Man of Kent Ale House, Rochesterback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Still a very good pub, current ciders not quiet in the same class as the Biddenden and Pawley Farm they used to stock.
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Awesome pub. Great selection of Ales.
The Landlady and all the staff are amazingly friendly
Definitely our favourite pub in Rochester - we usually spend most of the Sweeps festival here and call in ocassionally between times.
Looking forward to going back again
Love the Dog btw
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Excellent backstreet alehouse with a wide range of beers from Kent micros including a mild & porter all at normal prices. Very friendly and the dog (see below) was very affectionate and perfectly well-behaved. Rochester''s essential visit.
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Odd then how you manage to equate my description to a particular dog in question. Am not totally averse to dogs in pubs but any creature from dog to mongoose to refugee from the Jeremy Kyle show that sits next to you in a pub licking it's bollocks is going to be a bit off putting to anyone. Anyhow - even if it was the same dog it could well have been moulting or diseased in the Summer and have recouperated by the time of your visit. I described it as I saw it.
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I disagree, the dog isn't moulting and he is lovely. He doesn't deserve that review, obviously you aren't a dog lover. The pub was lovely and the staff and owner were very friendly and helpful. I wanted a dry cider and they got me one which was excellent. They serve a good range of beers and ciders. We have been here a few times in the past and it didn't fail to please us again. The locals are very friendly too. Best pub in Rochester.
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I found it more okay on this visit rather than exceptional. Had to share seating space with a mangy looking mutt shedding fur (or was it a pot bellied pig - difficult to be sure from some angles). Some seem to think there is a blurred distinction between character and hygiene - character is more' old faithful dog in basket by the fire', unhygienic is 'diseased looking pooch licking it's privates on seating used by the punters'.
anonymous - 19 Aug 2015 19:43 |
Oh dear! I'd not visited the Man of Kent for some years so looked forward to returning at last. A superb array of handpumps serving Kentish beers and my pint of Gadds IPA was fine. It certainly seemed to have been brightened up since my last visit as we discovered an outdoor decking area. Never mind the grubby seats which could all do with a scrub or replacing, and then we noticed a dog turd, then a second, then another. Five dog turds - the landlord's dog or a customers - were dotted around the edges of the deck. We found this disgusting and they had clearly been there for some days. My mate now refuses to return. Reading previous reports, there are clearly some issues with this pub which need addressing. A shame as it's got so much potential. 5/10 unfortunately.
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I was relieved to find that the Pawley Farm cider is back on sale - it had disappeared on the previous time I called in. With the real cider back this pub is as good as ever. The helpful landlady retrieved a bottle of my favourite, the dry, from the cellar.
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Only narcissistic, cliquey masochists need apply...
One of Rochester's saddest losses. What used to be a friendly, welcoming and excellent pub has now become a clinical pit of desperately disparate hipsterism and pretence which leaves a sour taste. This will only worsen in time with the rise in soulless accommodation springing up all around it.
Despite the variety of beverages and live music, the atmosphere can only be paralleled with that of the Third Reich. Embodied by the landlady, a sour air of vindictive pomposity now seeps into every facet of what used to be a fine establishment. I know of nowhere else which will serve you a stupidly potent array of drinks and then proceed to squish any of the potential sociability or joviality out of its patrons with its condescendingly hard-line attitude. It's a paradoxical, self defeating farce.
If you really enjoy paying to be frowned upon by a contemptibly elitist matriarch, whilst cramped in a confused coop of a bar, by all means take your chance. I for one shall be taking my custom elsewhere, like the humble yet excellent Good Intent just around the corner or indeed any of the numerous and fantastic establishments we are lucky to have on our doorsteps in Rochester.
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Short visit - but impressed by the beer, general ambiance, and overall authenticity of the place.
Run by a group of keen and hardworking staff who are enthusiastic about the beer, and a groovy choice of music plays in the background (can anyone say groovy anymore?).
Next time I'll stay much longer.
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Excellent local 'Pawley Farm' cider (although a bit pricy, probably as it is served from bottles). I've never noticed the alleged ill-tempered management despite coming here several times a year for at least six years. I always get a welcome from Dude, the chunky canine meeter-&-greeter. There is a well-stocked bookcase and usually a good range of newspapers.
