Barge, Gillinghamback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Was attacked by a sheep in the garden of this pub some years back; still liked the pub and beer though !
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Not an area generally noted for quality ale houses, the Kentish town of Gillingham, does, however, throw up a few surprises. One such place often lauded, is here: The Barge. Set away from the town centre and all the troubles that can arise there, this slightly odd, though be it, quirky and charming hostelry offers the discerning local � and from further afield as well, of course � the opportunity to sample local brews and take in an array of folk and acoustic-based live acts � admittedly though, of varying levels of ability. The exterior is one of immediate intrigue and invite and indeed, the promise is fulfilled once within: dark, wooden, candle light, lanterns, and a very atmospheric feel and ambience. Cigarette cards, old smoking pipes, model ships and plenty of nautical-themed bric-a-brac can be spotted adorning the walls. Aside from the music � a sizeable stage is towards the rear of the pub � an active pool table and a dartboard are all on offer for entertainment. Background music is aired at a gentle volume and is seemingly, a constant stream of the more credible hits of yesteryear. To the rear of the establishment is a sheltered conservatory, complete with an old piano, table tennis (!!) and an old bird�s cage. A straggly, uncared-for beer garden follows on and despite the view of the River Medway; one cannot help but feel that here could be much improved upon. It resembles a junk yard and a little TLC, could really improve what could be a champion asset to the pub. Back inside, the bar � as previously mentioned � offers a selection of locally brewed and themed ales � although of the five hand pumps, only three and two respectively, have been in working order during my couple of recent stays. Amongst those sampled: Wadworth Henrys Original IPA, Gravesend Shrimpers Bitter and Nelson�s Powder Monkey. All beers served have been in perfectly drinkable condition by approachable and friendly members of staff. Indeed, the landlord himself is most forthcoming and charismatic, offering cheery welcomes and goodbyes upon entry and exit. To conclude: here does deserve the plaudits and if a few niggles could be addressed � hello garden � then The Barge would surely be, the pub that every Medway establishment should aspire to.
HTM69 - 17 Aug 2009 22:57 |
Good back street pub in a town not really noted for quality of alehouses but you need to either know where it is or be recommended it to find it as its tucked away in a little corner of the town.
Decent beers though bit pricey but most places are and at least here you get a decent pint.
Bit on the dark side but adds to the atmosphere and you wouldnt believe you were in a built up area music on mondays and wednesdays normally which is free and a quiz on sunday nights so a few things going on.a trouble free place as well so well recommended.
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Been here twice now. Very dark and a very strange atmosphere the first time I came here. The place to go if you just want to have quite a few drinks and not worry, but if you go somewhere else first with a great atmosphere then stay there and don't venture on. It's like stepping back in time, pinch yourself to make sure that you are there and haven't gone back 200 years. The stuffed animals are a very strange thing to have around. A bit more light would make it feel more homely and at least you could see what your eating or drinking. Wouldn't make it my first pub of call, but okay if you are passing (quickly).
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A hidden gem. A great place to visit and always a good, friendly atmosphere.
People don't seem to know of it's existence locally which seems odd, despite it's tucked away location; especially considering the enormous amount of pubs which have closed locally.
The pub very much focuses on quality music and quality beer and is very dimly lit, which would be a pain at some other pubs but really adds to the atmosphere. It has a traditional pub feel with friendly clientele and I've never had a bad night in there or seen any trouble.
Overall, well worth a visit and you'll want to keep this one a secret.
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I agree with the comments here, this is a great pub in an awkward location. It's one of the best pubs in Gillingham, and I love the beer garden overlooking the river. Beer is superb, and atmosphere and clients are great!
