The Darnley Arms, Gravesend

The Darnley Arms is an open plan L shaped pub with a small bar in the right rear corner. A minimal amount of seating along the front of the pub and around the bar leaves a lot of standing room, perfect for a live music venue. There were no bands performing during my recent Tuesday evening visit, but the jukebox was playing hits from the likes of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The plasma screen was off, and I didn’t spot any advertisements for live sports. There is a dartboard on the left-hand wall. A standard draught range is available from the bar and a lone handpump was drawing Youngs Ordinary. I think the food menu stretches to rolls in clingfilm. Out the back is a small enclosed yard to keep the smokers off the front path. The gent’s toilet is a bit grotty with a urinal made from an old trough. I found the woman working the bar to be extremely friendly meaning I would gladly return to this unremarkable pub if passing.

There is nothing about this pub that makes me want to go in and drink here. I have tried 10 times recently but various things have put me off and changed my mind. I walked up to the pub then rough customers put me off. I went again and the smokers and loud music put me off. The bland exterior and funny location does not help either. I am starting to think I will never get in the door...