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I have been using the pub a fair bit recently, and have grown to like it a little more. It has been cleaned up a bit (at least in the back room - I haven't looked carefully at the seating in the main bar), and the outside is acceptable (if full of smokers - but that tends to be the case with most pubs that only have a small beer garden). There is still an edge about the owners, though, so it's not the place to raise issues about quality of beer or seating. You take what you get, and you keep quiet.
Beer quality, however, seemed to have improved - though that may have been due to my policy of sticking to one beer if it was OK, rather than playing the lottery of the pumps, and also mainly going in on busy nights, when the beer was flowing, and so hadn't sat around in the cellar for days.
I was about to write another review and be fairly positive. But went in recently on a quiet night, and sadly encountered an undrinkable beer. I didn't take it back, and that's the issue here. Even the best run place has an occasional bad beer - but in the best run places they encourage you to return beers, and will then apologise and give you a fresh one. Here, I don't feel comfortable doing that because of what I have been told happens to those who complain.
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I have only used this as a stopover for an interesting beer on my way to East Kent. Beer quality has always been exemplary as has the range, and I've had a good welcome as a occasional stranger - despite some of the recent negative comments. The style of the pub is to be applauded,
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beer great 10/10. management 2/10.
Good beers. landlady is completely bonkers and rude They are only civil to the regulars everyone els is treated like dirt.
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It's not often I give a 10 to a pub but this one deserves it. The two ladies on Saturday 1st Sept were most welcoming. There were 10 ales on all Kentish ones I believe and between us we sampled them all and every one was in perfect condition. I'd love to go back. Definitely worth the �16 train fare from London to the nearby station.
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Definitely one of the better pubs around Rochester, located just a couple of minutes off the High Street. Always a good selection of beers and none of the usual mass produced ones. The bar staff and the people who frequent this place are generally friendly, and though it's true there are signs saying No Swearing, I've never heard anyone get pulled up on this. I do agree with some of the previous comments that it's a bit of a silly rule though because let's face it, the more you drink, the looser your tongue becomes!
One other downside to this pub, it is probably the smallest in Medway! This is a shame because they could easily fill it if it was about three times the size.
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I have been a "regular" of this establishment for a few years now.
It offers the best kept ale in Medway with a large selection of Kentish ales, German Largers, bottles from belgium and Kentish cider.
Great atmosphere with a mixture of clientele, also puts on live music at least twice a week. The bar staff are usually very welcoming and knowledgeable abouty the beer thats on.
I have seen other comments on here and can confirm that there are a few rules that the pubwould like the customers to try and abide to. These are no shouting, I have fallen foul of this one quite a few times myself but on reflection I was probably drunk and being loud, the other rule is no swearing I'm amazed that some people take offence over this rule, I mean its not that hard to stop swearing is it ? If you have to swear all the time then this pub is not for you. If you want to have some very well kept beer in
pleasant surroundings then its worth a vist
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The best pub for beers in Rochester, but thats it. The landlady seems really standoffish and unfriendly (she was really rude to this girl once when i was there). Yeah was busy but i've been there a few times with friends and have always felt uncomfortable. Got some wierd vibes from some of the regulars, and didnt like some comments i overheard from the bar staff. Its a pity because it should be fab but just isn't. Also needs a good clean even tho they seem to have done it up recently (wierd colour scheme - looks like a bedroom). Go for the beer not service or atmosphere but I don't think i'll be going back.
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i went in with a friend from work and was spoken to like dirt by the bar staff as i let slip a few swear words, defiantly recommend if you like being spoken to like crap and you like the smell of dog urine!!!!
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A good real ale pub that could be great if it was just a little cleaner and the smellof dog urine would disappear.
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Agree with WhitstableOyster, used to find the pub great and friendly, however, in recent years, increasing "rules & regulations" have gotten rather out of hand, and the Landlady's enforcement of these...to the extent of screaming at customers and barring them for one slip of the tongue, has put me off using the place.
Coupled with the fact that it gets extremely busy at weekends and one may have to wait 15 minutes to be served by rude and patronising staff, I prefer use some of the other very good pubs in the area!
Oh...and the place is filthy! Dirt and grime ingrained in the seats! There is a problem with vermin also, especially under the decking in the garden area.
