The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester - pub details
Address: 6-8 John Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1YN [map] [gmap]
Tel: 01634 818771
Rochester (0.3 miles), Chatham (0.7 miles), Strood (0.9 miles)
Pub facilities/features:
- Real ale
Pub suggested by 5thearlofwimbourne on 18 Feb 2005
NB: Information may be incomplete or out of date as this pub is not currently registered.
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> Current user rating: 7.5/10 (rated by 32 users)
> Local guide: Kent pub guide
other pubs nearby:
What the Dick Inns, Rochester (0.1 miles), Granville Arms, Rochester (0.1 miles), Good Intent, Rochester (0.1 miles), Rising Sun, Rochester (0.1 miles), Morden Arms, Rochester (0.1 miles) - see more nearby pubs
user reviews of the Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester
please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
5 most recent reviews of 22 shown - see all reviews
| I am not really happy with this pub, it makes me feel uncomfortable in there. There seems to be a lot of gypsies/traveller types that come to this pub. Aside from that, the beer and ales are alright - the variety is interesting but I go to the pub for the atmosphere - not just for local ales/beers. Sometimes, it almost seems there are private parties going on there on a regular basis... quite intimidating. xkasabianx - 5 Oct 2008 18:28 |
| Having read the – mainly – excellent reviews lavished upon this Rochester pub, my friend and I looked forward to our recent trip to The Man of Kent Ale House and although we left satisfied, I don’t think it is quite the pub some would have you believe – though it is rather good. A traditional, though slightly off-putting exterior leads into an incredibly ramshackle interior. Poorly arranged, tatty leather sofas, tacky knick-knacks, shockingly shoddy curtains (complete with the flag of St George and Invicta) all make for an interesting set-up. One could really be sat in Albert Steptoe’s living room. It is altogether eclectic mix which some may feel is a little bohemian – others will merely hate it. There is also a small cramped corner area where you can catch the odd live performance. As anticipated, there was an excellent array of Kentish ales on offer – and reasonably priced. Amongst those spotted: Gravesend Guzzler, Goachers Light and Stout, and one of two offerings from the Nelson brewery. The condition was acceptable, but not perfect. There were also some unusual continental bottled and draught lagers available. On the beer front – here is undisputedly, top-dog and it was nice to be offered a choice of glass: Straight of jug. The lady serving was friendly and forthcoming; the clientele were an interesting mix of the old and young with the few odd-balls thrown in to add character. Everyone was seemingly jovial enough. There was background music of some kind, though it was so quiet, I could barely make it out. To conclude: If you are looking to sample an interesting and variety-packed selection of ales in interesting, slightly awkward surroundings, then here is for you. Personally, I think it’s a tad overrated, though I’ll gladly check in again soon. HTM69 - 3 Oct 2008 21:00 |
| The Man of Kent is top of the BITE ratings? Long may it continue as it's as close as I've found to the perfect pub. A bit intimidating from the outside and quite scruffy inside, the place has plenty of character. Friendly staff, a good mix of customers and, as others have said, an excellent range of beers on tap and in bottles. There's also a friendly pub dog, a nice beer garden, an open fire in winter and some interesting seating areas from the very depths of the 70s. If you're ever in the Medway area you really should track the MoK down. A very rare 10/10. RageofKlugman - 1 Oct 2008 15:13 |
| Trainman has said it all already. Totally real perfect pub. I was first punter of the day and the pint was still impeccable. Unchanged since my last visit about 3 years ago and long may it stay that way. If only it was a bit nearer to Craggy Island. Its not often I say this but DRINK is the word! an_ecunemical_matter - 1 Oct 2008 13:27 |
| Whitstable East India Pale, Goachers Gold Star (also, later, Silver Star), Doombar, Dartford Kentish Best, Hopdaemon Incubus, Nelson IPA. Draught ciders had run out but Pawley Farm med or dry (7.5%) & Biddenden Vintage (8.4%) were available in bottles. Guv was just opening to take in the milk at 12:20 when we arrived, but must have already attended to the beers as they were in fine fettle. Check opening times – most weekdays 13:00, Sat 12:00, & be prepared for the two main doors to be closed & entry to be via the improv side entrance. Nice lived-in bohemian feel to the place, distressed wood floor, upholstered wood settles, solid wood barstools, flags of Kent & St.George at a window, wood burning fireplace, small snug at one end with tatty but comfy leather sofas – more like someone’s living room, friendly welcome at the bar. The soundtrack was a gruff washboard/bluegrass stylee that just fitted nicely. Definitely a venue to play a joker, or two, if crawling these parts. trainman - 20 Jul 2008 10:30 |
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