The Man of Kent, Rochester

Lovely looking exterior - requires a slight amount of detective work to find the entrance. Which has a covid notice saying "if the door is locked, please knock". I am unsure if this offer is time bound. Three large Paulaner Fonts - they specialise in German Beers and a collection of Real Ales from an L Shaped Bar with benches running along the outside. Friendly locals and barstaff. Goachers Ales Gold Star in fine condition.

A very attractive old exterior of Styles & Winch, a Maidstone brewery that bought up the local Troy Town brewery (which still stands at the end of nearby Cazeneuve St). The front doors are shut off and entry is through the side, which takes you into a glorious back street community local with no frills or pretensions. The L-shaped bar has a splendid array of 11 handpumps, all serving different Kent beers at time of visit, plus a clutch of German fonts serving Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr. At the end of the bar is a small heap of Kentish ciders in boxes while at the back of the pub there is a side room incorporating a library, with a garden behind. We were there early evening when there was a steady flow of regulars, judging from the pulling of the correct beer as they arrived, always a good sign. A permanent exhibition of Kent beers in a proper local which should not be missed.