The Malta Inn, Sandling

Splendid venue for a pub, let down by the pub itself, which is really a bar serving a Beefeater, and, as such, has a poor selection of beer, being limited to usual choices of Shepherd Neame and corporate lagers.
The interior is two large rooms over two floors, both plainly decorated in corporate Beefeater colours. Fairly clean on my visits, but, as it's set-up for meals, tables are usually being cleared of plates, glasses and food debris. The food is standard acceptable Beefeater fayre: the plate of ribs I had a while ago were acceptable and served by a friendly, attentive staff.
The lower ground floor is cold throughout the year as it's not much higher than the river, which isn't great. On warm days and summer outside by the river is very nice, with garden bench-tables up against the river side, some under a large weeping willow. Lovely views of the river and the locks. Having said that, a few occasions have been spoiled by loud, large families having taken over the outside eating area where they can smoke their lungs black and use foul language that would make a docker blush - even the wee kids. It doesn't seem there are many places you can take your friends and family nowadays, especially in Kent, which is spared mobs of screaming, swearing, bellowing, aggressive families. This otherwise acceptable venue is now no longer exempt.

2 Oct 2014 18:49