Churchills, Chatham

The exterior has some interesting features, sadly not matched by what lies within. The basic three-room boozer features a 'U'-shaped counter, small stage and large TV screen in the front, a smaller bar with pool table at the back and four more tables in a linking side room. Little in the way of decor, but music at more than background level. No real ale, so opted for a quick pint of the inevitable John Smith's (£2.80).

A large corner pub in a grand building opposite the iconic Town Hall on Chatham's busiest road, The main bar is vinyl-floored and has a central servery with some splendid late-Victorian wooden features. The furniture is a mixture of comfy seats and bar stools. Otherwise, the décor is just juvenile, tacky, aimed at the WKD-drinker set. One corner of the bar is taken up by a raised stage with sound equipment, and there is an additional raised dias for live music acts. There is also a dartboard and gamining machines. There are two smaller, less noisy bars at the rear, both also served from the main central servery and furnished with comfy chairs. The staff and main customer base are young, lively and enthusiastic, and the pub is nopisy and crowded. There is no real ale, and the two bottled beers on were too cold to be enjoyable. It's current incarnation does not reflect either the grandeur or the history of the building, and until it changes style I don't see my returning.

This pub has a turbulent past of name changes and closures, but it is currently open and using the regurgitated moniker of Churchills. This is primarily a live music pub so the décor is understated and there is a stage and DJ booth in the front bar area. There is also a dartboard and a projector screen that was rolled up during my Friday afternoon visit. A sign outside states that all live football is shown and there is a jukebox on the wall that was switched off. The smaller rear bar houses a pool table and there is a seating area with a few sofas, which is where the two other customers were sitting. There is no real ale available here and the standard draught range is limited. I didn’t note the presence of any menus and I would be surprised if this pub does food. Outside the front of the pub is some café style seating and at the rear is a small smoking area. Although the service was friendly, there is little here to warrant a return visit when there is no live music. The next live music event advertised was a singing competition and I didn’t see any bands advertised.

Originally The Army and Navy, then Churchill's, The Brook has closed due to retirement of the landlord. Future uncertain.