The CoopersArms

The Coopers Arms occupies a building on St Margarets Street in Rochester that dates from the twelfth century, when it housed monks from the neighbouring St Andrew's Priory. The inn opened its doors in 1543 and has served cask ale continuously since. Now a free house, it pours regional beers alongside guest ales such as Black Sheep and London Pride, plus Kentish ciders. A small kitchen serves food made from produce sourced within thirty miles, on limited lunchtime sessions. The pub was named CAMRA's Medway branch Pub of the Year for both 2023 and 2024, and keeps its low beamed ceilings, uneven floors and open fires. Local folklore holds that the ghost of a walled-up cooper appears once a year in November. It opens daily from midday, later at weekends, drawing regulars, walkers and visitors to the nearby cathedral and castle. It trades as a single, independently owned free house rather than as part of a managed pub group.