Weston Arms, Rochester

Steve will be pleased to hear that the Weston has reopened with new management. It is a reasonable back street local, a Victorian corner pub. The ground floor has been knocked through into a single U-shaped bar which is carpeted. At one end of the U is a raised platform with sound equipment, at the other a pool table. There is a small garden mainly used by smokers. In addition to the live music, entertainment is provided by a TV (showing game shows when we visited, but presumably used for sports matches) and some gaming machines. There is also WiFi. Hot food is advertised. The staff were reasonably welcoming, the clientele a mix of locals, many of whose first language is not English, and a few others who were reasonably friendly. Only one ale on draft, Doombar, which was in good condition. A decent enough local.

this is a old back street pub that if steve c had spent anytime in it would have found out that it is run by the landlady on her own and when he visited food for the football team would have been in the process of being checked, due to the late ending of the season.so time to spend talking was not available, which is a shame as she is freindly and witty and welcoming. she is liked and respected by all who use the pub, for everything she does for her customers above and beyond what is expected.being june the front door would have been open and if steve c does not like irish music does he mean that the locals have to choose not to do so.The weston arms is not a pub that sells much guiness and he knows that if the pump has not been used for a day the first pint can be bad all he had to do was ask for another pint and would have got an appology and another drink.the guiness pump is being replaced for the new system of using cans and machine to ensure a perfect pint all the time. but did he know this of course not. and the hand pumps are used for ale but it had run out due to a delivery problem. he didnt even go outside to see the smoking area. and yes young people do use the pub from the football teams, but the pub has a wide range of "old boys" and middle aged to youngsters who would not change the landlady for the world. and what right does steve have on one very short visit to be so detremental and actually so darnright rude about someone he does not know. the weston arms has a great atmosphere and a very warm welcome.