Dog House, Wyke, Gillingham

Previously The Drum and Monkey, this Victorian village pub is now tucked away down a narrow back street that means it’s easily missed. The back rooms have been converted into an Italian restaurant, and the two front bars have had the door between them enlarged to give a more open feel, while retaining their individual boundaries. At each end of the combined front bar is a brick fireplace, one with a small woodburner. There are ceiling timbers on display, which have a large collection of key rings hanging from them. There is also a piano in one bar. There is a small gravel seating area at the front which includes a barrel of water for dogs, a car park at the side with what appears to be a collection of old bangers lying around, and there is a smarter beer garden with its own bar and barbecue area. Food looked very good, and it was certainly popular. Ales were Tanglefoot, Fursty Ferret and Old Harry’s Pale Sail. The Ferret was in perfect condition. Finding this pub was a nice surprise, and I’m very keen to come back and try the restaurant next time I’m in the area.