The Compass Alehouse, Gravesend

Well described by Aqualung, below. The atmosphere when we went in was convivial, the landlord quite chatty, the other punters equally so. There were nearly as many dogs as humans, but both species were well behaved. Four draft ciders were complemented by Thornbridge McConnel's, Wild Beer's Bibble, Gadd's Little Cracker and Ilkely Blonde, all in perfect condition. Well worth navigating to, and a good excuse to break the train journey.

Looks cosy and boring from the outside

This is a fairly standard micropub consisting of a small square room with a laminate floor, a few tall tables with seating on the walls around them and a bespoke cooled cellar at the rear. The location was previously used by a Letting Agent company. I was more than pleased to note that they had the charity box fine of a pound for anyone caught using a mobile phone. Four beers were available, Dark Star Hophead, Ilkley Olicana Pale, Kent Enigma and a West Berkshire beer. I tried the Ilkley Olicana Pale (£3.30) which was a bit hazy but OK apart from that then the Kent Enigma (£3.40) which was in very good nick. Finally after a brief negotiation with the landlord I got to try Gadd's Faithful Dogbolter Porter (£3.40), a beer I remembered from the Firkin chain days. This was in great nick and I thought tasted just how it used to. I liked it here and it is very handy for Gravesend Station. It's dog friendly and if you don't believe that take a look at the picture on the pub's Facebook page! It's well worth a visit. Opening hours are limited but seem to be stable :- Closed Monday 12:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00 Tuesday-Thursday 12:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00 Friday 12:00-22:00 Saturday 12:00-15:00 Sunday