please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Stylish décor and an ok, but not great beer choice. Very quiet - we were the only customers on a Thursday evening. Worth a look if passing.
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Constantly good pub/bar.
Beer always good, friendly staff and a little gem of a garden when the weather permits.
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Went in here after a bad experience at another pub nearby and it couldn't have been more different.
Lovely inside, with some beautifully, giggly, tipsy locals who were welcoming and funny.
Really good barman who seemed proud to work there.
Seriously recommended for a swift half or two.
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Three ales on and, yes it doesn't describe itself as a pub and it doesn't feel like one. The Indian restaurant feel other posters have likened the place to does seem more of an accurate description of the place than the Parisienne cafe one. The shape and layout look like it could lend itself to being a proper Victorian stye pub as opposed to what it is but then that's down to the the owners as to how they want to present the place. Tried the Goachers (like to try local stuff when I am in the vicinity) but can't say it was a great pint and wouldn't have had a second (if I felt like staying that is). I'm sure it has it's followers but I felt more at home over the road.
anonymous - 30 May 2010 20:57 |
Somewhat hidden away at the tatty Chatham end of Rochester High Street, and then up a few steps up through the corner door to this 'bar cafe'. Pleasant, continental-style interior with a good selection of furniture and a very curious little alcove near the back. Three handpumps, including Goachers Light and Batemans Miss Ireland (a tasty golden beer). It was raining so I only took a quick peek at the small beer garden out back, but that looked worth trying on a better day. GBG listed for quite a few years, friendly staff and well worth seeking out.
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The rather tatty exterior to this place hides a rather special interior, a bit like a Paris Cafe rather than an Indian Restaurant. It does however sell Cobra beer on draft!!! As others have said it is absolutely spotless and the staff friendly and welcoming.
On my visit there were a very mixed bunch of customers of all ages. A small group of guys at the bar having a laugh whilst many women at the tables were having lunch. I think the number of women in the bar is testiment to the premises being well managed and safe, particularly in the Medway towns. A young couple sharing a bottle of wine in the corner and a couple of lone guys just reading the paper whilst having a beer. It is a delightful relaxed atmosphere with just the right amount of buzz.
I had a bacon, mushroom & tomato chiabatta for a snack which was superb and well presented. The pint of Brains SA was equally superb - the other real ales looked in top condition too!
The Medway is not blessed with good pubs but this is well worth a visit and would be hard to beat in any location. Marvellous. I'll be back often.
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Probably the only reason to venture 'over the hill' to the land that time forgot... Yes,it seems like an Indian resturant...but,quality beer,nice food and a pleasent ambience...not the usual Medway scuzz pit!
And virtually next door to my kids fav shop(I Dig Dinos)....a total bonus!
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A strange little place situated on a dingy part of the high street. Well worth going inside however as friendly and welcoming
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What more can be said about this place. Feels more like it should be an Indian Restaurant, however it serves a range of ales, a nice selection of lagers and has a good spectrum of clintele and a friendly atmosphere.....well worth a return visit.
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I'm lucky enough to have the Britannia as my local and am glad to see it's getting such good reviews. It has excellent beer, excellent food, friendly staff and a very pleasant atmosphere. The best pub for miles.
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I've been visiting this bar quite a lot recently. It is without doubt my favourite place in the area for a number of reasons:
1) It is obviously professionally run.
2) The staff are welcoming, polite and a pleasure to meet.
3) The premises are absolutely spotless.
4) The real ales are in prime condition as are all the other products.
5) Nice and interesting wine list.
6) Excellent food.
7) A lovely cosy atmosphere with a nice clientele. and
8) ABSOLUTELY NO DRUNKEN IDIOTS OR PEOPLE WITH ATTITUDE !
Congratulations to all at the Britannia Bar Cafe and in particular to the owners who clearly know what they are doing.
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Nice little pub in a place I really didn't expect to find one. It's in a pretty run down area, but someone told me they do good ales, and they weren't lying.
Looks a bit like a Paris cafe inside, and was quite busy for a Tuesday afternoon, with some obvious locals chatting in a jolly way.
Had three ale pumps and all three were very drinkable, especially the Goachers Fine Light, which was stunning.
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The blinds, brass lighting and decoration of this pub's interior give it a somewhat continental feel and the deceptively spacious garden is also a plus. The Goachers on offer was in excellent nick and dispensed efficiently by the guvnor. More than worth a look if you're in the area.
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Friends of mine have been going on and on about how special this bar is. I thought this is the Medway Towns such great places don't exist here! Well me and my husband made our first visit a couple of weeks ago and now I have to eat my words - it is indeed a great place. Beautifully decorated with gorgeous lighting and refreshingly clean. Very friendly regulars made the entire evening a real pleasure, not to mention the superb staff. Hubby rated his beer top rank!
Since that night I have been back twice. Once with a group of 12 girl friends and we all agreed how safe we felt here and again this afternoon I sat in the beautiful garden with a large glass of wine. Perfect. Highly recommended. Without any doubt the best bar in the area!
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I have been popping into this venue on a regular basis for nearly 2 years and have always regarded every visit as highly enjoyable. The real ales are served to an exemplary standard. Timothy Taylor Landlord and Brewsters Rutterkin on my last visit! Superb!
