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The Man of Kent Ale House (Free House)

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Beer (sort)Average Score (sort)No. Samples (sort)
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Black Pearl Oyster StoutExceptional1
McCanns (used to use Angels and Demons name as well) - The TroubadourExcellent1
Goacher's - Best Dark Ale (aka Original)Excellent1
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Wife of Bath's AleExcellent1
Caveman (latterly a cuckoo at Leatherbritches) - CavedwellerExcellent1
No Frills Joe - No Frills #36 Amber Ale with Fuggle + B.GoldGood1
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Good LordGood1
Northdown - Muggy PorterGood1
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Small Batch Dark AleGood1
No Frills Joe - #71 Citra + MosaicGood1
Goacher's - Fine Light AleGood1
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 7Good1
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Festiv'AleGood1
Goacher's - Gold StarGood2
Wantsum - GolgothaGood1
Angels & Demons (now uses McCanns branding not its own) - A.D.H. MEGood1
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - Best BitterGood1
Goacher's - 1066 Old AleAcceptable1
Musket - TriggerAcceptable1
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Goodness Gracious Me!Acceptable1
No Frills Joe - Sour Yeast Simcoe HopPoor1
Pig & Porter - Sloe BlackNot Tried0
No Frills Joe - Joe SoloNot Tried0
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - She Sells Sea ShellsNot Tried0
Wantsum - DynamoNot Tried0
No Frills Joe - #83 Candy SoupNot Tried0
Whitstable - Renaissance Ruby MildNot Tried0
Tonbridge - CountrymanNot Tried0
Goacher's - Real Mild AleNot Tried0
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - GenesisNot Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Pardoner's AleNot Tried0
Tonbridge - Blonde AmbitionNot Tried0
Caveman (latterly a cuckoo at Leatherbritches) - NeolithicNot Tried0
Whitstable - CentennialNot Tried0
Bexley - Session Ruby AleNot Tried0
Caveman (latterly a cuckoo at Leatherbritches) - NeanderthalNot Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Host'sNot Tried0
Bexley - Howbury 26 New Zealand RakauNot Tried0
Pig & Porter - SkylarkingNot Tried0
Pig & Porter - All These VibesNot Tried0
Hopdaemon - Golden BraidNot Tried0
Pig & Porter - Secrets We ShareNot Tried0
Goacher's - Crown Imperial StoutNot Tried0
Pig & Porter - Stone Free Pale AleNot Tried0
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 5Not Tried0
Pig & Porter - Stone FreeNot Tried0
Pig & Porter - Slave to the MoneyNot Tried0
Pig & Porter - Too Many Dicks On The Dance Floor Hibiscus PaleNot Tried0
Tonbridge - CoppernobNot Tried0
Goacher's - Silver StarNot Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - Summer LightNot Tried0
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Good HeavensNot Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Miller's Ale (originally 4.5%)Not Tried0
Whitstable - RenaissanceNot Tried0
Tonbridge - TraditionalNot Tried0
Pig & Porter - Fatal Flaw American AmberNot Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Merchant's AleNot Tried0
Boutilliers - Green Hop KölschNot Tried0
Tonbridge - Golden Rule (was 3.5%)Not Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Knight's AleNot Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - New World GoldNot Tried0
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Good LifeNot Tried0
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - Pacific PaleNot Tried0
Picture 1. The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester, Kent
Picture 2. The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester, Kent