It has a very warm feeling about this place, and I believe when I went the beer was reasonably priced as well. Not sure about the food! That will be something I will try next time I am in Gillingham (not often)
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Grainstore Cooking, Wadworth IPA, Springhead Newark Castle Brown (I got it eventually, haha!), plus two pumps unclipped which we were told would usually be on in the week. Weatherboard exterior, large model ships in the windows, old original wood floor front & rear, tiled bar area. Pool table to the left of entrance, dartboard to the right, then the bar, & wooden bench seating beyond to rt, & open wood �booths� to left, further to some covered decking, then prepare yourself for a staggering view over the Medway from the garden, plenty of bobbing boats on this visit- I think they specially laid on a regatta. Slightly straggly-grassed garden with not-unlikeable tree-stump replica tables reflecting the comfortable boho feel of the place. Not sure I�d appreciate the large trampoline being in use (it wasn�t ystdy) as it would detract from the view, but I imagine visiting parents may welcome the provision of a distraction. To the rear of the pub is a small stage & a costly sound-booth suggests that they do some serious music in addition to open mic nights. I�m not sure why anyone with a map would be troubled finding the place but we approached on foot from Christmas St, which is linked to Layfield Rd by a footpath, and google satellite shows another footpath shortcut back to Grange Rd. You cannot approach on foot from Pier Rd (A289). Enthusiastic welcome from the genial manager. Recommended.
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I popped in here with some mates last night, lovely beer, liked the intimacy of the surroundings, cool music playing, wished i lived close enough for it to be me local!
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All,
For more information on Gillingham Kent Pubs ..
See my earlier post regarding the demise of the Roseneath....
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The Barge is arguably one of the best "Traditional " pubs in the area..
If you dont know where it is you will not find it !!
Down a back street Cul de sac in Lower Gillingham,
Layfield Road.... Google maps will get you there !
My Garmin GPS works as well !
But, its not a pub you want to drive to & drink Lemonade !!!
You may know the Ship as it does food & big screen Sky Footy but you probably dont know the Barge even though its only a 3 minute walk away !
Landlord Tim has got this so right !
Heavy influence on music particularly Folk which like it or not ( I do !) brings the punters in midweek when other pubs are struggling to cover the wages of their barstaff
The sound system is excellent , in fact bands actually record there... its that good !
A friend of mine organizes regular Tribute nights whereby local musicians and anyone else can pick up an Instrument and play... Last one was a Bowie night in December.. The pub was packed !!!!
Fantastic.... Due to family comitments I was only supposed to stay for the sound check but it was that good I hung around and rode the " Beer Scooter " home at 2230
Could & Should have stayed all night
Plan is for another one....Posibly Stones or the Jam..
As soon as I have details I will post them
I can Garuantee a great night...
Tim has got round the curse of the smoking ban by building an excellent "conservatory " which leads to a nice Garden with fantastic views over the river Medway .Fantastic in the summer...
There is always a good selection of Beers on Tap
Regulars such as Shrimpers ( Herne bay I believe )
and " Guests " as well
Its dark and dingy even in the summer ( Perfect ! ) and candle lit at night....
Atmosphere is fantastic !
I am somewhat biased as I have known Tim for over 20 years but take it from me ...If you want a traditional English back street Boozer you will not go wrong with The Barge
I can normally be found there on a sunday afternoon 1500-1800 Chillin with my mates
Check it out !!
You will not be disappointed
WW
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Too right it's difficult to find! I decided the easiest way was to park the other side of the cemetery, and do a 5 minute walk.
Worth it when you get there, though. Personally I find the (non-live) music too loud for my taste, and not conducive to conversation, but that said, everything's positive. The landlord's a star, and the atmosphere's lively and friendly , if a bit noisy.
The beer's good too.
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Hard to find if you don't know the area, at the end of a cul-de-sac, no pub sign outside but well worth seeking out.
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Excellent pub converted from pony stables in a Gillingham back street. It has character, it has a friendly landlord, it has a variety of events, it has a changing selection of well kept beers, it has a great beer garden with views across the Medway, it has a good crowd of people. And for those who like folk music, it has regular folk evenings. There is a genuine sense of community about the place. One of the best pubs in Medway, and arguably the best. It's only drawback is lack of food.
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One of the few places I know where the townies, the greasers, the headbangers, the folkies, the goths, the art students and the huge-bearded, beer-bellied CAMRA members all meet, drink and chill. A major contender for the title of THE Pub!!
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I used to work there and thought it was just a job but it is a fantastic pub especially if your a musician!! As it says behind the bar 'There are no strangers here, Only friends who have not yet met', a good night out!
Mike Collins - 29 Sep 2004 19:23 |
The landlord is friendly the staff are friendly the punters r friendly plus real ale what more can u say
jason - 15 Sep 2004 13:39 |
candle lite at night regular folk on monday nights. a real find somthing out of a time warp ,reminds us of irish village pub, every one there is friendly
john white - 8 Jun 2003 19:24 |
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