The Homeward Bound, Rochester

A traditional Shepherd Neame village pub, somewhat dated but friendly nonetheless. There is a steep ramp up to the car park at the rear. The garden is a covered terrace, mainly intended as a smoking shelter, the you step down into the pub’s back door. The single [-shaped bar has dining tables at one end, and a small open fire with tables and chairs at the other. The landlady was very welcoming, bringing water and snacks for the dogs while we pondered what to have. Given that Masterbrew was the sole ale on draught it didn’t take long. The ale was slightly disappointing, having a vague soapy aftertaste, but it was just about drinkable. The other choices were Whitstable Bay pale ale, Thatcher’s Gold, Hurliman, Guinness, San Miguel and Fosters. Not somewhere I’d deviate from my route to visit in future, but a good enough local if you happen to live here and can put up with the beer quality.

Old-school Shepherd Neame pub, albeit with an opened-out staple-shaped layout and a little basic refurbishment carried out at some stage. Also has a tidy little covered rear beer garden. Just Master Brew (£4.00) available from the pair of handpumps.

Official site of The Homeward Bound - www.homewardboundhalling.co.uk

Official site of The Homeward Bound - www.homewardboundhalling.co.uk