The bar itself is beautifully decorated and has a glorious walled garden at the back. Above all the place is absolutely spotless. No smelly loos here! Clearly the owners take pride and very special care of the place and its customers. It is a very friendly place and have had nothing but a warm welcome on each visit. One of the owners, Colin, made me very welcome on my first visit and was extremely attentive. Even if I haven't been in for a few months, he always remembers me and even remembers the style of real ales I prefer. I notice he does it for everybody remembering all their likes and dislikes. Amazing!
This has become one of my favourite pubs, not just in Medway but anywhere! This is also the only pub that my wife will go into on her own. Recommendation indeed!!!
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Very nice boozer ,clean and well kept ,with a couple of real ales that are up to snuff, one of the best pubs in the Medway Towns.
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Decent pint of Black Sheep, great food and exceptionally friendly. Took my Mum on Mothers Day and she loved it!
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I've always liked this pub, and I've never had a bad visit. Indeed, I'm always impressed each time I come. When asked which are among the best pubs in Medway, I always mention this one, and with very good reason. I arrived for my latest visit just after 5.30 on my way home from work. Already there are around 20 - 25 people here, all 40+, most are quietly talking in small groups or couples - there are almost as many women as men. There's a man on a table by himself reading his paper, drinking his pint and munching on a packet of nuts. There's a good mix of regulars who welcome each other as they come in, and occasional visitors like myself. One table is reserved for a party of diners.
There's a warm, relaxed atmosphere assisted by the low background music.
Three casks on offer - the regular Goachers, and two guests - Rev James and SA Gold. My beer was in excellent condition, as it always has been every time I come here.
The place is clean and tidy and decorated to a high standard. The brass lights in the window add character and a sense of class. The place is comfortable and feels safe and welcoming and well run.
It really is quite wonderful, and is possibly the best pub in Medway.
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An unassuming though decent looking little pub from the outside, the Britannia has surprising ambience and grandeur once inside. The flattering low lighting, stylish d�cor, and gentle music make for a very pleasant environment to have a few quite drinks. On entry you immediately feel welcome and at ease. The service is exceptional and usually immediate. All drinks are served with great attention to detail and often look far more appealing than those served up in local alternatives. The regulars do tend to be �a little older�, than most of the other pubs along this way, but this has never made my friends or I feel out of place. It might not get you pumped for a club night, and it�s not the place if you�re looking for eye candy, but it does make for one of the finest relaxed drinking spots in Medway. I cannot claim to be an expert on ale, but I have a friend who is and he assures me that there is a fine selection on tap (including Goachers Lite and Directors Bitter). The Caf� slant is smart and gives the place real daytime appeal, which I find most pubs lack. The place is always spotless and I have never seen any trouble here. Highly recommended.
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A warm welcome from the friendly landlord here. Went here for a quick one but ended up staying for 4. Goachers Light (?), Everards Tiger and Everards Sunchaser were on offer - I stuck with the Sunchaser as the weather was fantastic and it went down well sitting in the sun in the beer garden. Beer was in good nick. Worth seeking out.
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As others have said, this is an excellent cafe-bar that's well-worth seeking out. The food is excellent and very good value, the staff are friendly and the ales are decent and changed regularly. The Britannia is generally more geared towards food (presumably hence the cafe-bar monicker), but I've never had any problems when I've got nipped in for a drink. Strongly recommended.
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Pleasant unpretentious bar but Goachers very ordinary I thought
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Rochester high street right at the border with Chatham isn't exactly the 'high rent' district. However the Britannia is a pub/cafe/bistro that makes a visit worthwhile. I don't know why I haven't commented on this place before but in several visits in the past year or so this place has never disappointed. The beer is always in excellent condition. I recommend the Goachers. Although they do rotate their beers on a regular basis. The food is great and good value. The staff are wonderful and welcoming. If you are visiting Rochester or Chatham's dockyards, a detour to the Britannia won't disappoint.
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A friend of mine occasionally drinks here in the Britannia Cafe Bar, so I thought I would check it out. I paid a visit today (12th March) and rather liked it. The interior has a warmth and glow to it and was neat and tidy. The staff were extremely accommodating and attentive also. The atmosphere was relaxed and top-notch too. I don�t usually eat in pubs, but have to admit to liking the look of the grub being served up. The only downside was that it appeared nearly everyone was there to eat and I felt a little uncomfortable just sitting there with my paper. This would never be a major gripe though and can only recommend a stop here.
HTM69 - 12 Mar 2007 15:01 |
I meant to say we went for a MEAL - it was still wonderful food.
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Went here for a mean whilst at the Dickensian Festival. The food was beautiful, wholesome, cooked to perfection and very reasonable. I will come again in the summer and try their Summer Garden. Staff very friendly and welcoming.
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This is one of my favourite bars in the area. The food is always excellant - especially the All day breakfast and sunday roast.
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Very attractive and well run pub. The interior has a warm glow, and is full of charm - always clean and tidy. Serves two cask ales, a Youngs and a guest. Beer is always in good condition. Atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Good quality food served during the day. Interesting and attractive narrow beer garden out the back. One of the best pubs in Medway.
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Attractive from the outside with the traditional Kentish weather boarding, it is also pleasant inside.
Quite small and intimate but lovely for a quick drink if travelling the high street between Chatham and Rochester.
anonymous - 13 Feb 2006 13:27 |
