The White Horse, Rochester

Refurbished village pub with a staple-shaped bar at the front, a lower dining room at the back and a beer garden to the rear. Mix of semi-modern and semi-traditional furniture and decor. Two of the four handpumps on the main counter were in use, offering London Pride and an unbadged 3.8% Dark Star beer (but almost certainly Hophead, £3.90).

Official site of The White Horse - www.thewhitehorsemedway.com

Recently re-opened after major refurbishment, the White Horse is now a busy village pub with appropriately modern fittings, nicely decorated with wooden floors throughout and a contemporary décor. There is a small car park at the side, but otherwise parking is problematic. Some of the original brickwork is now on display, along with the odd oak beam. The bar has shelves behind rather than optics, and there are racks of wine where there used to be bottles of cheap whisky. The main bar area at the front has plenty of seating and gaming machines. The rear bar is down a step and would have good views out obver the Medway if a lean-to roof didn't obscure the view. The landlord was superficially friendly, but the locals were a bit frosty. There were 4 ales on: Doombar, GK IPA, Bombardier and Caledonian Bitter Winter, all of which were in good condition. There is also a fair selection of wine to complement the basic, routine bar menu. I'd be happy to drop in for a beer or a lunch meal.

Official site of The White Horse - www.thewhitehorsemedway.com

Totally unrecognisable from its previous incarnation as a shabby GK local, which they shut down due to dodgy electrics. Now owned by regular locals the White Horse has been completely refurbishd with good quality food. They deserve every success for investing in a local pub when so many are closing. http://www.thewhitehorsemedway.com/