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Quite simply a Real Ale drinkers paradise. Looks a bit rough and ready inside but the owners know their beer and all are sourced from Kent, from brewers such as Goachers, Wantsum and Hopdaemon amongst menay others. Local Cider, perry and wine are also available, all from Kent. The Lagers hail from Germany and Belgium with no sign of Fosters, Carling etc. This has to rank as one of the best Pubs i have ever been too, and is the best in Rochester by a long chalk. Excellent.
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Great little pub. I've only ever been in during Sweeps festival, but every time I do it has a great atmosphere and some great bands! You'll love it if you like good ale/wine and a bit of folk music.
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Popped in last night as was told its the best pub in Medway for real ale.
Amazing pub with great beers, welcoming staff and decent customers.
Think ive just found my new local.
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I used to love it here - not so much now.
The beers good, the atmosphere is still ok, the staff are great and most of the punters are lovely. But the management seem to get more & more intolerant of the customers every time I go.
Last time I went, I was with some friends who hadnt been in before. They accidentally broke the managements no swearing 'rule', and rather than them being asked quietly and politely to not do it again, they were very rudely and patronisingly screamed at by the landlady, several times despite apologising immediately.
I've also heard them slagging off their bar staff to their friends in a pub full of customers, which is incredibly unprofessional and made me feel quite uncomfortable.
Because of this, and the fact that the management are like Jeykll & Hyde - one day they're nice as pie, the next they look at you as if you're something they've scraped off their shoe - nowadays I find it very hard to relax here when they're at home. Instead, I occasionally sneak in to catch up with the regulars when I know the management are out, and visit pubs that still allow fun the rest of the time.
Such a shame.
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Popped in yesterday, excellent as always.
Take no notice of the CAMRA pub of the year awards for Kent. This pub is the best pub in Kent for the real ale drinker.
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Amazed that I'd not even heard of this outstanding ale house from elsewhere, even though my own maiden visit to Rochester was only made last Saturady for the Sweeps' Fest. Albeit an excellent show with plenty to distract the eyes, ears and tastebuds, there came a time where I'd lost track of my peers and decided I'd locate and sample some of the town's GBG hostelries. No regrets with that strategy I can assure you. Only a 10 minute walk away was the delightfully simple local that is the Man of Kent, which despite its ostensibly downbeat exterior is nothing short of a mecca for cask ale lovers everywhere - really, it is that good and well worth seeking out even from outside the immediate locus.
Not only were 12 ales featuring on pump - yes, TWELVE - but each and every one was Kentish through and through. Were they ales of Kent, or Kentish ales? You may well ask but frankly if you're here you won't care: Goachers, Millis, Dairy, Hopdaemon, Nelson, Larkins, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Wantsum - you name it; pretty much every Kent brewer was represented with excellent well-kept and well-turned-over examples of their wares. With the possible exception of Sheps.... This is a serious contender for one of the county's finest beer houses, albeit that it isn't in the most picturesque location, and isn't the most refined of pubs.
The atmosphere more resembled the sort of pub one finds in Brighton - very folksy, relaxed, informal, yet quite savvy and it was clear that beyond all the hippy-ish affectations, most punters were socially well-adjusted and articulate, spread across a range of ages. Being Sweeps' time, live music was a-go-go and a very talented chap was performing during my extended stay. A little tortured country rock Americana for my taste but there was no denying the man could strum - and oh, the unbridled joy of vocals without the aid of Auto-Tune! Well worth the detour.
A brief word about the staff, especially as they've received some negative press previously - I found them to be perfectly agreeable, jolly and more than able to keep up with the steady build-up of customers that accrued that Saturday afternoon. As far as I'm concerned folks, there's no need to change the formula.
The only thing that drew me away was the desire to sample the nearby Good Intent, which I duly did. You can read about that elsewhere. But be assured that it was bloody marvellous too! Some days things just fall into place...
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Customs and Exiles dance and play hard, retired to the MoK following a sucessful debut at the Sweeps festival. Excellent range of well kept beers as ever. Just what we needed pre curry
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Great pub, one of the best in Rochester maybe even Kent. Couldn't fault the real ales tried and the prices are at the lower end of the scale for Rochester.
Well recommended.
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A great pub with a great selection of beer (easily the best in Kent). Make sure you visit this pub if you are in the Medway towns.
