Coopers Arms, Gravesend

Now a chip shop

A short walk up the hill from Websfleet Utd (aka Ebbsfleet Utd, aka Gravesend & Northfleet) football ground, the Coopers leans heavily towards its sporting neighbour although it doesn't seem to be that popular with the fans (I was one of about half a dozen people in here prior to a recent game). The interior is mock Tudor with plenty of fake beams, a large open screen housing a few trophies (for what?) and dimpled glass panelled windows. The main bar area is awash with football shirts and club scarves. Beyond the screen is an odd shaped area that houses a pool table, jukebox and good quality Big Screen. The bar has an interesting tiled roof with the moniker “Pips Bar” and the tiling is reflected on the bar surface itself. The football light / ceiling fan shades are a bit tacky but I suppose it's in keeping with the general scheme of things. The beer selection is hardly extensive and my last visit saw both hand pumps out of action. It is a comfortable enough place to meet before a game or for a couple of pints afterwards and is handy for Northfleet station. One word of warning though; some of the conversations I have overheard in this and other surrounding pubs have been far from savoury and this is not an area to go around upsetting the locals.

April 09:Sadly shut and derelict looking