The Three Daws, Gravesend

A large riverside pub with a foody touristy feel about it. Multi-area ed and obviously of some historical interest it didn't do it for me, four cask beers of middling interest were on with me opting for a Titsey Vanguard which was nothing too special. I suppose it's the sort of pub you would take a look at but I wouldn't bother a second time.

This is a large riverside pub that I initially thought was closed upon arrival, as the entire ground floor was gutted and undergoing what looked like a pretty significant refurbishment. However, there is a double staircase at the front of the building which leads you up to the first floor, where a fully functioning pub was thankfully still operational. You enter into a corridor with various seating areas visible through windows in front of you and the bar off at the far end of the corridor to your left. Most of the rooms appeared to be nicely carpeted, with anaglypta walls and ceilings and a fair bit of low, dark wood panelling. The servery is to the front left of the pub and has a plain wood panelled counter front painted in a not entirely satisfying shade of off-white. This is offset somewhat by the pleasant mirrored bar back and the striking ship’s bell that is presumably used to call time. The surrounding room has been left pretty much open plan, with just a few tables and chairs around the perimeter, so it’s likely that you need to move elsewhere to find some seating. Directly opposite the bar, an archway leads through to two more, narrow seating areas. The first of these has space for three tables served by hard chairs and with a collection of naval themed paintings on the walls. The second has full height off-white panelling and similar seating options, but feels perhaps a bit too bright, plain and gastro-style for my liking. To the right of the bar, you can find a couple more seating areas, including one that is dominated by a very large bookcase on the back wall. Back here, you can also find a balcony area which boasts some pretty impressive views out across the river and looked like a prime spot to grab on a summer’s day. I was a little surprised to find five ales on the bar, given the pub only allowed customers back inside a few days ago and the place was pretty quiet when I arrived. The options comprised Iron Pier Bitter and Cast Iron Stout, St Austell Tribute, Wantsum Imperium and Canterbury Ales The Miller. I opted for a pint of the Cast Iron Stout, which was in excellent shape despite the presumably low turnover. The staff were very friendly and seemed pretty busy taking many phone bookings for people wanting to come and eat over the weekend. This is the sort of pub that you might expect to rest on its laurels and rely on its prime location for a steady trade, but they clearly haven’t done that here, offering good food and a nice selection of well-kept ales in a smart and clean environment. You might well come for the views, but it’s worth sticking around to see what else this pleasant pub has to offer.

Enviable location overlooking the Thames - and with a beer garden providing a real seaside feel. ancient building - creaky floors, low ceilings and not a right angle in the place. In the Good Beer Guide 2020 and some interesting and unusal choices. I went for a Pale Ale Mary from Northdowns brewery. Well kept.

Roger gives a good description below. It was first licensed in 1565, and the rambling multi-level interior is connected by 5 separate staircases. It is atmospheric, welcoming and manages to stay cosy despite the many rooms and corridors. There were 4 ales on this visit - I had a pint of Dartford Warbler which was in perfect condition. There is also free wifi. This is probably one of only 3 'must visit' pubs in Gravesend.

The Three Daws is on the Southbank of the Thames which can be viewed from the back room that is accessed after winding through a couple of other seating areas. To the right of the entrance is a seating area that includes a bar billiards table and to the left of the entrance is the bar that was very busy early on Friday evening. Hobgoblin, Rev James and Tribute were the ale options as the fourth hand pump was unused. There is also a standard draught selection and food is available with the mains coming in at around £8. I didn’t spot any televisions, but there was some low background music which was audible in some parts of the pub. At the rear is some outside seating that I imagine is very nice in the summer, but due to a downpour I didn’t venture outside. This is a decent enough pub that is worth a visit.

The Three Daws official site - www.threedaws.co.uk