The Prince of Wales, Chatham

One of the few surviving traditional pubs in Central Chatham and this seems probably more due to luck than judgement. A big place, with lots of sports TVs and a fair amount of advertising for one thing or another. There was an attempt at offering a range of beer but it was all a bit pedestrian and that sampled was past its best (Sea Fury, Doom Bar, London Pride, Hobgoblin and GK IPA). Beware also a significant mark-up on half pints.

Official site of The Prince of Wales - www.princeofwaleschatham.co.uk

Official site of The Prince of Wales - www.princeofwaleschatham.co.uk

My immediate impression of the Prince of Wales was not favourable as I walked through the door into an invisible wall of fart. To be fair the whiff of anus did disperse after a minute or two and the distressing smell didn’t return during my brief visit on Monday afternoon the week before Christmas. The pub was fairly busy with a transient crowd that one would expect in a large high street chain pub on a weekday afternoon. After scowling at some student types with no manners I was served by the barmaid who was very friendly, but unaware of the queuing etiquette that puts the Great into Great Britain. The three hand pumps supported by the bar were drawing Bombardier, London Pride and Gadd’s of Ramsgate No. 7. Budweiser was also available alongside a range of standard draught and the food menu consisted of cheap pub co grub. Plasma screens surround the central bar and Sky Sports is shown including 3D. Whilst I was in there was some muted cricket airing whilst some generic music played in the background. There is a pool table to the right of the entrance that was being used by young inhabitants of Chatham. I saw nothing in here that will have me rushing back, but I suppose it is handily placed for a pint if shopping.

An untidy high street pub dominated by large screens showing various sporting events and noisy crouds of revellers. The single large bar has high Edwardian ceilings and was clearly once quite an impressive building; all this combines with the cheap, formulaic food offers to give it the feel of a JDW. Exposed brickwork in places also gives a few clues to the building's past. The bar is in an island in the centre of the room and offers three ales and a cider. I had a pint of World's Biggest Liar, in reasonable condition but served too cool and much too gassy for my liking. Not Chatham's best, but OK to pop into if passing or to watch the sports.

Not a high class environment- if it were I would give it a 10. If in Chatham and looking for a good pint of real ale and well cooked food at a reasonable price this is the place. It offers the best deal in town if not Medway. "All day Breakfat" with a pint for £4.95. The breakfast is very good and there is always a choice of 4 real ales to choose from. The best part is that the beers on offer keep changing so there is always something new for me to try. For non alcoholics there is always a selection of hot drink deals that look great value.