Amazing view. Great beer. Food is also, great. Julien at the gift shop is the best…read more Fly, you fools.

An absolute dream come true…read more I still can't believe they didn't shut the door in our faces on arrival. There we were, six young-ish dudes -- looking very, very thirsty -- checking in for two nights, one of them a humble bachelor celebrating his final days of freedom. They asked what our plans were for our stay. They laughed. They knew. They welcomed it. We conquered. To say this place is perfect would be an understatement. It is better than perfect. Everything you've heard is true: -- Three fridges stocked with every type of St. Bernardus beer in existence (cash donations accepted). -- Large, comfortable rooms named after the various beers, some with air conditioning (although mine, the Pater 6, did not have A/C) all nicely decorated with beer art and warm colors. -- A lounge with antique furniture and games, a chess board, books about beer. -- Breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs, and three different types of cheese made specifically for the brewery. -- Grab a bike and take the short but beautiful ride into the charming town of Watou. All for the truly incredible value of 110 Euros/night for a double room, 95 if you're traveling solo. -- Did you wake up with a headache after emptying the fridges of their contents last night? No worries, Jackie knows, and she has aspirin waiting for you with the instructions to take it with the last beer you drank the previous night. Don't forget to have a poke around downstairs (haha) and scope some of the St. Bernardus memorabilia from the days when they brewed Westvelteren 12 on behalf of the St. Sixtus Trappist Abbey. The old clay mugs are spectacular, as are the 3-liter commemorative Tour de France glasses. Everything about this place is beyond exceptional. Everything. I can't wait to go back.

I first tasted beer when I was 7 and yuck! College came and Budweiser was the norm. I thought…read morethat's just it beer sucks and it's a way to get drunk cheap just drink loads and get on with it. Westvleteren is one of the best beers and elevated beer to my drink profile. I drank and got into beers so much that I developed gout hahaha. The closest taste would be st bernardus but nothing really hits the spot unless you drink the real thing. I drove 250 km just to drink this.

When I heard we'd get to go to the Westvleteren Trappist Brewery I was thrilled and envisaged a…read morehundreds of years old building with creaking floorboards, lofty rafters and monks scurrying around pouring beer and chanting. OK not so much the chanting part but I think you get the picture I was seeing in my head. What a shock when we finally arrived (after about an hour drive from Brugge) and found a sleek, angular and thoroughly modern taproom and restaurant! Well for sure the ages old Abbey is around somewhere? Nope. Though we couldn't get a tour we saw many photos all showing very modern and classy facilities, including their worship spaces. Mind blown, but in amazing way. These Monks have totally embraced the modern times and they've produced a really nice facility with some wonderful grounds as well. What about the beer? , Yes, yes we weren't on an architecture tour we were here for the beer. And boy it sure didn't disappoint. There's a reason the Westvleteren XII was rated the best beer in the world a few years back and luckily we got to taste through the line-up the 12, the 8 and the Blonde! It should be mentioned that the food was quite good as well and despite the continuous stream of people strolling in to deplete the days supply of available "to go" six packs it was quite a pleasant and relaxing experience. (TIP: if you want take some home with you you better get there when they open and buy your six packs first thing. DO NOT wait until after you eat to buy the beer, I saw the days allotted pallet get cleared out in the time it took us to eat lunch:-) As I sit here months removed from my visit, staring at the last bottle of Westvleteren Blond that I schlepped through Europe and finally got home, I think that I've got to get back to Belgium and Westvletren and I envy any and all of you who are on your way there :-)

After a day of exploring Dover Castle and walking through Biggin Street, we decided to dine at this…read more popular and recommended pub. A perfect place to rest and recount our adventures for the day. There were quite a few diners in, and the space seemed a lot larger once inside, with a bar and several rooms to accommodate small and large parties. We were seated near a party of 10! Service was friendly and leisurely, which we welcomed. Only one staff was taking and distributing orders and he advised of the delay in service. The food was delicious and had we more time in town, would likely have dined in again.

We just arrived from a cruise trip, while visiting Dover Castle we were looking for a great stop…read morefor lunch. This place is fantastic, easy walk from Dover Castle and just so happens to be Dovers oldest pub. The menu for lunch is small, feels like it's because they want to do things right. The fish and chips- highly recommend. However unless you are starving I recommend you split it with a friend. When we arrived we were immediately greeted, service was excellent. For families like us, they do have high chairs. They will take your order if you sit inside. There's also an outdoor garden however you need to come to the counter to order. Same with drinks. Each room has a lot of history. Take one look around and there's a lot going on. Apparently this location used to be a part of monastery and has evolved over the years now to a great pub. Each dish we enjoyed, the vegetarian linguine was fresh, chips were delicious and the fish was wonderful. If you're cruising in and need a place for a good meal not too far from the port or to Dover Castle- I recommend you swing on in. Highly casual so you can come as is or for special occasion.