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Nice beer but bar staff could be better. We were told off for standing in wrong place and for blocking the exit - which we were not. Even so, we apologised and moved but she stll kept on. Very rude and it spoiled our evening. I noticed locals standing in same place all night but nothing said to them. Bar maid also made my husband feel stupid for not knowing the exact name of the beer he wanted. Apparantly there are two types with the same name and she made it clear he should have known which one. I have been going there on and off for about 10 years but it is not somewhere to go unless you are a local and they know you - unless you are lucky enough to be served by the landlord or his wife. We won't be back.
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Hadn't been in here for a while, and was the last stop on a mini pub crawl, but is still Medway's finest.
Seemed busier than expected for a Thursday night (probably due to there being a band on), and there was waits for drinks due to not enough staff, but apart from that I can't really fault it.
Even though they were busy the barman offered tasters of the 11 (I think) ales as he wanted to be sure I got the right one...he didn't do the same for the whiskies when I asked later though!
Still tatty as hell inside, but the garden out back is much improved, and a lovely touch is the huge flagpole, painted with brewery signs.
Genuinely one of my favourite places.
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Fantastic pub been going in here for years, best selection of ale in medway, great music, good atmoshphere. gets rather busy, people seem to be stopped from entering because it is too full nowdays, (just have to wait for someone to leave thats all). they have a large and rare selection of drinks, the missus likes fruli a strwberry beer which is really popular ther. def worth a pint here
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This is one of those must visit alehouses if you are in the vicinity. An original exterior, a well-worn 'lived-in' interior and nine different ales on when I dropped by. The Old Dairy Red Top was excellent - best pint of the day, while the Hopdaemon Incubus weren't bad. From some earlier comments I was expecting to encounter the Beirut of Kent with burnt out vehicles and wandering groups of ferral yobs. I found what I would consider an almost model former council estate and a pub full of friendly staff and amenable locals. A proper pub for proper people even...
anonymous - 3 May 2010 22:46 |
There are some peculiarly offhand comments about this quirkily excellent pub. If you want a great range of superb local ales, always in my experience well kept (depsite one reviewer's assertion), good and interesting Belgian and German beers rather than Fosters and Carlsberg, friendly and interesting customers, friendly and knowledgeable bar staff, the best pub dog ever, and live music in a gem of an undeniably scruffy but unpretentious pub in an unprepossesing part of Rochester - then look no farther.
I'd like to address the criticisms of "realalie" specifically, though.
1. "The customers seem to be barely tolerated guests." Never in my opinion, not even on my first visit. Perhaps it depends on the customer.
2. "Advisory signs are everywhere: Drinking up time is not 11.30, it�s not 11.20 it�s 11 o�clock!". The sign says 11:20, not 11 o'clock. Which *is* drinking up time.
3. "Quiet in the garden and no swearing in the garden." Why is this a surprising request in a residential area, and in a pub garden where children are most likely to be found?
4. "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!" Every pub has a no-standing / no-service area - it's where the staff gain access to and egress from behind the bar. What's the beef?
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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!
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Looks well dodgy from the outside. This area of town seems a bit rundown. I only found the pub thanks to the Good Beer Guide.
However once inside things looked up, A great selection of beers and a chatty friendly barman. He told me the previous night had been very lively and I got the impression the pub is at it's best in the evening, especially when there's live music. Very comfortable with a nice variety of chairs. It's a proper pub with lots of character!
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A very nice suprise was this pub. From the outside (and the area it is situated in) it appears to be a bit of a dive, however once you enter the place perceptions can be deceptive. It is not the most enthralling pub in the world but there is a decent selection of beers to choose from and the interior, whilst not being superb, it not as bad as the exterior would suggest. Overall a very reasonable pub to visit.
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I got a chance to visit this fine house yesterday and was pleased to find that they as well as the Pawley Farm local cider they now also offer Cramps 'Double Vision'. Dude the resident dog is also still on fine form.
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Called the other day at 12 midday to discover the pub doesn't open until 2pm. What pub opens at 2 in the afternoon? It's a shame as I've been there in the past and the beer was first rate.
