The Black Lion, Gillingham

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/Former-Medway-pub-damaged-in-1721/ Business went bust in March and the pub has now been gutted by fire.

There were two locals propping up the bar and not a lot going on when I visited early on Monday evening. Maybe the regulars are saving their energy for the New Year’s Eve disco which is already being advertised. Standard draught is available from the bar and the two hand pumps were both drawing Courage Best. A pool table is advertised on the front of the pub, but I saw no sign of it inside. There is a dartboard though and a plasma that was showing a cookery programme. There is a large garden out the back, but I’m not sure about opening times as this pub has been closed the last couple of lunchtimes I have wandered past. To be fair most pubs are quiet at 18:00 on a Monday and the two old boys at the bar were friendly enough. Maybe I’ll give this place another try at a busier time.