The Barge, Grange, Gillingham

Built in the early 19th Century by French prisoners of war, the building was used as Admiralty offices until it was sold off as 3 fishermen's cottages. It became a pub around 1860 and was originally called The cricketers, which it remained until the current owner renamed it in 1991. It consists of a long bar which runs the length of the building, with wooden floors and a few fake beams and columns which complement the real ones, and the decor is a bit contrived and cluttered with paraphernalia. There is a large garden at the rear with good views across the estuary. It was previously a GBG entry, but for some reason isn't in the latest edition, a surprise as all 4 of the ales on were superb. There is regular live music, but the background music when no-one's playing is annoying. One of Gillingham's better pubs, well worth seeking out for the entertainment and beer quality.

Grainstore Cooking, Wadworth IPA, Springhead Newark Castle Brown (I got it eventually, haha!), plus two pumps unclipped which we were told would usually be on in the week. Weatherboard exterior, large model ships in the windows, old original wood floor front & rear, tiled bar area. Pool table to the left of entrance, dartboard to the right, then the bar, & wooden bench seating beyond to rt, & open wood ‘booths’ to left, further to some covered decking, then prepare yourself for a staggering view over the Medway from the garden, plenty of bobbing boats on this visit- I think they specially laid on a regatta. Slightly straggly-grassed garden with not-unlikeable tree-stump replica tables reflecting the comfortable boho feel of the place. Not sure I’d appreciate the large trampoline being in use (it wasn’t on my visit) as it would detract from the view, but I imagine visiting parents may welcome the provision of a distraction. To the rear of the pub is a small stage & a costly sound-booth suggests that they do some serious music in addition to open mic nights. I’m not sure why anyone with a map would be troubled finding the place (difficulty has been suggested) but we approached on foot from Christmas St, which is linked to Layfield Rd by a footpath, and google satellite shows another footpath shortcut back to Grange Rd. You cannot approach on foot from Pier Rd (A289). Enthusiastic welcome from the genial manager. Recommended. (review dated Aug08)