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to quote the late Michael Jackson " this is it "
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Visited for the first time in around 8 months last night (12/11/2009). This pub seems to get better and better with every visit and it was pretty much perfect last time I was here! Fantastic range of ales (10 were all on the go), a folk duo were playing, and friendly staff and locals. The only niggle I have is that it seems quite a lot more expensive than other pubs in the area, but I'm happy to ignore that. This is as close as it can get to a perfect pub in my eyes, I just wish it didn't take an hour and cost �15 for me to get here.
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We did like the pub as they have a good selection of Kentish ales.
Also they have a good selection of Belgian beers, yes even the strongest ones...
They even have Brugse Zot on draught, a regional beer from Brughes Belgium.
Especially liked the dog in there, we became good friends--))...
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I love this pub. Went in here for the first time after a trip along the soulless dumps in the High Street (Eagle and Two Brewers excepted), and had a thoroughly enjoyable wheat beer, served in its proper glass, chatted to a few of the locals, and had to leave ('cause my word, that beer had a 'poke' to it)!
They do folky / guitar music twice a week, and I'm going to be dragging as many of my friends there as possible over the coming months.
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I imagine this place polarises local opinion. Its frontage is marvellous but leads into a fairly unremarkable spit-and-sawdust interior - The decked garden is a much more pleasant space. On the ale front, my drinking buddy and I were impressed by the selection, all from Kent breweries such as Whitstable, Ramsgate and Goachers, an attitude to be applauded. Although I thought it could do with a bit of TLC inside, its nonetheless a good pub and certainly a lot better than the lager barns found towards the centre of town.
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Have been spending some time in Rochester recently, saw this place in the Good Beer Guide so popped in last Sunday afternoon.
And was very impressed. The decor's pretty shabby, but the people in there were very friendly, the barman was chatty and knowledgeable and the ales were superb. A good variety, obviously well looked after and I'd quite happily have tried one of each, but was warned off that.
Good little beer garden too, and from the posters up they have some cracking bands playing there.
Only downside is the look of the place really. And there were two pumps with nothing on, although apparently that's because they get through barrels so quickly and they'd not had time to clean the lines. Which I guess is a good sign actually.
Great little drinking pub, for people who like good beer.
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We were in the area last Sat and had decided to try a few pubs in Rochester but after popping in here first, we just decided to stay.
For a Sat lunchtime is was quiet - probably due to the lack of TVs - and it was nice to hear yourself think.
I've no problems with the decor - relatively basic but I'd call that unfussy - what more do people need? Plenty of tables and stools.
Loads of choice for beers (all from Kent) and ciders plus three from the Meantime brewery.
If you're going to go to one pub in Rochester, go to this one...
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Just along from the Good Intent,unpreprosessing exterior , gives way to a regulars "back street pub " fine selection of real ales ,all in good condtion,well worth a visit ,but dont expect any frills.
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Excellent pub, if visiting note the odd opening hours. Opens at 3 on Mons and at 2 on Tue - Thur.
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This is a pub that suffers from the location it is in as its in a run down part of rochester saying that i suppose it keeps the high st chavs away which cant be a bad thing.yes a good range of beers emphasis a lot on overated foreign 1s though which they charge an extortianate price for.the place is tacky and small and too much space is given to the bar.its ok for people who find it fashionable to stand about talking about camra festivals all night but i find the place a bit souless and the english beers dont taste that special really and they dont serve any guinness.the fruit beers are just gimmicky and i cant see the point to be honest but its much better than the dives around it.
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The Man of Kent is a public house, it really is someone's house, and it's open every night to serve you excellent (and yes, random and confusing, but that's not a bad thing) beer. So if the landlord goes upstairs to read his kids a bedtime story is that, also, a bad thing? If you want Stella Artois and the landlord laying on big-screen-sport entertainments for you then I fear you'll find this pub not to your liking. All of which suits me, and others, just fine, because it means I'll get served excellent Kentish beer all the quicker by the fabulous bar staff, while enjoying the company of the broadest of scopes of clientelle. In short, it's a happy pub, it's devoid of louts, it's full of all-sorts (yes, it's small, so it's usually full), and the beer is... brown beer, and well-kept brown beer at that (plus porters & stouts of course), it's a bit of an adventure!
p.s. there are even fruit-beers available, and a lager that looks almost like stout, whiskys arranged from peaty to not-so-peaty, islands to east coast, and all the usual optics, they'll always find you something to whet your appetite as long as you're happy to take a few seconds to describe your fancy to them, there's something for everyone, as long as the big brand-names aren't your biggest priority.
