Welsh Tavern, Dartford

Situated near what was an old turnpike (a street called Tollgate Road still exists a few yards away), the Welsh Tavern (or Welch Tavern as it was originally spelt) has been around since 1827 although the current building was built around the 1870's. Originally there was a shop next door and this later became part of the pub and is now the pool room. The interior is quite shallow especially around the bar area and the décor a bit dated but still has a good community feel to it and a few nice features like the etched windows remain. They run a successful Sunday League football team, originally formed in 1976 by Dartford supporters – the club's old Watling Street ground was a short stroll away. At the rear is a separate games lobby with fruit machine and a pinball machine. This leads to the well kept and spacious beer garden complete with children's play area and a bat and trap pitch. The choice of beers is not particularly extensive (Courage Best is the only Ale available) but there are far worse pubs in Dartford and on a decent summer evening, a session in the garden is can be very pleasant.