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Beer of the Week (w/e 5th May 2024) with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Barge, Grange, Gillingham
Gillingham
ME7 2QY
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Barge
Built in the early 19th Century by French prisoners of war, the building was used as Admiralty offices until it was sold off as 3 fishermen's cottages. It became a pub around 1860 and was originally called The cricketers, which it remained until the current owner renamed it in 1991. It consists of a long bar which runs the length of the building, with wooden floors and a few fake beams and columns which complement the real ones, and the decor is a bit contrived and cluttered with paraphernalia. There is a large garden at the rear with good views across the estuary. It was previously a GBG entry, but for some reason isn't in the latest edition, a surprise as all 4 of the ales on were superb. There is regular live music, but the background music when no-one's playing is annoying. One of Gillingham's better pubs, well worth seeking out for the entertainment and beer quality.
On 20th May 2012
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3291 recommendations about 3256 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alex Short left this review about The Barge
Not an area generally noted for quality ale houses, the Kentish town of Gillingham, does, however, throw up a few surprises. One such place often lauded, is here: The Barge. Set away from the town centre and all the troubles that can arise there, this slightly odd, though be it, quirky and charming hostelry offers the discerning local – and from further afield as well, of course – the opportunity to sample local brews and take in an array of folk and acoustic-based live acts – admittedly though, of varying levels of ability. The exterior is one of immediate intrigue and invite and indeed, the promise is fulfilled once within: dark, wooden, candle light, lanterns, and a very atmospheric feel and ambience. Cigarette cards, old smoking pipes, model ships and plenty of nautical-themed bric-a-brac can be spotted adorning the walls. Aside from the music – a sizeable stage is towards the rear of the pub – an active pool table and a dartboard are all on offer for entertainment. Background music is aired at a gentle volume and is seemingly, a constant stream of the more credible hits of yesteryear. To the rear of the establishment is a sheltered conservatory, complete with an old piano, table tennis (!!) and an old bird’s cage. A straggly, uncared-for beer garden follows on and despite the view of the River Medway; one cannot help but feel that here could be much improved upon. It resembles a junk yard and a little TLC, could really improve what could be a champion asset to the pub. Back inside, the bar – as previously mentioned – offers a selection of locally brewed and themed ales – although of the five hand pumps, only three and two respectively, have been in working order during my couple of recent stays. Amongst those sampled: Wadworth Henrys Original IPA, Gravesend Shrimpers Bitter and Nelson’s Powder Monkey. All beers served have been in perfectly drinkable condition by approachable and friendly members of staff. Indeed, the landlord himself is most forthcoming and charismatic, offering cheery welcomes and goodbyes upon entry and exit. To conclude: here does deserve the plaudits and if a few of the slight niggles could be addressed, then the Barge could really be a true pub champion of the Medway area.
On 16th May 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 6 recommendations about 6 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
train man left this review about The Barge
Grainstore Cooking, Wadworth IPA, Springhead Newark Castle Brown (I got it eventually, haha!), plus two pumps unclipped which we were told would usually be on in the week. Weatherboard exterior, large model ships in the windows, old original wood floor front & rear, tiled bar area. Pool table to the left of entrance, dartboard to the right, then the bar, & wooden bench seating beyond to rt, & open wood ‘booths’ to left, further to some covered decking, then prepare yourself for a staggering view over the Medway from the garden, plenty of bobbing boats on this visit- I think they specially laid on a regatta. Slightly straggly-grassed garden with not-unlikeable tree-stump replica tables reflecting the comfortable boho feel of the place. Not sure I’d appreciate the large trampoline being in use (it wasn’t on my visit) as it would detract from the view, but I imagine visiting parents may welcome the provision of a distraction. To the rear of the pub is a small stage & a costly sound-booth suggests that they do some serious music in addition to open mic nights. I’m not sure why anyone with a map would be troubled finding the place (difficulty has been suggested) but we approached on foot from Christmas St, which is linked to Layfield Rd by a footpath, and google satellite shows another footpath shortcut back to Grange Rd. You cannot approach on foot from Pier Rd (A289). Enthusiastic welcome from the genial manager. Recommended. (review dated Aug08)
On 19th February 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 412 recommendations about 411 pubs]