The Thomas Waghorn (JD Wetherspoon), Chatham

Although this is a Post Office conversion JDW actually took it on as a pub which was previously called the Francis and Firkin and then The Old Post Office. Inside it's smaller than many Spoons with the bar on the right and a large area of tall tables and chairs, possibly too many as after my midday arrival on a Thursday there were quite a few people turning up and looking for low tables and chairs. There is an upstairs area but much of that was taken. To the left of the downstairs room there is a well designed patio that includes some wooden shelters. The bar has two sets of six hand pumps which had two unused (later available soon), the IPA variant of the JDW Trio Of Doom doubled up, Rockin' Robin Waghorn Express & Blizzard Of Oz, Shepherd Neame Todd The Axeman and Goldmark Secret Santa. I had time to try the two Rockin' Robin beers (£2.25) and Todd the Axeman (£2.55). Sadly the Waghorn Express had been put on too soon as it wasn't clear and came up very lively. The other two were fine. This is a newer Spoons having opened in Summer 2016. It's quite a good one but could be better with more beer choice.

Formerly The Old Post Office, this former late-Victorian post office has been opened out to form a large central bar and a couple of smaller, cosier areas over two floors. There is also a shaded garden at the side. The conversion has been done well, and the effect is a pleasant atmosphere. The staff are new and inexperienced, but the manager seems to know what he's doing so this should improve in time. Twelve ales on, 5 from Kent breweries (Whistable, Rockin' Robin and Shepherd and Neame). The Whitstable Winkle Picker I had was in very good condition and served at a nice temperature. This is a valuable addition to Chatham's declining pub collection and one worth a visit if you are passing.

Official site of The Thomas Waghorn (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Thomas Waghorn (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com