Pub Guides: The Coopers Arms, Rochester

Address: 10 St Margarets Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1TL

Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Mon-Thu, Sun), 12pm – 12am (Fri-Sun)

Web: https://www.thecoopersarms.co.uk/

Tel: 01634-404298

 

Nestled in a backstreet behind the imposing Rochester Cathedral, lies a pub that is equally as historic as its nearby landmarks. One of the oldest pubs in Kent, an Inn was first built on this site as far back as 1199 during the reign of Richard I. The original building fell into disrepair following the dissolution of the monasteries, but in 1543 it was rebuilt and continues today largely in its current form aside from changes such as the installation of beer engines and electric lighting over the years. The interior is cosy, if not a little cramped which is common of pubs that date from this period, and it has a low hanging beamed ceiling which would make for quite a challenge for any tall person. There are two bars adjacent to each other, that serve two seating areas that provide the pub with plenty of space for sitting. There is a smattering of brick-a-brack ranging from a selection of metal tankards adorning the South bar, and a vast collection of pump clips from various cask beers that adorns the North bar. There is a long and expansive beer garden for sitting out on warmer days, and food is served during the afternoon only on limited days, from 12pm – 2:30pm (Thu-Sat) and 12pm – 4pm (Sun). There’s an occasional supper evening, and quiz nights are held every Tuesday evening from 8:30pm.

Real ale is highly valued at this pub, with a wide selection of cask ales available from local breweries and others from further afield such as Timothy Taylor, Courage and Youngs. The pub showcases a good array of Kentish beers, including Coopers Ale (3.6%) by Tonbridge Brewery, Summer Perle (3.8%) by Westerham Brewery, and Red Ale (3.9%) by Mad Cat Brewery which were on tap at the time of writing, although the pub constantly changes their rotating selection of beers so expect something different when visiting. The latter beer (Red Ale) was a hoppy and rather quaffable ale which suggested more strength than what was advertised, it was a decent example of a session ale to sip away in the beer garden as I listened to the peel of the cathedral bells as the Sunday service concluded. This pub was recently voted the pub of the year by the local CAMRA branch and deservedly so. If you ever happen to visit Rochester, this iconic heritage pub has to be one to tick off the bucket list.

Rating: 9/10