Sitting at the top of the hill just outside Folkestone, the Valiant Sailor can trace its history right back to the 18th century, but inside it’s modern, open-plan and bright.

The exterior looks tricky to date and some serious-looking animal harnesses and restraints in the entrance hall didn’t give too much away either, so Mrs SD and I approached the bar a little tentatively.

Then, without warning, an incredibly loud alarm went off and, just for a second, I wondered if World War Three had broken out while were in a pub above the famous white cliffs.

It turned out to be a guy fixing the extremely large fruit machine who immediately apologised and explained some wires had become lodged in the coin run and he’d soon have it fixed.

Then, we were joined by what looked like two small horses, but turned out to be a pair of New Zealand Huntaway dogs, preparing for their daily constitutional.

They were full of beans but very friendly, so once we’d made their acquaintance (which also explained the powerful-looking harnesses we’d seen) and the alarm was silenced we were free to order – a large Sav Blanc for her and, for a change, a pint of Old Speckled Hen for me.

The hounds, the one called Harry was top dog, had left for their walk so we took a seat just through the door on the side of the pub with a pool table and dartboard.

Regular Ian was playing darts on his own but I resisted the urge to challenge him to a game and warmed myself by the quite excellent fire instead - a log burner with glass doors on two sides.

It must be good as Megan, the barmaid on duty, hollered: “I’m going to sit by the fire, if you want anything just shout”.

But she was back at the bar in a matter of seconds as a camper van driver walked in and checked it was okay to stay overnight?

I had wondered whether there was some sort of booking arrangement in place when we’d arrived, as well as the two roofing pickups in the car park there were also three camper vans. It seems the Valiant Sailor has signed up to something called Brit Stops and encourages such travellers to spend the night parked up.

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Moving to join the locals on the sofa by the fire in the middle of the pub we got to chatting and learned that since taking over six months ago Martin and Vicky have achieved quite a neat trick here.

While just about every other pub is shifting the emphasis away from punters who pop in for a pint in favour of those wishing to dine, they’ve done completely the opposite.

Whilst it’s more than happy to serve any hungry punter with food, the Valiant Sailor has, in recent months, pushed back from allowing dining tables to take over in favour of creating more room for drinkers to enjoy a pint – and, judging by Friday afternoon, the policy’s working a treat.

As part of the shift away from pub dining a new pool table has been installed, looking very bright and pristine in red, and a pub team has been created to join the local league. The only slight snag is matches are played on a Monday night (when the pub is usually closed) so there’s a special dispensation to open for home matches.

Vicky was playing her favourite radio station through her phone, Smooth I think, and from a speaker with multi-coloured lights, we were treated to Relax from Frankie, The Waterboys and Dead or Alive’s You Spin Me Right Round.

The music was briefly challenged by the ringtone on barmaid Megan’s mobile, but The Muppets were quickly silenced and, rather than answer, she put the phone aside to serve me.

Both Mrs SD and I can report the toilets were well maintained, clean and fresh, though I have to say there were a few signs, some flaking paint, a damaged door and step ladders, in the gents that reveal the makeover is still a work in progress.

Back in the bar, I re-joined the regulars sitting around the fire and spent another very enjoyable hour swapping stories and learning more about the way Martin and Vicky have taken this pub forward.

We didn’t eat, but heard good reports about the food and the remaining dining area looked well set up. There was also a small area entitled ‘Lovers’ Corner’, but again, we didn’t sample this! Oh yes, and dogs are very welcome, although not in the dining area.

It’s great to visit a proper family-run free house which has its priorities right and a positive feeling about the future. There’s no pretension whatsoever at the Valiant Sailor, just decent folk doing a good job and it was a pleasure to visit.

THE VALIANT SAILOR, NEW DOVER ROAD, CAPEL LE FERNE, NEAR FOLKESTONE CT18 7JJ

Decor: The pub maybe 240 years old, but the inside is modern and open-plan. Martin and Vicky have obviously made changes since taking over and the double-sided log burner is amazing. There are still a few areas to finish but I’m sure it will all be sorted very soon. ***

Drink: There was plenty of choice on tap and my Speckled Hen was well-kept and well served. Mrs SD declared the Sav Blanc a very decent drop and said it represented good value for money by today’s pub prices. ***

Price: A large Sauvignon Blanc is £6.50 and a pint of Old Speckled Hen will set you back a fiver. A Madri will cost you a little more but isn’t too heftily priced at £5.30. ****

Staff: It’s a real family affair and both mum Vicky and daughter Megan were welcoming, down-to-earth and helpful. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a local or a visitor you feel right at home the moment you walk through the door. *****

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