The Steam Packet, Rochester

The Steam Packet is close to the entrance of Strood Train Station and I thought it to be pretty good for a railway pub. The L-shaped interior was full of locals during my visit on Saturday afternoon and it was by far the busiest pub I encountered during my crawl around Strood. Sky Sports is shown on the four plasma screens and there is a pool table down the right hand side of the bar. There is also a dartboard, quiz machine and a jukebox which was playing background music at a reasonable volume. The only ale offering of London Pride was off during my visit so I stuck to the Guinness from the standard draught selection. It was well poured and I found the staff to be very friendly. Accommodation is available from £15 a night and children are permitted in the bar until 20:00. There is a beer garden out the back that houses some picnic tables and an impressive looking barbeque. I thought that this pub had a friendly local feel and I would have no problem returning.