The Artichoke, Canterbury

Just to clarify....BouncersDream refers to one of the worst programmes ever broadcast on British Telly: an episode of Neighbours about 20 yrs ago about the dream of Bouncer. Bouncer was a dog.

All the good names were already taken.

I live in Chartham; this IS my village as much as last person to post.

I am truly nostalgic for decent, comfortable old pubs (not the Ritz! Not a Wetherspoons!). If the place cannot fit more than one decent sofa, then perhaps the landlord should think about this before spreading out on it? No doubt he's as lovely as you suggest; but a little customer service might get a few more bums on seats (however hard or soft they are!)

The last person to post refers to the fact that 'there should be more people eating in it'. You're right: there should. In a village of this size, with people who could spend money here, it's a real shame that in order to get a decent drink/meal you have to get in a car and go somewhere else. Clearly, I'm not the only local who thinks it's rubbish: if I was, the place would be full, not always empty.

Sorry, but people clearly vote with their feet.

Thank you for your comment, KingJangles. Actually, I would appreciate a little 'care in the community'. Unfortunately, not much care goes into this pub. And not many people, either.

7 Nov 2010 22:11

The Artichoke, Canterbury

Depressing pub. Beautiful building from the outside, in a very pretty village.

Inside dingy: only v. small area for drinking, the rest of the pub is dining tables, but noone was eating when we were there. Not surprising, having peered into the small, grubby looking kitchen.

Only one sofa in bar area, on which the landlord sat spread out with his laptop playing poker! Our party sat on hard wooden chairs, downing tepid beer as quickly as we could! Won't be back here - ever. Will try the other pub at the far end of the village - the George - has to be better. Couldn't be worse.

28 May 2010 14:42