The King George V, Gillingham

This pub is probably my favourite in Kent. The beers are varied and well kept, the food very good value and it has a great atmosphere. I'm by no means a regular but always get a warm welcome when I drop by. One of its best features is the variety of entertainment and activities which are offered. This is a real pub at the heart of its community. If I lived nearer I would spend every evening at the bar.

Originally The Prince of Orange, the pub dates from around 1690 and was first licensed in 1740. As Alex says below, it was renamed The King of Prussia in 1758 and again to its current name when War broke out in 1914. The business itself moved between Nos 1 and 6 Prospect row, and for a number of years it was unlicensed - an illegal drinking den which later became legit. It is usually referred to locally as the KGV and is a GBG regular. The current landlord is John, an ale enthusiast who organises regular beer-based outings and regales anyone who will listen with tales from his past, which is just as colourful as the pub's. In addition to John there is a lovely barmaid who provides an aesthetic contrast. Four ales on this time - I had a pint each of Wells's, John Bull and Adnams Southwold, all in first class condition. An essential part of a Gillingham or Chatham crawl.

The King George V is a thin pub that is divided into three areas with seating at the front entrance and at the rear whilst the bar area is located in the centre. I counted four hand pumps and these were drawing Buzzard Dark Ale, Incubus, Hewish Mild and Adnams during my recent midweek lunchtime visit. Food is served and the £8.50 12” pizza is heavily advertised. There are some food deals as the aforementioned pizza is available for £5 between 15:00 and 17:00 Monday to Saturday and during the lunch period food and a pint is available for £5, but the food wasn’t listed. There is a plasma screen that was airing Heart FM and I didn’t spot any advertisements for Sky Sports. Live music is advertised for every month, but I didn’t take down any other details. There is a yard out the back that houses some covered seating. I found the service in here to be very friendly and the Buzzard was a decent pint. I’d have no problem returning.

Great Beer and Good Food in a historic building near to Chatham Historic dockyard, in the small Medway district of Brompton. This pub has a strong military history with both the Royal Engineers and Dockyard.