Many a soul around Medway wears a t-shirt proclaiming 'if found please return to the Man of Kent', and if I'm 'found' I'd ask for the same, this is a lovely pub that will take care of you, when you need it!
All in all, this is a pub that specialises in drink and a nice time, not... er... market-research. You just have to decide what's most important to you.
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A great pub - another hidden Medway gem.
If you ever get to the point where you think every pub is a part of a chain, The Man of Kent is a welcome antidote and a well-kept secret.
The beer? Nothing traditional - no well known branded beer which presents you with a bit of a challenge but a welcome one nonetheless because all the alternatives are excellent and very good value for money.
The landlord and staff are friendly and welcoming. Live music is a regualr feature there and have some amazing bands of contrasting styles - you walk in the door and never really know what to expect which is extremely rare these days.
The people vary drastically from students to businessmen, to rough and ready looking but the atmosphere is exceptional and I have yet to leave without a smile on my face.
The decor is just about the most random you could imagine - green faux-leather big armchairs and ricketty stools, a real open fire and a back room piled high with games and books, it all feels bizzare but you kind of except it and appreciate it.
One slight drawback is the size. It is quite small and the pub has clearly been a victim of it's own success - the last time I visited, the landlord was turning people away in droves so it's advisable to come early, especially when a band is playing.
Overall, i'm not someone who is impressed easily but I certainly was and continue to be with The Man of Kent. People told me that it was one of the best pubs in Medway and I completely agree. If you live in the area and don't visit, you're truly missing out on something special and pretty unique.
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The Man of Kent is a refreshing anomaly, a defiant pocket of cool in an otherwise uninspired locality. With a strangely appealing shabbiness and enigmatic air of cool, you find it a little hard to believe that you are where you are; situated in Troy Town, Rochester, beside a Primary school... not exactly the trend quarter! But it works, inside you are confronted with a crazy bohemian interior; distressed like an old pair of Levis, walls plastered with random old crap and as many ale taps as customers! There is also an unusual intimacy about the place, and people feel quite free to chat to you from other tables.
At the bar you are offered a free sample, to help with the daunting decision of choosing from the vast selection of ales. I really enjoyed my time in this pub and relished the rare opportunity to sample ales from so many different local breweries. This gives the place great appeal, as it�s more than a drinking venue; it�s an exhibition and education in the variety of ale. Downsides? Well apart from being a bit of a trek to the next decent pub, the MOK could do with a jukebox overhaul, the music was very quiet, somewhat anonymous, and added nothing to the experience. That aside this is a superb public house and unrivalled for its own distinctive brand, a very high 8!
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I came in last night, the pub has been generally less busy early on recently, although I only ever pop in every now and then, I Have to say the beer is always in very good nick to my mind, and I like the atomosphere.
The landlord has usually been friendly, even advising me about vegan beers.
I do prefer the good intent, the coopers but in terms of a decent alternative venue with music I like it.
Very friendly pub dog, dude, too.
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It was suggested by a few people that I check out this place again as I hadn't been for a while, and it had been getting good reviews. I was slightly dubious as I have tried this pub out at least 30 times over a five year period and had never really been satisfied with the beer quality, nor the cramped, scruffy and uncomfortable room. In the two or three years since I had last been I have noticed the pub declining from the outside, so it didn't seem to me to be likely that it had improved inside. But I was willing to try, because the building itself is very attractive, and in the right hands this could be a stunning pub. It has long had a policy of serving a range of beers from the smaller Kent breweries, and that deserves to be encouraged.
I had tried at 12.30 on Saturday, but the place appeared locked up.
I tried again this evening at 5.45 and found both the front doors firmly closed, a barricade by the cellar doors, which has been there for a long time now, indicating that the cellar doors are unsafe, and no indication that the pub was open, nor how to get in. I walked round to the back, and found a side door, boarded up, with a handwritten sign saying "This is the entrance". I pushed hard and entered what feels like an old hippy squat.
I like a bit of character and human warmth, but there's something just a bit unsettling about the squalor of this place. There's a feeling of a lack of respect for the building and for the people in the building. There's a feeling that nobody cares. Of course, that's a personal reaction, and others would be charmed by the lack of airs and graces. And I am aware that I have championed pubs which others have found rather messy, so it does often come down to each to their own. Some places appeal to us which repel others. This is going to be a pub that will divide opinion.