Visits Details

13 Jul 2021 (Philip Pirrip)
Mid-evening visit, my first out of London for 16 months. The licensee here is assiduously complying with Covid precautions. Knock on door to be admitted. One other customer then another later. All pumpclips removed from pumps. Reduced beer range presumably reflecting reduced patronage. An enjoyable chatty visit and a chance to see how out of London pubs are coping.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10GoodThree downed, second and third slightly cooler than first
Pig & Porter - Slave to the Money4.10Not Tried
Pig & Porter - Too Many Dicks On The Dance Floor Hibiscus Pale4.20Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - Summer Light3.60Not TriedCame on as I was leaving
20 Dec 2019 (Archie14)
Great atmosphere in this superb traditional old boozer, landlady was putting the decorations on the Christmas tree with some help from her son.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Wife of Bath's Ale3.90ExcellentGreat condition
Caveman (latterly a cuckoo at Leatherbritches) - Cavedweller5.80ExcellentPowerful stuff indeed 👍
Goacher's - Fine Light Ale3.70GoodLacking some condition.
Goacher's - Real Mild Ale3.40Not Tried
Hopdaemon - Golden Braid3.70Not TriedJust put on as I was leaving Damn!
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not Tried
Pig & Porter - Stone Free Pale Ale4.30Not Tried
04 Dec 2019 (Philip Pirrip)
Originally unplanned evening visit but after the most intense traffic congestion I have known in Medway (continuous jam between Chatham and Strood) the bus journey to Wainscott was abandoned after an hour and The MoK was nearby. A veritable beer exhibition this place. And a superb music due Two Man Ting (a drum and a guitar) singing folk styled on Sierra Leone, including one memorable angry song asking - You ask about the war, why don't you ask about the rivers, the mountains, the forests, the vultures.
BeerABVScoreNotes
McCanns (used to use Angels and Demons name as well) - The Troubadour4.50ExcellentReally really good, first out of new cask, a second had to follow
Angels & Demons (now uses McCanns branding not its own) - A.D.H. ME5.20GoodVery tasty APA style
Northdown - Muggy Porter5.00GoodPoured a little flat
Goacher's - Real Mild Ale3.40Not Tried
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not Tried
Tonbridge - Blonde Ambition4.20Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Pardoner's Ale3.80Not Tried
Tonbridge - Golden Rule (was 3.5%)3.20Not Tried
Bexley - Session Ruby Ale3.70Not Tried
Bexley - Howbury 26 New Zealand Rakau4.30Not Tried
14 Sep 2019 (Philip Pirrip)
Latish evening visit.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Festiv'Ale3.80Good
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not Tried
Goacher's - Silver Star4.20Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Miller's Ale (originally 4.5%)4.20Not Tried
Tonbridge - Traditional3.60Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Merchant's Ale4.00Not Tried
Tonbridge - Golden Rule (was 3.5%)3.20Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - New World Gold4.60Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - Pacific Pale4.30Not Tried
No Frills Joe - Joe Solo5.00Not Tried
No Frills Joe - #83 Candy Soup4.50Not Tried
27 May 2019 (Philip Pirrip)
Late evening visit. Only a few stragglers in suggesting a tiredness, bound of the end of the bank holiday.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Small Batch Dark Ale3.90GoodBetter if had been cooled just a tad more
No Frills Joe - #71 Citra + Mosaic3.00GoodNicely balanced 2 hopper
No Frills Joe - Sour Yeast Simcoe Hop4.80PoorI have reconsidered this beer and concluded it was poor not because it was sour. Little condition
Goacher's - Crown Imperial Stout4.50Not Tried
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Wife of Bath's Ale3.90Not Tried
Tonbridge - Coppernob3.80Not Tried
Pig & Porter - Stone Free4.30Not Tried
15 Feb 2019 (Andrew)
I've not been here for years but I was travelling back from London and just jumped off the train at Rochester. The pub is much as I recall - a real community boozer. I was hoping for more Goachers on but only the one. Gareth and I sat in the back of the pub and ended up talking to a couple of locals who were impressed we'd made the effort to come.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 73.80GoodNice to find a Gadds on.
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10GoodNever been my favourite Goachers, but a Goachers none the less.
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - Best Bitter3.70GoodNice earthy light brown bitter
