Gardeners Arms, Rochester

As described below, this Shepherd Neame pub is fairly modern inside, but that’s not a bad thing here. It’’s been well restored as a proper working village pub, not a tourist destination or gastro. As before, there were three pumps with reversed Shepherd Neame clips on, leaving just Masterbrew on offer, though it was in perfect condition so no complaints from me. The keg choices were East Coast Pale Ale, Asahi, Guinness, and a row of standard mega stuff. Food was on offer, there was a pool table, the staff were welcoming and the pub dog, a poodle of some sort, was sociable. It was the only pub open in the village, but it was worth a visit.

Modernised Shepherd Neame pub in the village centre, given a light, semi-modern refurbishment but retaining a multi-room layout. The bar itself is relatively compact, with further small seating spaces (one with a large-screen TV for the sport) to the side and rear and the dining area at the street-corner end. However, there is also an attractive, if compact, patio beer garden at the back. Only Spitfire (£4.50) was available from the four handpumps when I called in, but reversed clips for Master Brew and Bishops Finger were also visible.

Official site of Gardeners Arms - www.gardeners-higham.co.uk

Official site of Gardeners Arms - www.gardeners-higham.co.uk