Anyway, there's hardly anyone in here (there rarely has been many people in whenever I've been here - but I've never been in during any of the sweeps festivals, which is when this pub is busiest - nor, to be fair, have I been in during any of the live gigs) - but there are three men chatting quietly at the bar. Friendly, relaxed and pleasant chaps.
There are 6 casks on offer. Rather a lot for any pub, but quite excessive for a quiet backstreet pub. To have 6 casks on offer you need to be shifting them quickly to keep them in good condition. I try the local Nelson beer. It's warm and rancid - but that could be as much a fault of the brewery as the pub (Nelson beers can be a bit too malty and greasy). I'm told the cask is fresh on, so I'm giving the pub the benefit of the doubt, though I'd like the beer to be served cooler. I ask the landlord about the doors, and I'm told that he only has the one door open because he can only keep an eye on one door. I don't follow up on this, but I do wonder why he needs to keep an eye on a door.
I finish my beer and, to be fair, look for a different one to see what the quality of that is like. But the landlord has gone. I ask the chaps at the bar where he's gone and they say that often happens - he's probably upstairs with his wife and family. I ask if there's a bell I can ring (after all, it's not uncommon for barstaff to sometimes be busy in some other part of the pub), but I'm told there is no bell. All I can do is wait - that he may be five seconds or five minutes. "That's one of the quirks of the place."
It's not a particular quirk I'm prepared to put up with. I leave.
I go the The Good Intent round the corner - as soon as I walk in there's a difference. A warm friendly buzz of about 12 people, a landlord who is attentive, beer in better condition (and �2 a pint compared to �2.80 in the man of Kent), and several of the customers in there are ex-customers of the Man in Kent who had got fed up with the poor service, bad beer quality and uncomfortable cramped surroundings. The Good Intent is not a smart pub, but it has something more going for it than the Man of Kent. The local CAMRA branch declared the Good Intent as their Pub of The Year this year. I think that's excessive, there are better pubs in Medway, but it's certainly an indication of what some of the locals think.
It's each to their own, but the Man of Kent is not for me. I have lowered my score from 5 to 1 because this pub has consistently served me bad beer, and because the landlord has so little desire to spend time with his customers that he keeps the front doors locked and vanishes upstairs for long periods of time.
I will need a lot of convincing to return here.
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I think the negative review may be about a different man of kent pub
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I think the last review was about a different pub, I've never felt uncomfortable in this place, even the first few times I came in about 6 years ago when there were only about 5 local customers in on a Friday night. And its rapidly increased popularity since then goes to prove its a great place to be.
Travellers indeed! As a member of staff at the Man O, I can assure you all that it is a very friendly & trouble free pub. And I've never seen any gypsy/traveller types in there.
The Man of Kent is one of the very few 'proper' pubs left in this part of the world. If you want a good pint of local ale, in a cosy old fashioned pub, with good company, good music and the soppiest pub dog in the world, then this is your place.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Unbelievable pub. I think there were 9 ales on all from local breweries. I had the Goachers White Star which was in top condition. Plenty of ciders and European beers available as well. Unusual layout and very interesting interior, with a spacious garden at the back. Reccomended.
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To reiterare - its a real locals/and non local for that matter, and ale GEM!
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Never knew this was here until a mate suggested it at the Sweeps on the Monday. Wow! I'm London based - suffice it to say - I'll be back! Soon! Even bought the t-shirt. Guy who served me was great (tall, short gelled hair). What a beer range, what cellar quality. What a fantastically great historic building. Tucked away where you'd have to know it (or be given three completely different sets of directions by locals). Who can blame em. Warewolf & Vixen morris in the pub were just right for the place (I love the biker/pagan type of places)and the beer of the same name was fantastic. A gem!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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My Border Morris side did the Sweeps Festival last weekend. Beer festival at the Gordon House was very disappointing so we decided to try a 'real' pub. What a gem, excellent selection of ales, top landlord and very friendly locals. This will be the Base Camp for the Eagles in the coming years! Hope you guys were entertained by our brief visit on Sunday afternoon.
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great pub, great atomosphere, friendly staff. really happy to find this place.
