From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 21 December 2019.

The 33 pubs in Kent you have to drink at in 2020 according to CAMRA.

In total Kent has heaps of pubs listed in the guide and, while 33 of these are new entries, others have appeared in previous editions of the guide.

A total of 33 pubs from around Kent make up the new entries that feature in the 2020 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

The guide is produced annually by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the independent guide to the best boozers in the UK that is researched by unpaid and independent volunteers nationwide.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s chief executive, said: “For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

“What makes the Guide unique is that all the entries are compiled and vetted by a huge volunteer team, based around the country. We work hard to ensure that all areas of the country are covered and, unlike with some competitor titles, inclusion in this book is dependent only on merit, not on payment.

“The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.”

This pub is included in the 2020 list.

Chequers Inn, Loose.

What the guide says: "Grade II-listed coaching inn with oak timbers, mullion windows and an inglenook fireplace.

"It is also reported to have two resident ghosts – a Cavalier from the Civil War and a ghoul with a passion for the piano."

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Chris Hunter, 25 May 2023.

Historic and treasured Chequers pub in Loose up for sale for £1,365,000.

If Johnny Depp is still looking for a Kent pub, he could do worse than the historic Chequers pub in Loose.

Last month it was reported the Pirates of the Caribbean star had shown interest in the "Chequers Inn," in Smarden – up for sale for £1 million – but for just a few hundred thousand pounds more he could snap up a watering-hole closer to one of his Kent-based friends.

Agents Savills say the Grade II-listed pub is up for an asking price of £1,365,000, and it’s anticipated it will be sold as a going concern, with the current lease set to expire in 2036.

Dating back to the 17th Century and situated next to Loose Stream, the Chequers has been central to Loose life for more than 300 years, and has been a favourite of internationally-renowned artist Ralph Steadman – a friend of Depp.

Best known for his work with American writer Hunter S Thompson, Steadman rose to fame after collaborating on works such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, later made into a film by Terry Gilliam, starring Depp - and the actor and artist have since forged a close friendship.

Both Hunter S Thompson and Depp have visited their friend in Loose, the former even visiting the Chequers for a drink, while Steadman more recently celebrated his 80th birthday at the pub in 2016.

So could Captain Jack Sparrow be singing “Drink up me hearties, yo ho!” at the bar of The Chequers any time soon?

Ralph Steadman (centre) celebrates his 80th birthday at the Chequers in Loose, presenting Sue Shaw of the Heart Of Kent Hospice with a cheque for £3,000, with fellow artist Graham Clarke.

Savills says the pub is offered as a “freehold public house investment” and that the entire property is let to an individual operator, with a current yearly rent of £101,084.

It says the rent is subject to five yearly open market rent reviews and annual uncapped RPI increases, and that the business is unaffected by the sale.

Timber-framed and weatherboarded, the pub has three storeys with painted brick elevations beneath a pitched and hipped roof.

The ground floor houses an open-plan bar and separate dining area to the rear, with a central bar servery and seating for 70 customers.

The upper floors house manager’s accommodation, while outside there is a patio and garden with seating for 150 customers, and a garage containing the beer cellar.

Boughton Monchelsea Morris Men dancing with Loose Women at The Chequers on Boxing Day 2015.

Morris dancers outside the pub on Boxing Day 2019.

The entire property is let to The Tall Guy Limited on a 20-year lease from October 21 2016 at a current rent of £101,084 per annum.

A rent deposit of £24,117 and a repair and maintenance fund of £1,153.34 is held by the landlord.

Savills add that all viewings must be made by prior appointment and no direct approach should be made to any of the occupational tenants’ staff.