Shopping fiends Mrs SD and the Apprentice made a beeline for Ashford Designer Outlet but I was too smart for that nonsense and offered a drop-off and pick-up service.

This left me heading just down the road until I reached the first hostelry, the Beaver Inn on a road of the same name.

Judging by the building site at the back of the pub, it’s an apt name as there’s plenty of beavering away going on and I found my way in through the red and white striped tape.

Though I must say, from a first impression of the work done so far, I reckon they’re going to end up with a great outdoor area, both for adults and kids alike. There was even a dartboard in one of the new alcove areas for any arrow lovers desiring to go al fresco.

Inside, the barmaid was sitting quietly on a stool in a back corner of the bar checking out her phone but she quickly came to attention and was polite and welcoming.

She agreed my decision to swerve the shopping trip was sensible but said it wasn’t likely to get too lively in the Beaver as the night before had been a ‘big one’ and she was waiting for Rob to return with lunch.

It’s a Shepherd Neame pub so I played it safe with a Hurlimann and asked if they ever serve food? The answer was no, but I was told the chippy next door is good and I was welcome to bring in anything I liked.

Apparently, the Beaver Inn has been serving those avoiding shopping trips right back to the 1870s but I got the distinct impression this one may have been closed for a few years and has undergone something of a transformation.

The pool table was covered over, maybe just a temporary measure given how busy the weekend had been, but there are plenty of TV screens around the place and, as well as the one outside there are several dartboards indoors.

The only other couple in, apart from me, only had eyes for the fruit machine but when they finally gave up on that, they concentrated on getting their vapes charged up.

I was at the other end of the bar, the one with a simian sat on it drinking Bourbon. The barmaid reckons there’s all sorts of monkeying around once the locals get their hands on him at the end of the night.

The place is fairly smart and is wood panelled everywhere (including the ceiling) which could make it really dark but it’s been painted white throughout to maintain a light, airy feel.

Main man Rob returned with burgers for him and the barmaid Lisa were duly demolished by them on the corner of the bar, it seems he was still feeling the ‘effects’ of the previous evening’s 1am finish! He said it was a crazy night but the whole weekend had been a good one.

And, to keep the neighbours happy he’d made sure the live music was switched off outside at midnight to avoid complaints.

Up ‘til now there’d only been a couple of locals in but we were swiftly joined by a chap wearing just one glove who got a pint in before taking over at the fruitie and explaining he wasn’t doing a Michael Jackson impression. The next punter in ordered a Fosters plus a Guinness, which seemed excessive until he explained his dad would be in momentarily.

Obviously, as the Beaver is supported by a loyal gang of local drinkers it isn’t surprising to realise they all know each other inside out but, unlike some places, this doesn’t stop them from sharing just about everything with new visitors too.

Buoyed by the camaraderie and the avoidance of shopping, I stayed for one more and for a change, in a rash moment, ordered a Master Brew. It was decidedly average as usual and I can report my feelings towards this beer have not changed one iota.

However, the establishment must not be blamed for this in any way and must instead be praised for creating such a positive atmosphere in a decent, down-to-earth local pub.

Yes, it’s a work in progress and yes I’m sure they still want to make even more improvements, but all the signs are good and I reckon Rob is well and truly on the right track.

And finally, I must mention the loos where I discovered the face of a young lady up close and personal – she looked a little shocked but I’ve no idea why as the gents were perfectly fresh, clean and sweet smelling.

Keep beavering away guys, you’re on to a winner.

BEAVER INN, 322 BEAVER ROAD, ASHFORD TN23 7SP

Décor: Everywhere is reasonably smart and well looked after, with decent wooden floors and carpets. Painting the wood panelling white has kept it light and airy and locals appreciate the brown leather benches. Outside is a work in progress but the signs are good. ****

Drink: It’s the usual Shepherd Neame stablemates and I can report that despite trying again I’m still not a fan of Master Brew. It could do with a few other options though. ***

Price: A pint of Hurlimann shaded a fiver by 10p but the Master Brew came in 60p cheaper at £4.50. ***

Staff: It was just the barmaid but she was friendly and upbeat. To be fair it didn’t need any more staff as it was quiet day following a hectic weekend. ****

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