Where to Drink in May
May is a great month for the UK food and drink industry; plenty of local events, festivals and a beautiful Spring so far this year bring renewed hope of a long Summer to be spent basking in the beer gardens and sun terraces of our favourite pubs. However, rather than spend the whole of May in beer gardens, this month’s adventure takes us to the ‘Garden of England’, Kent, before making our way across the capital to Oxford.
Googies, Folkstone
Having recently been crowned “Kent Restaurant of the Year 2016” at the Taste of Kent awards, Googies is a firm favourite with Folkstone locals and tourists alike, and deservedly so! Renowned for their craft beers and gourmet burgers, Googies Art Cafe also claims fame for their exceptional coffee, cake and evening entertainment schedule including cinema nights and tasting sessions.
On the 11th May we’re teaming up with Googies for a night of cured meat, local cheese and Fordham & Dominion US craft beer, find out more about the event here and contact Googies directly to book your space.
Googies are big supporters of boutique beverages and you’ll be able to find their fridges stocked with the full Fordham & Dominion bottle range alongside some great monthly rotating guest beers. This month, Googies will see the eagerly awaited arrival of Dominion’s Spring seasonal Cherry Blossom Lager on tap.
Elsie Mo's, Canterbury
Elsie Mo’s, the New York style diner in the heart of Canterbury, delivers on its promise of fun and great food in the comfort of 1950’s America. Memorabilia from the past 60 years of American pop culture play their part in creating an environment that is easy to be absorbed into, taking you back to an era dominated by Elvis Presley. We recommend you start your visit with an amazing $5 shake to give you time to browse the exceptional menu, then fulfill your New York experience by pairing your main course with one of the many (many!) American craft beers. Elsie Mo’s claim not to serve healthy options - they are an American Diner - but they are “happy to give you a big apple!”
The Pantiles Tap, Tunbridge Wells
Pay The Pantiles Tap a visit and you’ll find a pub that is true to their motto, “Serious About Brilliant Beer”. Situated in the cellars of an old hotel in the Pantiles area of Tunbridge Wells, the bare brick walls and original fireplaces serve as a reminder that you are in fact enjoying your brilliant beer in the bowels of this grade II listed building. The Pantiles Tap has 6 keg, 6 cask and 2 cider lines all on constant rotation. Head over the their Twitter page for daily updates as to what “brilliant beer” will be being served that afternoon.
The Trading Post, Tunbridge Wells
Rounding off our spring jaunt around the garden of England we found a great local pub called the The Trading Post. Enjoy the outdoor seating area on a warm Spring evening or relax indoors in the laid back pub setting. Search the internet for reviews of The Trading Post and you’ll find 5* everywhere you look. Their service, seasonal food menu and craft beer offering are regularly cited as reasons that make this a MUST VISIT pub if you’re in the Tunbridge Wells area.
Cafe in The Crypt, London
Escape the hustle and bustle of central London in the most mystical way, head into The Crypt of St Martin in the Field, Trafalgar Square, and enjoy the surreal feeling of being underneath a church whilst enjoying a pint of Wingtip Brewery Frequent Flyer.
Express Tavern, Greater London
From the award winning team behind The Sussex Arms in Twickenham we give you The Express Tavern in Brentford. The Express Tavern is a true local’s pub just off the river Thames with a beautifully leafy beer garden, welcoming atmosphere and traditional food menu. As for beer offerings, The Express Tavern boasts 10 real ale pumps, 5 cider taps and 10 keg lines and the Wingtip Brewery fans amongst you will be glad to know that Frequent Flyer is currently on tap at the bar. Take a peek in the fridges and you’ll find a brilliant selection of bottled craft beer including 2 classic Dominion beers - Hop Mountain American Pale Ale and Beach House Pilsner.
Oxford Blue Smoke House, Oxford
Those of you that follow our #WhereToDrink crusade will realise we have somewhat of a place in our hearts, and stomachs, for American dining experiences and smokehouses. Having spent some time in Oxford recently ‘researching’ pubs and bars in the area, it was inevitable that we would be visiting our friends at Oxford Blue Smokehouse for one of their epic combo meals washed down with a Fordham Route 1 IPA (or a Ramshead if if you're in the mood for a Double IPA).
Raoul's Bar, Oxford
To be recognised in the Difford’s Guide is quite an achievement for a number of bars. To be crowned as “most respected bar” in the area by Difford’s Guide is something that every cocktail bar aspires to. Raoul’s Bar may appear cosy but being split over three floors, there is space for everyone and with a bar on each floor it won’t be long before you’re being served. Despite being famed for it’s cocktails served by professional cocktail bartenders, we’re here for the craft beer, namely The Captain from our favourite travel based brewer Wingtip Brewery.
When you’re next in Oxford get yourself to Raoul’s bar, make your own judgements, we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do and soon understand why The Sunday Times listed it as one of the 50 greatest bars on earth.
Tell us where you're enjoying great beers this month!