News
THE GREEN MAN, HODSALL STREET The Campaign to save this pub is gathering momentum and there was a demonstration outside the pub on April 10th. More details on how to contact Stonegate pubs HERE. You can watch a vdieo of the interview conducted by Kent Online HERE
A NEW MICROPUB for Dartford. The new premises, being opened in the old Avis Car Rental offices at the bottom of West Hill, is expected to be up and running before Christmas. Named “The Growler Stop”, it will offer a couple of real ales from half a dozen handpumps, but concentrate on around 20 craft keg wall fonts. Well respected landlord Nick Byram from the close-by Dartford WMC is behind this venture
DRAUGHT COPY
After a break of two years it’s ready for the relaunch of Draught Copy magazine. Any information and photos, to give the pubs a bit of much-needed publicity, would be appreciated. Please send any snippets to adrian.moss49@btinternet.com
COTMANS ASH
We have been informed that the Rising Sun reopened on Fri 6th August. This is good news, as It’s ‘proper’ pub popular with ramblers and locals alike. Current opening times are Thu - Sun, midday to 10pm. Presently the beer is served from pins supplied by Westerham Brewery
LONDON DRINKER MAGAZINE is now online in our ‘Links’ section (only available online)
WHATPUB WEBSITE
Some pubs are likely to change opening hours/event timings now they have reopened. Therefore please check with the pub for further details before setting out on a trip!
BRANCH POTY
The results as follows
1st Old House, Ightham Common
2nd Compass, Gravesend
3rd Three Daws, Gravesend
4th Dartford Jug, Dartford
5th Cotton Mill, Swanley
In light of the announcement above, it looks as though the certificates for this year will need to be posted out, and no formal presentation will take place
NO FRILLS JOE
The brewery taproom was refurbished in 2019. The new brewery kit is in place, so it’s all systems go. Note that the tap room will now only open occassionally, normally on a Saturday or Sunday. Check with the brewery direct first on Facebook or Twitter @nofrillsjoe
CLOSED PUBS
Ship, Green St Green is currently closed
Clarence, Gravesend a planning application has been submitted to convert this pub to housing, though the pub appears to be still open at present
Crown and Thistle, Gravesend - former GBG and CAMRA POTY now sadly closed. It is, however, subject to an ACV
OTHER PUB NEWS
The Green Man, Hodsoll Street, that burnt down due to a lightening strike earlier this year, is now being sold off by the pub owning company
The Old Prince of Orange, Old Road East, Gravesend is run by Mark Randall, who is a keen real ale supporter. He is currently offering various guest ales on handpump
The Three Daws, Gravesend is promoting local produce and local beers. The Local Council is encouraging the efforts of Simon, the chef at the pub. A menu has been produced as a booklet with the help of Gravesham Council and Gravesend Library, featuring old photos of the pub with a list of suppliers
Although slightly out of our area, it is worth mentioning that a further thirteen other micropubs are in the Borough of Bexley (as well as the Dartford Jug and Compass/Three Pillars/Mole Hole in Gravesend). They are the Broken Drum, the Hangar, the Door Hinge, the Penny Farthing, the Kentish Belle, the Bird and Barrel, the Halfway House, the Hackney Carriage, the Hoppers Hut, the Next Door, the Silver Fox, the Long Haul, and the Bolt Hole
The Queen, South Darenth now regularly sells beers from Dark Star and Kent Brewery from four handpumps
If you know of any pub closures please let our pubs officer know
Our local branch Pub of the Year for 2019 and Club of the Year for 2019 have been announced and you will find them by going to the AWARDS section