Small industrial unit on a fairly grim industrial estate producing some of the finest beers in the…read moresouth of England. Gary Hayward started brewing here in 2004 and has consistently produced great beers. His American style IPAs are probably the best outside of the States. He also produces milds, porters and bitters,some of which are available in bottle. http://www.redsquirrelbrewery.co.uk

We visited the long man brewery for a tour and tasting. They were both excellent. The brewery is…read morefairly small and not that old, and the tours and shop started last December but it is an absolute must if you enjoy beer and are interested in the local history of the area. The tour guide was extremely friendly and knowledgable and able to answer everyone's questions. The tour itself lasted about 45 minutes and then you all sit round the tasting table in the shop to try 4 of the beers whilst the tour guide explains how each was made and tasting notes. They are also very happy to give you an extra glass of any of the beers you fancy drinking more of after the initial tasting. They definitely aren't scrimping on the beer available to you! Also part of the tour is a goodie bag to take home containing a bottle of beer and a long man glass, and you get 15% off any purchases you make in the shop on the day. It was really excellent value for money and a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

superb brewery. watch out for the double stout! the open evenings are a must.read more

From the owner: Founded in 2004 we make craft beer with hops grown in Kent and from around the world. Our new Tap…read moreRoom and Shop opened in 2016 and we relocated the brewery to Westerham in early 2017. Pizzas on Fridays and Burgers on Saturdays 4.30pm to 8.30pm

LOVELY! BRILLIANT! FRIENDLY!…read more Just one block off the main drag of Canterbury, on a much quieter street, is the semi secret oasis from the hordes or tourist crowds, is The Foundry. Walking right in is the louder pub bar area, to the right is a quieter spacious large industrial room with full wait service from the friendly staff. Great local craft beers! £18 FISH & CHIPS! A beautiful chunk of fresh cod in a thick crispy hot batter made with Canterbury Brewers beer...lovely! And about £2 cheaper than average! The chips were tasty and plentiful, and the homemade mushy peas were creamy. Great homemade tartare sauce!

Off the main drag in Canterbury, this place is well worth a visit. It can be a little challenging…read moreto find (we were walking) as google might lead you to a bit of a dead end, but just keep going around the corner and you'll pop right into it. A nice airy space with high and low tables and a long bar. Love the sustainable and local focus. Really pleasant server and barkeep as well. We ordered the bubble and squeak starter which was a new one for us Americans. I had the steak and Foundry Ale pie which was incredible. Exectly how you want this sort of thing - loaded with tender meat and veg and a huge, flaky crust. He had the hunters chicken which I heard no complaints about. We finished with the sticky toffee pudding and it was one of the best things I ate during our travels. Loved the sparkling fruit cider that I ordered: fresh and bright and bubbly. Can't recommend this place enough!

Excellent spot with plenty of seating inside. I liked the rustic and practical aesthetic. There is…read morea separate food counter to the drinks. Bartender is chill. When I came there was a diverse range of people inside, from younger groups to business types to senior citizens. If you like good craft beer, this place seems to be for everyone.

One of the best breweries on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Over 20 taps including a ton of sours and…read morebarrel aged saisons. Plus your standard basic beer like IPAs and such. Good sized venue but always crowded on Saturdays so feels small. Love the ambiance and the exposed barrels in the background. Hard to find seating but there are some tables upstairs that are normally open. Would definitely recommend to all beer lovers!

After having some of their beers in the US at the Shelton Brothers Festivals, we decided to go…read morevisit Brasserie Thiriez. We were very fortunate to receive a nice tasting from the brewer's daughter - Le Petite Princesses - which is a 2.9% saison collaboration with Jester King - very refreshing, and amber ale and a biere de Garde which was excellent. The tasting room decor and ambiance is superb (see photos). The brewer, Daniel, started his brewery 20 years ago and had been home brewing since he was a teenager. He's done an excellent job and continues to expand.

Arrived shortly before closing time on a Thursday. The son in law was super accommodating and very…read morefriendly. Had tastings of the three beers on tap blonde, amber, and saison. Very impressed with this small brewery!!