I was in town with time on my hands and a lunchtime thirst to quench so I took two bites of the same Sandwich, or more accurately, a few swift pints in two nearby boozers.

A line of old fellas perched on stools in the New Inn made getting to the bar a little tricky, but there was eventually a parting of the ways and, after a swift taster, I armed myself with a She Sells Sea Shells from local brewery Gadds.

The pint was fine and, in-keeping with the clientèle’s average age, the décor in here is old fashioned with plenty of heavy dark brown furniture, wood panelling and brass fittings.

The ‘C word’ has already been well accommodated with garlands, a tree and fairy lights all in place more than a month before the big day.

The moustachioed landlord reckoned he’d got one more week of face fuzz before he could reach for the razor so I assume Movember was being undertaken – good on him.

Hair growth chat then shifted to barmaid Abbie, who first explained that her extra 18 inches were extensions and then informed us blondes really do have more fun.

Hair talk was cut short by a deafening crash as an oxygen bottle was sent flying but fortunately the punter in need of help with his breathing was attached to a second tank at the time and not reliant on the extra bottle sent spinning across the floor.

Following the hullabaloo, and prompted by the World Cup game showing on all three screens, the discussion moved to Alan Turing, women being treated as second class citizens and Arab states which are 50 years behind the curve.

It was at this point I spotted Thorley Taverns written large in a flowery font above the bar – I hadn’t realised this was another pub in the Thanet company’s stable but although it’s perfectly acceptable, it’s not in the same league as its sister pub which I visited in Margate.

The toilets are not terrible and looked reasonably clean but let’s put it this way, if you were led in blindfolded you’d know which room you’d been taken to.

There’s an old Batman fruit machine, a more modern jukebox and a dartboard round the corner on the right hand side of the pub.

I’m sure Abbie was joking when she said the guys sat on stools could do with a rocket up the proverbial but, equally, they weren’t moving anywhere soon so rather than battle back to the bar I decided to pop elsewhere for another pint.

Round the corner on Moat Sole I found the impressive looking Red Cow.

The second I stepped in I was treated to a wonderful whiff of wood smoke, a warm welcome from red-headed barman Dash and the strains of Jordan Davis performing Next Thing You Know.

The building, which is more than 500 years old, is absolutely fantastic. There's dark beams framing every view, a real fire and an old-fashioned bar with hops and lanterns slung from the front - what's not to love?

The barman was with me in a moment, immediately introduced himself and was happy to chat about the pub and how he came to be behind the bar.

She Sells Sea Shells was available again but Haka, a pale ale from New Zealand, caught my eye and after sampling it I was convinced. Light golden in colour, this 4.5% ale is full of tropical tang with a satisfying bitterness – a very, very drinkable drop indeed.

There was a Christmas menu advertised on a blackboard with two courses for £19 and three for £25 but, other than this, the C word was noticeably absent here at the end of November.

The fire is cleverly raised up and several folk were sitting in the front of the pub to take full advantage – Bobby the dog was in with his owner and obediently sat by her side, though you could tell he was keen for a spot nearer the fire.

I went for a toilet break and can report they were absolutely immaculate – everything else might have history but the gents looked as if they’d been renovated very recently.

I also took the opportunity to stick my head through the door at the back of the bar and was further impressed by the size and scope of the garden.

It’s deceptive given the position of the pub, but the garden is extensive with plenty of seating available – I took note for next summer.

Tellingly, just before I left a guy I’d spotted in the New Inn previously popped in for a pint or two.

Previously from London, he moved to Sandwich fairly recently and whilst he says the New Inn is fine, the Red Cow is, without doubt, the best pub in town.

The New Inn, 2 Harnett Street, Sandwich CT13 9ES

Decor: I probably should have spotted the trademark signs earlier, this Thorley Tavern boozer is traditionally decorated with plenty of wood panelling and dark brown furniture. ***

Drink: Describing itself as a golden ale, She Sells Sea Shells from Gadds brewery clocks in at 4.7% and is a fresh, clean pale ale with a good deal of hoppiness – a decent session IPA. ***

Price: The SSSS was £3.75 a pint, which is the cheapest pint I’ve been served for several weeks. ****

Staff: Abbie was pleasant and efficient, without being over-friendly. She was happy and comfortable chatting with regulars around the bar. ***

The Red Cow, 12 Moat Sole, Sandwich CT13 9AU

Decor: A wonderful, traditional old pub which takes great pride in celebrating his history, but also makes sure it’s comfortable and welcoming for both visitors and regulars. *****

Drink: The 4.5% Haka from the Butcombe Brewing Company was a real delight, a great session pale ale. Gadds’ She Sells Sea Shells is an excellent backup beer. *****

Price: All ales are priced exactly the same at £4.10 a pint. It’s not the cheapest you’ll find but, due to the quality of the pub, I still maintain this is some of the best value you’ll find. ***

Staff: Right on the ball, ready and willing to share a story, or three, with regulars and visitors alike, Dash is an excellent barman and instrumental in making the Red Cow so appealing. *****

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