Jolly Caulkers, Chatham

First opened in 1872, the Jolly Caulkers is now slightly incongruous in its position across the road from Halfords. It was previously owned by Leney's and Whitbread breweries. It is a good traditional town boozer consisting of a single bar attracting the more sensible high street crowd, it's carpeted and has a very cliched decor - it really doesn't the fake beams and artex to emphasise its age. It does karaoke, has a garden and does 2-for-1 offers on cheap spirits. Free wifi, a no-nonsense barman and has a good local feel, if slightly bizarre at times (such as when the septuagenarian couples start dancing arm-in-arm to hip-hop). On the whole the people were genuinely nice, but it was slightly marred by the beer - only one ale on, London Pride, which tasted like megakeg and wasn't that enjoyable. This pub is out of place and out of its time, but it's good to see it still here when so many others have closed. Worth a visit if passing.

The Jolly Caulkers is a long and thin pub that is located just off Chatham High Street. It was busy with a local crowd on the Monday afternoon the week before Christmas. I found the barmaid to be very friendly and I received a decent pint of pride. The bar supports another two hand pumps, but these were both off leaving a generic standard draught range as the other drink options. There was some background music playing and the large plasma screens located at the front and rear of the pub were both showing muted rolling news. Sky Sports is shown here and live music was advertised along with karaoke which takes place every Sunday. I didn’t spot any food advertisements, but I imagine that breakfast is served as this pub opens at 9am during the week. There is a late license until midnight during the week and 1am on Friday and Saturdays. Children are welcome until 18:00 and there is a small paved beer garden out the back. This is a down to earth local pub that I would have no problem revisiting for a quick pint if passing.