The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester

Enjoy your real ale quietly and in the designated areas�

Excellent range of ales and ciders, the right glass for the right drink and a mixed crowd. Welcoming and open? Nearly.

How can I best describe it? Well imagine that a load of people turned up at your house every evening - hung around your lounge, talked amongst themselves, used the toilet, stood on the doorstep and had a cigarette, laughed loudly, etc. Well no matter how well behaved, you�d get pretty fed up of them in a short space of time.

Well that pretty much sums up the Man of Kent. The customers seem to be barely tolerated guests. Advisory signs are everywhere: Drinking up time is not 11.30, it�s not 11.20 it�s 11 o�clock! Quiet in the garden and no swearing in the garden. There is a no standing zone next to the bar (and looks are given if you wander into it) �along with another sign that states � funny place to stand if you want a drink. Really? I thought this was a pub!

31 Mar 2010 09:18