Morden Arms, Rochester

The Mordon Arms is a back street estate type pub. Sadly this flat roofed pub is now boarded up,lets hope it reopens in the near future as pubs like this are getting harder to find. Attempted visit 6/6/2015

The original Morden Arms opened in 1858 in nearby Queens Street. The current version, previously called The High Span, was built in the 1960s. I don't know when the name transferred, but it probably wasn't too chuffed about so doing. The current building used to be both pub and off licence, but is now just a two-roomed pub. It recently re-opened after a break resulting from loss of trade, but they didn't bother to redocorate and even the outside signage remains in disrepair. As you enter, having crossed the tidemark of fag ends and chewing gum which marks the curtilage, you find a lino-floored hall; turn left and there is a battered, dirty, unfriendly room with a pool table, turn right and there is a battered, dirty, unfriendly room without a pool table. There is no real ale and no food on offer. The inhabitants were mostly yoofs whose grasp of any language was marginal. While I was there the pub cat tried to do a runner but was caught by its captors and made to stay. A great pub for those who want to enjoy the post apocalyptic atmosphere, but if you want a decent pint in pleasant surroundings, there are some excellent alternatives nearby.