You might think oysters, crab and sunsets to die for, when you think of Whitstable - the seaside’s charms are well known.

But for those looking for a little tipple by the sea, whipped up to perfection and served before your eyes, Jake Alder’s your man.

One of the partners at the Pearson’s Arms, the 32-year-old can turn his hand to a range of jobs in the business, but cocktails are his speciality.

After heading straight into bar work after leaving school in Canterbury, it was during a stint while working in Cornwall where he developed his love for creating cocktails.

But don’t expect any flashy Tom Cruise-style bar moves from Jake. He chooses not to “flair”, as it is known. “My co-ordination isn’t really up to it,” he says. Stirring and shaking don’t need to be theatrical to do the trick.

The pub in Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, which overlooks the beach, is a classic English pub with a cosy, friendly feel and is known for its quality drink and under chef Richard Phillips but has a hefty 15-page drinks menu for the bar, updated for the seasons, and ranging from wine and beers and spirits to mocktails, and more than two pages of cocktails.

Jake, who lives in Whitstable with his wife Chloe and three children, is continually cooking up new recipes.

“I have got lots of books. I make my own syrups too. I like to go foraging for ingredients - we take the kids out doing it.

“I love it here; I love Whitstable. The kids love it too and they always want to come in when we have live music. It’s very family friendly here.”

Jake’s own favourite is an Old Fashioned, but he’ll whip up a mean and mellow Espresso Martini, a Pearson’s Martini - always popular with visitors - or his wife’s favourite an Aperol Spritz. There’s also a Whitstable Fizz, which features elderflower liqueur and prosecco.

“I just enjoy the atmosphere of bars. I love being so busy. It’s hectic and hard work, but it’s great,” he said. “I love cocktails too. I’d love to have my own bar one day.”

His enthusiasm has rubbed off on the staff too, as the bar holds staff training and tasting sessions every month, with contests for the best recipe. Barman Prince won most recently with his own Bell Air, which then went on the menu.

“They all get excited for it.”

Though some cocktails never go out of fashion - anything with gin is always a good seller - he is currently updating the menu for the autumn season and then comes the season to be merry - Christmas.

“There are no real types for cocktails,” he says. “And don’t think men don’t love a good cocktail.”

JAKE ALDER’S FIG & RUM OLD FASHIONED

Combining his love of a personal favourite - the Old Fashioned - and creating different recipes, Jake's own take on the original Old Fashioned is the Fig & Rum Old Fashioned, using Westerhall Rum, from Westerhall Rums UK in Bramling House, Canterbury.

It uses homemade fig liqueur, brown sugar, a dash of angostura bitters and Westerhall Rum No 7. Mix the ingredients, add ice, stir and garnish with a ripe fig.

The Pearson's Arms also has a range of offers on a regular basis, including two for one on Friday nights between 6pm to 9pm. This weekend, to go with your drinks, you can also enjoy live music from Thommy Donuts on Sunday, September 30.

To find out more about the menu - including thes seasonal cocktail menu - pop in or visit pearsonsarmswhitstable.co.uk