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Excellent selection of obscure local ales, and a wide range of interesting looking ciders. Well worth seeking out.
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My favourite pub to visit in Rochester. The landlord really knows his stuff. We were in last week, and my friend (who hates beer) was offered two samples of Strawberry and Raspberry Belgian fruit ales by him to try and convert her. It obviously worked, she enjoyed several half-pints of it over the evening. Not many landlords would do that for you!
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I'm sure that every time I visit it is busier than the last - which goes to prove that a little word of mouth goes a long way. Tatty but homely, a majorly impressive selection of beers and a chilled out friendly atmosphere.
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I'm sure that every time I visit it is busier than the last - which goes to prove that a little word of mouth goes a long way. Tatty but homely, a majorly impressive selection of beers and a chilled out friendly atmosphere.
anonymous - 5 Jun 2007 22:15 |
The pub looks closed from the outside,and somewhat the worst for wear inside ,but the service is ok and the range of beers impressive ,and of good quality,music often,definitely give it a try.
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A very fine old-fashioned corner local. Furnishings are a bit knackered, yet the place felt very cosy on a chilly evening with classic rock music playing at a sensible volume in the background. Eight handpumps all dispensing ales from smaller Kentish brewers, plus real cider and draught foreign beers. Goacher's Gold Star was in top condition.
Regarding some of the earlier comments about beer temperature, I came here three years back on a sweltering August afternoon and had to switch to the impressive selection of German lagers after one pint of totally unchilled ale, but this issue appears to have been addressed since then.
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Fantastic range of beer in good condition - Kent brewers emphatically supported but loads of interesting foreign stuff as well. Down to earth, friendly with invariably a scrap between visiting dogs thrown in - best pub in the area by far
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A wonderful place to drink. Even when it's crowded I still feel relaxed when drinking there. Definately reccommend it, and the adorable blonde barmaid on Sunday evenings is a lovely bonus to a good pub experience.
anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 21:45 |
This place is unique in Rochester, and a godsend, if you want to escape the wasteland of the High Street on a friday/saturday night. The welcome is generous, the crowd is friendly, and the continental beers, both draught and bottled, are to die for. They've recently added a beergarden.
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After a few months absence, I visited this splendid pub less than a fornight ago. I notice that there is now a range of bottled Belgian beers available and Strawberry beer on draught. I quaffed a couple or three pints of ale from the Millis brewery, and found it to be most acceptable.
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One of the few older buildings to survive in the Troy Town area of Rochester. This now stands in splendid and quirky isolation in one of the ugliest post-war developments in Kent. The solid Style & Winch tiling is a compelling invite to investigate the building further, as is the well known feature that this pub serves an average of five different Kentish beers. I want this pub to be a good pub. The regulars are down to earth and friendly. The interior may be slightly cramped and run down; but what it lacks in charm and atmosphere, it makes up for in a lack of pretension, and that impressive spread of Kent beers and ciders. A regular outlet for Larkin, Hopdaemon, Millis and Nelson beers. This should be a great pub. But the condition of the beer has always let this place down. Often warm. Often stale. The cellar needs modern refrigeration equipment, and the pub needs a greater turnover for the amount of beers on offer. I often go in with the hope that this time - please God, this time - the beer will be served in good condition. I have used this pub for three years and - despite two different landlords - have not yet had a beer served cool, fresh and enjoyable. I have taken scooper friends to this pub so they could pick up a few ticks, and all have agreed that the beer has been served in poor condition. Even the regulars themselves agree that the condition of the beers leaves a lot to be desired. Come here if you want to sample beers from at least three different Kent breweries in the one place - but don't expect the beers to be served in the same condition as the excellent George V in Brompton, The Barge in Gillingham or the Britannia in Chatham.
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This is an absolutely superb no-frills, back street pub, less than five minutes walk from the railway station. The pub exterior is bedecked with victorian tiling, proclaiming to the world that this establishment is part of the ( long defunct ) Style & Winch estate.
Five hand drawn ales are available, sourced only from independent brewers in Kent ( both Kentish Brewers & Brewers of Kent! )
I have not visited this fine ale-vending emporium for a few months, so I do not know whether German bottle-conditioned beers are still available.
There has recently been a change of tenure, but the regime is as it was previously. If in Rochester, and you've missed your train, it's well worth the small walk to this pub.
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