Bars & Pubs

Few places live up to their name as completely as the Hermit's Cave, a matchbox boozer cluttered with more cheerful tat than most museums - framed ornithological prints, decrepit accordions and cocktail shakers that look like they've not been used since the '80s. And rightly so because this is a pub for beer lovers - not to mention the odd local chancer and wastrel. The range of ales on our last visit included Pure Gold, Cheval Mort and Gravesend Shrimper, plus draft cider from Weston's. Bright and breezy it ain't - the garishly upholstered bar stools constitute the only splash of colour and the windows let in less light than the walls - but that's all part of the Hermit's charm.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9