You’d never find this pub unless you were specifically looking for it, or had been before.

My editor reckons it’s a hot spot for illicit lovers and attracts courting couples, if not to the pub itself, the car park or even the leafy lane which leads to this out-of-the-way pub.

But on the day we visited the Robin Hood at the very top of Blue Bell Hill it wasn’t warm enough for outdoor passion as, despite being the middle of May, it was raining cats and dogs.

And, if that wasn’t enough to dampen any ardour, there was the fact the pub was hosting a wake. Although Mrs SD, who purely by coincidence was dressed completely in black, joked that her appearance might give her a chance at the buffet table.

In the end, it was so brass monkeys, we left the back room to the mourners and took a seat in front of the amply endowed wood burner.

With a decent local option available it didn’t take me long to choose a pint of Ball Puller from Maidstone’s Musket Brewery. This interestingly-named 4% bitter is hoppy and, despite the deep colour, is a light, highly-drinkable session beer.

We weren’t exactly famished but fancied a little something so, having perused the menu, Mrs SD chose a wrap containing southern fried chicken in sweet chilli sauce. It wasn’t on the menu but I heard someone rave about the carrot and coriander soup so decided to try that.

Host David dragged over a small table so we could stay in our fireside seats and before long our food was delivered.

The conservatory at the back is all set up for dining and I’m sure the picnic tables outside are popular when, and if, summer ever arrives, but on a cool Friday lunchtime the table labelled ‘FIRE’ by the barmaid suited us well.

The food was really good and I rated my large bowl of wholesome tasty soup, served with warm, crusty bread and although I didn’t sample it I’m told the wrap was equally fresh and tasty.

The heavy beams and choice of colour for the walls make the Robin Hood pretty dark inside but it seems to suit the style of pub and I also saw a good number of horse brasses dotted about the place.

I didn’t disturb the mourners but saw no sign of pool, darts or a jukebox or any other pub games. Not that this is a problem, it’s just the landlord recognising his market and setting the place up to accommodate dog walkers and couples looking for a bite.

With the wood burner blazing well (it contains a boiler and, through a series of pipes, heats the radiators too) we were not in a hurry to move on and spotted a mini backboard displaying half a dozen different puds.

Mrs SD chose a white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake and I went all in with a syrup sponge and custard. All the desserts were the same price - £6.90.

For a second drink I shifted to a pint of Gamma Ray from Beavertown – this is a very decent IPA but with the price breaking the £6 mark there’s no way I’d consider it a session ale.

Dogs are welcome here, though preferably in the other bar, but there was no mention of cats, which is probably as well, because you won’t be swinging one in either the gents or the ladies loos. They were, however, beautifully maintained, clean and fresh with glistening white tiles.

There’s no denying this pub is well off the beaten track and you’re not going to come across it by accident.

The food and drink was certainly decent enough and I know costs have been rising across the board, but I have to admit I did leave wondering if the prices being charged here can be maintained?

It’s a pleasant enough rural boozer but I’m not convinced it has enough character or charm to justify such inflated charges.

Finally, a message for the editor - There was no sign of couples driving up in separate cars, although the four ladies lunching on the table nearest us did all arrive in four different vehicles. Another table in the bar bore a card reserving it until 1pm but as that time came and went without anyone showing up I can only assume they got lost on their walk or perhaps only made it as far as the car park!

ROBIN HOOD, 364 COMMON ROAD, BLUE BELL HILL, CHATHAM ME5 9RJ

Decor: The lights were on, including the antlers over the bar, but it’s naturally a dark pub inside with heavy beams and dark paint. If you can sit in front of the wood burner I’d say you’ve managed to secure the best seat in the house. ***

Drink: There wasn’t a massive choice but the Ball Puller (Musket Brewery) was a decent pint and the Gamma Ray was exactly what you’d expect. The wine was labelled as ‘okay’ by she who enjoys a grape juice more than most. ***

Price: A couple of drinks each, a soup and wrap and a pair of puds. With the bill topping £70 you couldn’t describe this as cheap. The Gamma Ray was £6.10 and a large wine is £8, the Ball Puller was £4.70. **

Staff: Our barmaid was Jannette and both she and landlord David were pleasant, if a little distracted, as they made sure the mourners were attended to. There were plenty of staff on duty in the kitchen. ***

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