Nags Head, Rochester

A pub I first visited as a 17-year-old, The Nags Head is a traditional-style hostelry situated a short walk from the local railway station. The buildings weatherboard exterior is rather tatty, though adds character. There are two entrances: one into what would have formerly being the saloon bar and another that leads to the old public bar. The building is housed on a hill of sorts and the pub has a multi-level design as a result. The lower bar (saloon) is rather basic in approach, with a few tables and a plasma television – that is seemingly rarely used: a well-stocked jukebox and genial conversation are the preferred choices down here. The spit-and-sawdust ‘public bar’ is a little more rough-and-ready with a table-or-two randomly sprawled across the open space, another plasma screen (this one gets used for sport – though not X-Factor, thankfully!) and another jukebox. The third level is really only a room with a pool table, a hallway to the lavatories and the entrance to a small outside beer-patio. On occasion, the pool table will be shifted for a live group or artist (usually locally-based). Since my first visit around a decade ago, the clientele-type has changed little. Here attracts a blend of the young, middle-aged and slightly older still. The atmosphere throughout is generally of a friendly nature and despite the odd raucous customer, have never witnessed any kind of trouble. The staff (all young females) are attentive in their service – although pints will occasionally require a top-up and not be served in the appropriate glass – Spitfire in a Guinness glass, anyone? The pub does indeed offer real ale, with – I think – 5 hand-pumps in total – two in the lower and three in the upper bar. Spitfire and London Pride have been the current offerings of late, though it has to be said that the condition has been utterly atrocious recently and even the most hardened ale-drinker may struggle. To conclude: The Nags Head is a pub I choose to visit out of convenience and nostalgia. The atmosphere – generally good – and well-stocked jukebox make it a decent enough stop-off for my friends and I. Whether I could spend an entire evening here anymore, I don’t know (I certainly used to) but it serves its purpose, definitely. If they could improve the beer-condition, tidy the interior up a little, etc, then it could become a favourite. Until then…