

However, no matter how much I enjoyed my beer it was Mrs SD’s large Sauvignon Blanc which really hit the spot. At just £6.69 for the one and only size of wine she knows, she reckons it may well be the best, best value large white wine she’s been served in years.

It was immediately clear this Greene King pub on Herne Bay Road has undergone a serious makeover and there were several signs the owners had decided they needed to plan for the future. There was a socket at each table, including a USB charging point and our feet were treated to an explosion of under-seat blue lighting - though I’m not sure quite what effect they were hoping to achieve.

The area to the left of the front door has a series of tall tables with stools and has been set aside specifically for those just wanting to enjoy a pint or two with their mates.

To the right is an extended dining area with separate booths and other tables. This dining area stretches right through to the back of the pub and also extends in an L shape to the right.

However, this is, by no means, the end of the story – out through double doors at the back you will discover the most extensive and, dare I say it, most luxurious outdoor smoking area I have ever encountered. Fully covered, with several large screens showing Sky Sports and with heaters for every table, it has been created with no expense spared.

Having eaten, it was time for a second beverage and noticing Greene King had created a lager I hadn’t sampled previously I decided to try a 4.5% Flint Eye. It was fresh, yet remarkably creamy for a lager and incredibly citrusy. I can safely say I’ve never had anything quite like Flint Eye and overall I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Both the Flint Eye and The Hen were served in remarkably trendy glasses.

The Wheatsheaf is a freshly made-over pub which strives to combine all that is great about old-fashioned boozers with as much modern convenience as possible.

There was music playing, but no sign of a jukebox, no darts or pool, but there were four electronic fruit machines. There were stacks of screens dotted about but they’d achieved the impossible and Pep Guardiola was set to silent. There are also separate, well-defined areas for drinker and diners.

There’s a bus stop right outside and, what’s more interesting, there were lots of people getting off buses and coming into the pub.

There was even a doggy menu with sausage and chicken breast for £1 and burger and ice cream for £2 – maybe I should have put this one in front of Mrs SD?

Like the smoking area, I must report the toilets were superbly presented and maintained – both the ladies and gents were decorated impeccably and absolutely spotless.

In conclusion, I enjoyed my visit to this Whitstable pub and was pleasantly surprised both by the value for money it offered, one or two of its more adventurous decorating decisions and several forward-thinking innovations.

THE WHEATSHEAF, HERNE BAY ROAD, WHITSTABLE CT5 2LU

Decor: My over-riding impression was a bright, light space with a number of adventurous patterns on the furniture and several future-proofed additions. It was clean, tidy and the best outdoor smoking area I’ve seen. ****

Drink: I don’t get the chance to sample Old Speckled Hen often, but this was a very good example and had plenty of taste. The Flint Eye was also an excellent pint and I’ve not tasted another lager like it. The wine was described as ‘one of the best for a long while’. ****

Food: Like Ronseal in the 90s, the food did exactly what it said on the tin. Tasty and fresh, it arrived swiftly and was good value for money. Likewise the garlic bread and onion rings. ***

Price: The Hen cost £4.35 and Mrs SD’s large Sav Blanc was just £6.69 – very cheap for this neck of the woods. The Flint Eye lager was dearer at £6.05 but a chicken, bacon and avocado ciabatta was £6. ****

Staff: All the bar staff were friendly and cheery and service was speedy. Regulars and one-off visitors are all welcomed the same and everyone, on both sides of the bar, was working hard. ****

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