The Tudor Rose, Rochester

Official site of The Tudor Rose - www.tudorroseupnor.co.uk

Official site of The Tudor Rose - www.tudorroseupnor.co.uk

After visiting the impressive Upnor Castle on a late Friday afternoon we took the opportunity to try the two pubs in this small hamlet on the banks of the River Medway. Unchanged from the review below most of the life on this fine weather afternoon was either in the small front bar or the couple of tables outside. There were a few locals in having a Friday beer, but unfortunately so were their kids running in and out of the bar, which kind of spoilt the ambience. The small serving area has an impressive row of six handpumps on it but only two Shep Neame beers were on for our visit with Whitstable Bay and Masterbrew doubled up on four of them, a cider on the fifth and the last unused. I’m sure this is a well run pub and if I was to use it when it wasn’t being used to entertain after school kids I would probably enjoy it more.

Originally The King's Head (and not to be confused with The King's Arms just up the road), this pub dates from the late 17th Century. Currently owned by Shephard and Neame, it sits down a narrow, cobbled cul-de-sac with the historic Upnor Castle and the River Medway at the end; parking is 100 yards away before you enter High Street. There is a small bar at the front and two larger (but not much) rooms at the back mainly used by diners. There is also a small terrace at the front where smokers can sit outside, and there is a garden at the rear. The pub has just been refurbished but has kept its charm, and the new tenants, experienced publicans who have now been there just over a month, are just starting to see its full potential. There were 4 ales on, 3 Sheps and a guest. I had a pint of the latter, Okell's Bitter, and a pint of Kent's Best, both of which were in perfect condition. This has always been one of Medway's better pubs and looks set to remain so. Well worth seeking out for i.ts beer and charm.