A group of drinkers downed pints and walked out of a Faversham pub after Ukip leader Nigel Farage popped in for a quick beer.

The seven friends upped and left when the controversial politician arrived at the Phoenix in Abbey Street.

Landlord David Selves says the surprise appearance sparked a mix of “hero worship and complete indifference” and confirmed it sparked the small walkout.

He said: “I believe it is a free country and I respect that people have a right to choose to leave, but I also respect Mr Farage’s right to come here and have a beer.

“A pub is a place where people are equal, and The Phoenix really is that place.

“I believe it is a free country and I respect that people have a right to choose to leave, but I also respect Mr Farage’s right to come here and have a beer"- Landlord David Selves

“I don’t think he [Farage] would be here for no particular reason or just for a beer, although he is always somewhere for a beer.”

Local artist Louise Gabriel was also in the pub at the time.

She said: “He [Farage] was there with two male companions, one of whom was wearing an earpiece and shadowed him when he went out for a cigarette or to the loo.

“He wasn’t being overly loud or sounding off. We just recognised him but didn’t speak to him.”

Mr Farage is no stranger to the Phoenix and may have developed a taste for David’s beer as this was his second visit in the last few years.

He stopped over in 2011 during British Beer Week, when David made him a promise there would be “absolutely no politics involved”.

He was also interviewed by David at the London Grill Club - an interview and lunch event - back in 2013.

Mr Farage, who is standing for South Thanet at the impending election, tweeted hours before arriving at the Phoenix that he was “back on the campaign trail”.

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