The Echo, Gravesend

I've been drinking in the Echo for a couple of years now and can say it's finally blossomed into the pub I always hoped my local would be.

The new management team have spent a heap on renovating the tired decor, inside and out and the garden in particular is now a perfect place to take a young family.

The vibe in the pub has changed too, with much more merriment and an end to the 'tough talk' that some pubs have. One way or another, I always walk out with a smile on my face.

29 Aug 2014 10:53

The Echo, Gravesend

What a difference new management can make!

The pub has had an interior refresh with new carpets and good quality furniture but the overall effect is that it is bright, warm and welcoming.

It's clear the landlady and her husband care about the pub, the clientele and the community - it's telling to hear them both class many of their punters as 'friends' rather than customers.

Perhaps most impressive is the work done to the garden, which has transformed it into a 'destination' for families looking for a friendly drink in a safe environment for the children - with a fantastic play area that really makes the most of a garden that is deceptively larger than at first glance.

We had the pleasure of holding a family event in the garden and the landlady and her staff couldn't have done more for us - all of my guests commented on how impressed they were with the facilities and the welcoming received.

Since then there have been bands, singers and even the odd singalong by the punters - but there is always something going on and laughter and good times are ever-present.

As a Guinness drinker I've always been patient and have never had any complaints about the beer but have been told by friends that the real ale is perfectly poured, varied and with frequent guest ale rotation.

The landlady Trudy and her husband "Stretch" are immediately obvious as a popular couple that are interested in providing visitors with a quality experience without being 'in your face' and this shows from the constant stream of new faces that rapidly turn into regulars.

Finally, and from my personal point of view most interestingly; this pub now boasts what I believe is the South of England's widest selection of prestige vodkas - up to 180 available! Everything from flavoured and unusual tipples are offered up to the real famous heavyweights - you can (and should!) have a complete vodka education in a single evening!!

21 Aug 2014 10:00

Ascot Arms, Gravesend

Like a spider with only two feet, this formerly exceptional pub is on its last legs.

After a succession of poor landlords since the last full time landlord ran it as a welcoming local family pub, it's now being run by a nightwatchman more interested in organising his cocaine deals with his buddy from the estate up the road.

In the almost year since he took over, I've seen him three times though to be fair I've never been in there when there's more than 8 people so perhaps he feels surplus to requirements.

The place is gloomy, dirty with a toilet smashed and closed for more than 18 months now. Beer is frequently running out, is of average quality and more expensive than its local rivals.

The place is still occasionally taken over by the local wannabe mafia who pick fights with the ever-dwindling regulars and as such I usually walk straight past what is the nearest pub to my home and one that used to be my favourite.

Shame. If this were a living pub, it would be euthanized...

21 Aug 2014 09:32