The Ship, Grange, Gillingham

Venerable nautical landmark down near the original Strand, although now mainly a music pub as the shoreline has long-since retreated. Very traditional interior, partly opened-out to leave several for seating, a pool table and a compact stage (with the 'maritime raw folk' Sur les Docks from Dunkerque playing on my visit). Two of three handpumps, dispensing Bath Ales Gem (£4.80) and Stan's cider from Thatchers.

Official site of The Ship - www.shipgillingham.com

Official site of The Ship - www.shipgillingham.com

The Ship is an old Gilingham sailors' pub which at the end of the last Century had a fairly bad rebuild resulting in a single circular bar and a horrible conservatory. It has been a smugglers' den, a community pub and had a reputation as a quirky fun pub. It is now rather run-of-the-mill. The staff are friendly and enjoy a bit of banter, they serve average food (sometmes) and cater mainly for locals now. There was only one ale on when I visited, Sharp's Doombar, which was served much too cold and a little sharp (no pun intended) but was otherwise drinkable. Worth tying in with a visit to the Barge just along the road or popping in if passing, but it's no longer the venue it was.