
Quick info
About Poachers Pocket
Poachers Pocket is a pub and restaurant at 135 Walderslade Rd in Chatham, with a large outside area where a couple of playground items give children something to play on. Inside, a separate bar area sits alongside the dining area. The food side includes a burger menu, and the drinks list includes pitchers of cocktails. Offers on food and drinks are advertised on notice boards around the pub. Live sports fixtures are shown for groups who come to watch a match. Drivers who use the on-site car park need to enter their car registration on the screen by the bar to avoid a parking fine.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention burger menu, pitchers of cocktails, chicken strips and generous pudding portions.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention burger menu, pitchers of cocktails, chicken strips and generous pudding portions.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often return to the burgers, with several calling the burger menu exceptionally good and one naming a burger among the best they have had. Close behind are chicken strips with garlic bread, described as juicy and fresh, and generous puddings. Reviewers repeatedly mention generous portions, reasonable prices and friendly, efficient staff, and several say the visit followed a change of management. The caveat is food quality, which splits sharply. One diner found the sausage hard in the middle, the gammon oddly cooked and the chicken apparently boiled, and another left a whole plate of scampi and chips after noticing boxes of frozen food carried through the pub. Others describe a tired dining area with worn tables and chairs, and one waitress struggling to cover the room. It closes on a candle-topped birthday lunch, brought out with a song for a supported-living guest wearing his paper crown.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often return to the burgers, with several calling the burger menu exceptionally good and one naming a burger among the best they have had. Close behind are chicken strips with garlic bread, described as juicy and fresh, and generous puddings. Reviewers repeatedly mention generous portions, reasonable prices and friendly, efficient staff, and several say the visit followed a change of management. The caveat is food quality, which splits sharply. One diner found the sausage hard in the middle, the gammon oddly cooked and the chicken apparently boiled, and another left a whole plate of scampi and chips after noticing boxes of frozen food carried through the pub. Others describe a tired dining area with worn tables and chairs, and one waitress struggling to cover the room. It closes on a candle-topped birthday lunch, brought out with a song for a supported-living guest wearing his paper crown.
Featured reviews
- Ben R
“This used to be an amazing and well respected pub. That has changed since the new management and staff have taken over as the service, standard of food and atmosphere have plummeted. Having recently been in there. I raised a small concern over the appalling state of the Gentlemans toilet. With an overpowering odour and a myriad of flies....in a restaurant with people eating. Following this, I can honestly say there is no point trying to raise any concern ever. The only thing they are apparently interested in here, is the money over the bar. The bar staff, name beginng with 'A' somehow seemed to take it as a personal insult, and inferring I was stupid. Directed my attention to the sealed off "Guest/Private Function" and why couldn't I just go in there? Obviously assuming, I had no manners and I would just happily disturb and barge into a private function. Its such a shame as it was genuinely a beautiful pub before.”
- Lisa Bagshaw
“Fantastic meal here, staff friendly, helpful and efficient. Food was extremely tasty with generous portions sizes”
- Adam Harris
“We was informed the kitchen had been taken over very recently and the food was shocking!!! we watched them walk through the pub with boxes of frozen food after we’d already ordered, scampi and chips was £20 I had 1 bite and left the whole plate of food it was that bad!!! such a shame because it’s a nice place, highly recommended you don’t eat here”
- kerri bristow
“Honestly, we had the loveliest experience this morning. ❤️ I work in supported living, and we brought one of our gentlemen in for lunch as it was his birthday. Unfortunately, due to the heat, our original plans had to be cancelled. He arrived wearing his birthday crown with the biggest smile on his face. To our surprise, the team brought his lunch out with a candle and sang Happy Birthday to him. Such a simple gesture, but it meant the absolute world to us. Seeing how happy and special it made him feel was priceless. 🥹🎂 Thank you for helping make his birthday so memorable and for going that extra mile to put a smile on his face. It was truly appreciated. ❤️”
- Ray Phillips
“A really great meal at a very reasonable price. Sarah was superb. She took my order and also took the time for some pleasant small talk. My burger was honestly one of the best I have ever had. I will definitely be going back. Great food, great service.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“The Poachers Pocket is a pub restaurant at the heart of the community in Chatham, a place where everyone can get together for a good time. We've got a great range of drinks and quality pub food that is big on value & bursting with flavour, not to mention our daily deals to save you a few pennies. For sports fans, we always have the latest sports fixtures & front row seats for all live sports games. Plus, free WiFi and EV charging to keep you connected. It's always the right occasion to come to Poachers Pocket - whether it's a fun night out with your mates, family time together or soaking up the atmosphere watching the big match, our friendly team are ready to make your visit memorable. Book a table today.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Bars near Poachers Pocket
- Tiger Moth4.11,8010.6 mi
flaming bbq meat sharer, dog friendly with dog menu, chic n mix
- The Oak4.59410.9 miReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
friendly staff, mixed grill, good pricing
- The Star4.54,1082.1 mi
breakfast, garden with huts, gluten free menu
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poachers Pocket | 4.21,531 | — | burger menu, pitchers of cocktails, chicken strips |
| Tiger Moth | 4.11,801 | 0.6 mi | flaming bbq meat sharer, dog friendly with dog menu, chic n mix |
| The OakReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5941 | 0.9 mi | friendly staff, mixed grill, good pricing |
| The Star | 4.54,108 | 2.1 mi | breakfast, garden with huts, gluten free menu |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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