The main bar, to the right, is reached by dropping down a few steps and sits under a large, vaulted ceiling with parquet-effect wooden flooring and a raised log burner on the far wall.

The bar itself, equipped with all the Shepherd Neame regulars and the vast majority of the brewery’s special editions too, is straight on and to the left. Behind this is a huge open-plan kitchen and a further extensive dining area.

However, this is only part of the story as, with its idyllic site on the water, The Wharf takes full advantage of its position with a veranda-style arrangement stretching right across the back of the pub and to one side as well.

It is this, particularly on the kind of sunny day I was lucky enough to visit, which give this place its true USP and, very cleverly, the large outdoor area uses furniture with different designs and styles to create separate, specific areas.

To enjoy my first lakeside view I sat directly behind the pub at tables and chairs which were completely slate grey in colour but I later moved further to the side, where the furniture was timber-topped and I was able to avoid the wind altogether to bask in the gorgeous warm October sunshine.

Now I know I was lucky with the weather and I don’t want to get too carried away but I have to say this really is a superb spot to enjoy a lunchtime pint.

And, given where I was, it would have been rude not to have selected a smooth and creamy 4 per cent Iron Wharf.

Music at the right volume was pumped outside and, given the bright sunshine, we were aptly treated first to Wham’s Club Tropicana and then Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay.

There were plenty of staff on hand but you can also order using the QR code on your specific table.

It’s hard to believe, but I’m an old-fashioned kind of guy who paid for his drinks at the bar and was just slightly taken aback by the shock of red hair and an Aussie-style hat sitting on the table next to me.

But by now I’d moved further round the dark weatherboard cladding and had discovered an interesting looking little dock area down some stairs on the right-hand side, sadly the door was locked so access was denied.

Similarly, although this time it was only protected by a pink/purple rope, I spotted another large seating area on a lower level which presumably also looks out over the lake but is probably only opened up when numbers really swell.

Not only does it look purpose-built but I also felt it looked a fairly recent construction but when I popped in to collect a pint of Hurlimann the barmaid assured me it’s been open 27 years.

It clearly concentrates on serving food but there were also plenty in for just a swift pint.

There are no darts, pool, jukebox or even fruit machines but the position means you get plenty of aircraft overhead to watch and I even spotted a pretty red and white bi-plane.

I assumed this was one of those Sheps’ pubs which has been cleverly created in a privileged position so it can enjoy unchallenged trading conditions.

Though I do accept many folk will be completely unaware of its existence – a bit like The Spitfire on Kings Hill.

However, the staff assured me they have competition on the main road, not far away as the crow flies in the form of The Bull.

I was so surprised to hear this I went to take a look – okay, there were a few folk frequenting this Greene King establishment and it was fairly lively but competition, Please?

When I questioned the device which registers parking the barman at The Bull, under landlady Sally’s supervision, said he’d only been here for a year and it, like everything else rarely works!

So, I don’t really think The Wharf does have a competitor, unless you count the coffee shop just down the road which also offers views of the lake. I reckon Shepherd Neame is onto a winner and I can’t believe it’s taken me 27 years to discover it.

The Wharf, Galleon Boulevard, Dartford DA2 6QL

Décor: It’s fine inside and has been maintained well enough but it’s all about the vast veranda areas outside and the lovely views of the lake. ****

Drink: This is the second time I’ve sampled Shepherd Neame’s challenger to Guinness and I have to admit I’m a fan of Iron Wharf. The Hurlimann is exactly what you’d expect and a good deal less strong than it was in your youth! ***

Price: A pint of the aptly-named Iron Wharf was £6.25 and a Hurlimann was £5.95.If you want a Madri in the ‘competing’ Greene King pub, The Bull in Horns Cross, it’ll cost you £6.30. ***

Staff: There were enough folk on duty and the staff handover at 3pm went smoothly, but no-one could be accused of being over-effusive***

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