Kemsley Arms, Kemsley, Sittingbourne

will be transformed into flats and shops

A huge estate pub built in the 19th Century as a social hub for the workers at the nearby mills, this imposing detached building stands at the top of the main (only) road into the Kemsley housing estate. The ground floor houses an enormous main bar with various areas including a DJ booth, dart board and seating areas. There are the usual selection of tv screens and gaming machines, and there are various other smaller rooms off to the side, some of which are used for private functions. The decor is very dated, and its use by a lively local clientele of all ages has taken its toll. The clientele are almost exclusively locals, but the welcome is genuine if a little robust. It is very good at being what it is, and it represents a piece of social and industrial history, both of which make it worth preserving. However, having no real ale and being so far off the beaten track means that there is little to come here for unless you happen to be in the area or live here.