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Somerset Arms, Gravesend
Gravesend
DA11 0RU
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Robert READ left this review about Somerset Arms
Doing well in the town and surviving and better. Good beer, music and more
On 19th May 2015
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 84 recommendations about 63 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about Somerset Arms
A pleasant town centre pub near the station, now marketing itself as 'the real ale bar'. Exposed brickwork and an interesting collection of records (the musical type) provide a decorative theme. They do homemade sandwiches at a reasonable price. The staff are friendly, if a little clumsy, and the locals were very welcoming and chatty. Live music is advertised but there was no act on when we visited. Of the six handpumps, only 3 were working. I had a pint of Summer Lightning which was in pretty good condition. Worth dropping in if passing, and I'd include in a crawl.
On 16th January 2014
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3286 recommendations about 3251 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about Somerset Arms
There were a few locals around the large U shaped bar when I visited the Somerset Arms on a recent Friday afternoon. The interior certainly has some character with low beams and a central fireplace at the rear which splits up the open plan seating. Around one side of the bar is some quiet seating and at the rear is a food serving area where pub grub priced around £5 for a main can be sourced.
Standard draught is available from the bar that also supports five hand pumps. These were drawing Pedigree, Greene King IPA, Summer Lightening, Young’s Ordinary and London Gold. I spotted one plasma screen which was switched off and I didn’t notice any live sport advertised. There was some low disco music playing in the background and live music was advertised for the following Sunday.
I found the service to be friendly and the banter from the friendly locals created a good atmosphere.
I thought that this was the best of the three pubs this side of the railway station and I would have no problem returning.
On 17th March 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5254 recommendations about 5222 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about Somerset Arms
The Somerset Arms was first established around 1843 and was initially called the Exmouth Arms, the name being changed around 1850.
The interior is a single room with a central bar and separate food bar. There are several admiral features including some interesting angled brickwork, twisted pillars, low beams and a fine central brick fireplace. The walls are adorned with a fascinating mix of movie posters, gold discs, old records, brewery mirrors, pictures, clocks and even a large Humphrey Bogart. One corner contains several autographed film star photos. The furnishings also include some unusual pews and settles but watch out for the odd wobbly table.
The pub has generally been at the forefront of the ale pubs in town although I can’t help feeling itt is being left behind and my latest visit found a disappointing choice of ales across the 6 hand pumps, Courage Best, Greene King IPA, Greene King London Glory and Summer Lightning with a further 2 unavailble (1 of which was Marston Pedigree). From my experiences the selections don’t tend to rotate much either. That said, although prices are pretty reasonable to start with, my visit coincided with “2 Quid Tuesday” when selected drinks and food offerings will set you back no more than what it says on the tin.
Unfortunately the place does have a bit of an identity crisis and at weekends it becomes more clubby so you need to bear this in mind if the loud music/DJ thing isn’t your scene. The rest of the time it is fairly tranquil and welcoming with friendly service and a hassle free customer base.
Situated a couple of hundred yards from the station, the Somerset is a handy meeting point or last stop before heading off but lacks consistency to make it a regular destination pub although it is certainly worth including in a crawl around town.
On 23rd May 2012
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Nick Johnstone left this review about Somerset Arms
Not overly keen on this place as it seems to follow the maxim that the nearer a pub is to the station the worse it is. Not as bad as some but not great to be honest.
On 3rd March 2011
- rating: 5
[User has posted 98 recommendations about 98 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john mcgraw left this review about Somerset Arms
Large multi-roomed pub which surprised us when we saw 6 real ales on tap all served up by very friendly bar staff. Did not try the food but it looked delicious and ample servings. 2 minutes from the railway station or 10 minutes from the Tilbury ferry.
On 20th July 2008
- rating: 10
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about Somerset Arms
First pub of yesterday's trip, very handy for the station. Calls itself "The Real Ale Pub" on a banner outside, a bit quirky inside with a music theme, discs, guitars etc on the wall. It felt a bit 70's in style. Two from Archers,Spitfire, Summer Lightning, Old Bear Hibernator(bit strong for an opener)and Pedigree. Good range, the pub is a little frayed at the edges and the sticky floor and tables could do with a wipe but ok. Perhaps someone could tell the bloke smoking on the step by the entrance that its only polite to move out of the effing way when people are trying to get in.
On 20th April 2008
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]