Five Bells, Rochester

Official site of Five Bells - www.thefivebellshalling.co.uk

Official site of Five Bells - www.thefivebellshalling.co.uk

Facebook page of Five Bells - business.facebook.com

Facebook page of Five Bells - business.facebook.com

Solid-looking building, being a 20th-century replacement for a much older pub of the same name, and set back from the road a bit. However, the opened-out J-shaped interior disappoints, but the issues don't end there. No real ale on the solitary handpump, and no real understanding from the disinterested staff behind the counter of the concept (given the suggested alternatives). Also has a split-level beer garden at the back, with the patio under a marquee, but the upper grassed area was inexplicably closed off. Made do with the keg Sharp's Atlantic (£4.30), but can't say I enjoyed my brief stop here one bit.