The King Ethelbert, what a missed opportunity. The end of this little road to the coast serves…read moremasses of weekend day-trippers coming to fish off the sea defences, inspect the ancient ruined tower, walk and cycle along the Viking Way coastal path, as well as longer-term holidayers in the caravan park. Surely a prime spot for an ambitious landlord, somewhere to build a reputation, a destination along the lines of the Sportsman?
A dozen close-packed picnic tables sit on decking at the rear, together with a gazebo For Smokers Only. There is a view of the car-park, and the immobile caravans of the holiday camp, but no trace of the sea.
Food is the dullest pub food imaginable; baked potato with tuna and sweetcorn served with new potatoes in mayo, wet quiche Lorraine, Tesco Value style pizza ten minutes late because "one of the machines broke", and so forth. You would have to be very brave indeed, or singularly well refreshed, to try one of the gourmet dishes off the specials board inside: "braised duck leg with a black cherry & tamarind sauce served with rosti potato & veg of the day", anyone?
Would be one star if it wasn't for the fact that it serves a decent pint (Greene King IPA, Shepherd Neame Masterbrew and "the whippet strikes back") and is in the perfect spot for a post walk or cycle stop. Don't touch the food though, stick to crisps, have a picnic up in the shelter of the Tower instead.