The Good Intent, Rochester

Popped in after regressing back to my childlike self at nearby Diggerland, on the strength of its Good Beer Guide entry for 2009. The pub does many things right. The 5 ales (and real cider) served from stillage were eclectic and of good quality. The barman was friendly and the customer base was nicely mixed. Downsides though....This really is an ugly place and the interior is basically a fairly tatty small open room with little architecture of note and the right hand side is dominated by the pool table - which when in use is a real pest if you are sat on the tables opposite wanting to get past for another beer. The toilets also need attention, as although clean the plaster is coming off the wall. A small detail, but it matters if you want to be the best. In short, very worthy for a couple of excellent beers but falls short of being essential as an overall experience - there's room for improvement.

A bit daunting in a way as this is a different world to the upmarket tourist centre in Rochester. Its situated in an estate of low rise flats and industry and the pub looks unwelcoming from the outside. There are 2 rooms inside and not in a traditional style, more reflecting the building. However, it appears to be run by a couple of guys with ideas on how they believe a pub should be. Its neat and tidy and decorated well, plenty of seats with a pool table to one side and bare boards. There are a number of real ales served via gravity from the casks behind the bar. A nice touch, but not quite to my taste as it means the beer is slighly warm. Whilst its not exactly my thing, the guys are very friendly and make you feel at home and should be commended for putting so much obvious enthusiasm and affort into a pub away from the main drag. Good choice of real ale I would visit again. I would like to see what other people make of this one.