1st visit of the outing: Busy on my early afternoon arrival with many diners although offering, as is usual, 4 real ales. Friendly, prompt service at this centrally-placed historic pub by Gravesend's riverfront and the oldest surviving cast-iron pier in the world, built in 1834.

4th visit of the outing: A large rambling pub on the river-front mostly for the odd tourists to the area and those seeking to eat. Dating back to the 1400s, it is adorned with pictures of old Gravesend and sailing memorabilia and The Thames it sits beside. It houses a ground floor function room hosting bands. Plus, musical entertainers are accommodated on the first floor, housing the main bar and separate dining rooms, some of which overlook the Gravesend Pier and river. Not overly busy for our group of four and seated conveniently close to the bar at a somewhat sloping table reflecting the sloping floor. Attentive, friendly service from the bar staff. This one beat all the other drinking holes in Gravesend we visited for the choice of real ales. Five real ales a surprise and for a pub doubling as a restaurant without much of a pub area for just drinking in.

Not overly busy footfall for my mid-afternoon visit and in the main bar area which is quite small. The rest of it is a mass of dining areas overlooking the Gravesend Pier and river beyond. Friendly, prompt service. Met up with fellow south-east Londoner out for the real ale here.

Situated right on the River Thames at the centre of Gravesend next to Gravesend Pier and so not surprisingly really very busy for visitors. Our group of 6 managed to find one of only a few tables in the main bar area on this mid-afternoon visit. All other tables were set aside for dining in rooms overlooking the river. Prompt, friendly service for my half here and only my third visit as I recall as exceptionally busy compared to other drinking holes locally.

Busy and boisterous mid evening mostly attracting younger folk - I sat at a table by the billiard table and didn't enjoy my beer.

Lunchtime visit as a drink stop on a cycle from Canterbury to Greenwich. A good few people in but not overly busy - I really liked the pub - good beer selection, reasonable prices a good estuary view from the first floor outside decked area - oh, and they have a bar billiards table!

Evening. Mildly busy. Got in conversation with a fellow collecting branded beer glasses then a local CAMRA big wig told me local Draught Copy magazine will next be out at end of the week.

Early Saturday evening and a good crowd in (which is more than can be said for the pub next door which looked almost empty). I sat and enjoyed my pint in a good friendly pub.

Mid-evening, before taking the bullet train back to Stratford.

Early lunchtime visit and not yet busy. I liked the feel of this pub; multi-roomed, and an astonishing slope to the floor in the main bar, and the great maritime photos and prints in the middle bar.