The North Foreland, Rochester

The pub rambles a bit, having 4 separate bar areas including a subterranean garden-bar and a rear bar with laminate flooring used for functions. It's not all open all of the time, so you take pot luck as to which bits you see. It's a architectural gem, but the pub business is less imposing. The Georgian fireplace in the front bar contrasts with the rather less pleasant carpet. There is a There are various nautical and military memorabilia dotted around, the clientele are a mixed bunch, the staff put up with no nonsense. It's a basic, raw blokes' pub, popular with merchant seaman, not really suitable for ladies, whimps, posers or 'new men'. Only one ale on, Bateman's which was not well kept and tasted like grilled plastic bags on toast. Come for the architecture, but don't bring the wife.

The North Foreland is a quirky little L shaped bar with a downstairs pool room and paved beer garden full of picnic tables and a barbeque. The bar has a grubby feel and there are only two small tables in the bar area as most of the limited seating is up some steps to the left of the bar. Along with the standard draught taps on the bar there are three hand pumps, but one of these was unused and the Bombardier was off leaving only Youngs Ordinary available. I found the guy working behind the bar to be polite enough, but the Guinness was awful and I had to leave it. There is a jam night here every second Thursday. I thought this place was very forgettable and I do not plan to return.