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Pardoner's Ale3.80Not Tried
Caveman (latterly a cuckoo at Leatherbritches) - Neolithic4.10Not Tried
Whitstable - Centennial4.40Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Host's5.20Not Tried
Pig & Porter - All These Vibes5.30Not Tried
14 May 2018 (Philip Pirrip)
Evening until 10.30pm close. Quietest I have known it, damn Mondays, but probably good for my mood.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Goacher's - 1066 Old Ale6.70AcceptableAha - in a pin on the counter top, tilted a bit but how far? The Guv doused the towels on top with some water when I showed interest. Came out pretty end of cask but still full on with its woody flavours and no off tsstes. Given a discount for it being near the end, nice honest touch
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Goodness Gracious Me!4.80AcceptableSlight haze
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not Tried
Canterbury Ales (sometimes badged as Canterbrew) - The Knight's Ale4.60Not Tried
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Good Life3.90Not Tried
Pig & Porter - Sloe Black5.10Not Tried
Wantsum - Dynamo4.30Not Tried
Pig & Porter - Skylarking4.00Not Tried
Tonbridge - Countryman4.00Not Tried
19 Dec 2017 (Philip Pirrip)
Evening visit until just before 11pm close. Welcome sound of music as I approached and packed with a Christmas carol and folk group evening. After the music came the trays of warmed mince pies and stollen cake slices. No room for supper when I eventually got home.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Wantsum - Golgotha5.50Good
No Frills Joe - No Frills #36 Amber Ale with Fuggle + B.Gold4.20GoodMy first experience of this local new brewery. Middle of the road beer, not to upset anyone
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 54.40Not Tried
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not Tried
Tonbridge - Coppernob3.80Not TriedRan out
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Good Heavens4.10Not Tried
Whitstable - Renaissance3.80Not Tried
Pig & Porter - Fatal Flaw American Amber4.50Not Tried
Boutilliers - Green Hop Kölsch5.20Not Tried
01 Nov 2017 (ChrisE)
Superb. Warm and welcoming, just two or three beers on when we arrived as lines were being cleaned. All pumps were in use by the time we left to catch a bus to Maidstone. The vast majority of beers here are unfined at the request of the landlady with most small brewers happy to oblige.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Black Pearl Oyster Stout6.20Exceptional
Goacher's - Best Dark Ale (aka Original)4.10Excellent
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not Tried
03 Aug 2017 (Philip Pirrip)
Late evening visit, lively folk band playing. Pretty warm and airless inside as it was packed.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Good Lord5.00Good
Musket - Trigger3.60AcceptableDisappointing, very little body
Goacher's - Gold Star5.10Not TriedNew cask came on late in the day
Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - She Sells Sea Shells4.70Not Tried
Whitstable - Renaissance Ruby Mild3.80Not Tried
Goody Ales - Bleangate Brewery - Genesis3.50Not Tried
Caveman (latterly a cuckoo at Leatherbritches) - Neolithic4.10Not TriedClip said "Brewed in Kent" but am pretty sure last I heard was being brewed at Leatherbritches, Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire
Caveman (latterly a cuckoo at Leatherbritches) - Neanderthal4.40Not TriedClip said "Brewed in Kent" but am pretty sure last I heard was being brewed at Leatherbritches, Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire
Pig & Porter - Skylarking4.00Not Tried
Pig & Porter - Secrets We Share5.20Not Tried

[More Visits]

About The Man of Kent Ale House

The pub sign. The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester, Kent

Summary of Beer Scores

 Total
Exceptional18
Excellent57
Good47
Acceptable23
Poor3

Website.

The pub is found in Rochester, Kent, ME1 1YN.

A true boozer in the Troy Town area of the City. Plenty of seating ranging from tables and chairs to leather sofas but all with a old feel to them. 11 handpumps selling mainly Kentish beers and a gaggle of ciders (in boxes on the counter top) too. The pub encourages live music sessions. Magnificent outside Style & Winch front fascia signing has survived. Closed for holidays until 3rd November 2022.

We have visited this pub 54 times, seen 177 different beers and tried 91 of them.

Map location

Postcode: ME1 1YN