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The Wat Tyler, Dartford
Dartford
DA1 1DE
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Wat Tyler
Historic pub at the eastern end of the High Street which still retains some character within the twin-bar interior. The furniture and decor is quite basic throughout, but that probably aligns with the customer base looking for a value pint from the no-nonsense landlady so none the worse for that. Three of five handpumps in use, dispensing Courage Best (£2.80), Spitfire and Old Peculier.
On 28th October 2018
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Wat Tyler
Originally a 15th Century alehouse and previously called the Crown and Anchor, this high street pub is described below. It is very much a locals' pub, and we didn't really feel that welcome; the staff were fairly bitter-faced, while the regulars just looked at us grumpily when we sat down. Children roam free, and one door was partially blocked by a large pram and its large owner. The raised dining area at the rear was closed off, making seating more difficult than it needed to be. There were gaming machines and a jukebox pushing out noise pollution. Ales on draft were Old Peculiar, Hobgoblin, Spitfire and Courage Best. I had the Spitfire, and it was drinkable but not brilliant.
On 19th February 2018
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3284 recommendations about 3249 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alan Winfield left this review about The Wat Tyler
The Wat Tyler is a nice looking pub that is close to the Clipper.
There is no front door to the pub,the entrance is on the right side.
Once inside there is a narrow oblong shaped room which runs to the rear,the room is bare boarded and the bar is on the mid left side,the seating is pew seats and normal tables and chairs,the rear area is up one step and not in use on my visit.
There were five real ales on,i had a drink of Shepherd Neame Master Brew which went down very well,the other beers were Shepherd Neame Spitfire and Spitfire Gold,Theakston Old Peculiar and Hobgoblin.
There was background music playing and the pub was very busy on my Saturday afternoon visit.
I quite liked this pub,one i could stay in for a few.
Pub visited 22/10/2016
On 2nd January 2017
- rating: 8
[User has posted 6113 recommendations about 6113 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Wat Tyler
A pleasant welcoming town pub with a bit of a historical feel, beamed ceilings, some exposed brickwork, wooden floors. Long and narrow with the bar to one side, the rear area is raised up a few steps. Traditional seating including a few high backed settles helps to confirm the overall mood, decor involves rifles and muskets, brasses and cigarette cards. A number of pump clips are contained in a framed case. There is a dartboard towards the rear but it didn't look easily usable having a set of outdoor chairs stacked in front. The TV was switched off on Saturday lunchtime.
The pub, a GBG 2012 entry, is known for specialising in darker beers such as milds and porters, my visit had regulars John Smith's Cask, Theakston Old Peculiar plus Pilgrim Saracen Stout and Pilgrim Porter. There was also a handpulled cider, Weston's Old Rosie.
A decent spot serving good and unusual beer, essential on a Dartford tour. Outdoor seating in the side passage.
On 5th December 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The Wat Tyler
Much of Dartford’s medieval High Street is now hidden behind Victorian Facades but one small corner by the Norman church still retains its 14th Century appearance. Part of this picturesque patch of buildings is the Wat Tyler (previously called the Crown & Anchor), named aftare the 1381 peasants revolt leader who supposedly lived in the building however there is no realistic evidence that he ever lived in Dartford at all.
Despite the wonderful medieval exterior, the interior is probably the remnants of a 60’s refurbishment and the pub is generally stuck in a bit of a timewarp but it does have its own intrinsic charm. The décor and furnishings are quite basic and a bit worn around the edges with pews, rugs on the bare floors, beamed ceilings, lanterns and large sections of original exposed brickwork. Around the walls you will find a few antique firearms (presumably not loaded), old photos of town and a small display of old pump clips. Don’t rely on the large clock – it is always 10 minutes wrong! At the rear of the pub is a small raised secluded room that offers a bit of intimacy away from the main body of the pub. There is a dart board, a basic TV with a recent upgrade to freeview and piped music which is usually 70’s rock (everything is 30 years out of date here). There is no beer garden but some outside seating can be found in the passageway outside (Bullace Lane) which itself used to be one of the main routes into town but is now little more than an alleyway to Waitrose car park.
The beers are among the best in town for quality, choice and price. The mainstays are Courage Best and John Smith (Cask) but there are always 3 guest ales that tend to be strong, darker beers and rarely will they not have one of a mild / stout / porter (on occasions they may have all 3). Occasionally Brains or Rev James may make an appearance in place of one of the regulars. They also regularly stock ales from local breweries (Millis, Nelson, Westerham etc) and a recently added pump is set aside for a real cider. Prices are much lower than many of the pubs in town and offer good value considering most of the ales are of premium strength.
The main area of concern is that some of the regulars can be quite annoying when they have exceeded their maximum alcohol intake level, which is quite often. Whilst they are generally harmless enough and probably mean no offence, the language on show can not only be offputting but quite intrusive although I have noticed the staff beginning to take a firmer grip of things in recent weeks. On the whole the people are pretty chatty and welcoming and no pub trip to Dartford would be complete without a decent session here.
On 20th January 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]