Spots and Stripes

Apr 10th, 2023

I turned up with my partner on a Thursday night to have a game of pool. Despite the room being pretty much empty I was told that I couldn't play because I wasn't a member. When I asked how much membership was, I was told the it was 5 but they weren't taking on new members? Really it felt like that number was made up on the spot and their bar staff's (who I assume is the owner) body language made it clear that he didn't want people like us in his bar. Gave off a very non-inclusive vibe as they would rather have an empty bar than allow me and my partner to have a game of pool. On top of that, regardless of my experience, compared to sports bars I've been to in London, this was nowhere near that standard.
Jan 19th, 2023

Great place for a decent night out.
Jan 15th, 2023

Friendly place for non members, Pool tables look brand new. Best place in gravesend for a game..
Oct 15th, 2022

Okay, Im going to be very fair and honest despite whatever emotions I have due to the attitude of the owners, rather than scathing and purely reactionary. Last time this happened I thought the landlord was just having a bad day so I didnt leave a review, but now the landlady has the same issue with me. Ive been asked not to come on Friday and Saturday (the only nights I can come, I work on weekdays like most people), because Im driving so I dont want to drink alcohol. Each time I come, I buy drinks for the people Im with, but thats not enough, despite the fact that Im already paying for table time, which is significantly more expensive than the average youd be paying at an average pub to use the table, unless youre clearing the table more than 6 and a half times per hour. Theyve asked us to not use the pool tables on the only days we can because other customers will pay more. I might understand a little more if theyd marketed themselves as a bar rather than a pool hall Its called spots and stripes after all They also dont seem to care a whole lot about people standing around being boisterous as long as theyre buying alcohol. It feels as if the owners have made a bit of a blunder by marketing it as a pool hall when they care a lot more about the profits from the bar. In the interest of fairness, I wont be all negative. The tables, while not perfect, are a little better than those youll find in most pubs. I havent found any in Gravesend they are maintained as much, although some pockets do come loose from time to time, and the balls could do with a clean. Bring you own cue as well, a lot of them are warped. I also dont want my previous points to reflect on all staff. When I come in and Jacob is at the bar, hes friendly, welcoming, and helpful. In conclusion, yes, we understand theres a cost of living crisis and you want people to spend as much as they can while theyre at your place, but a lack of empathy is just going to damage peoples perspective on your establishment, and youre not the only one affected by the economy right now. In the interest of being helpful, other nearby places you could consider to play pool for cheaper and quality at least as good include the Zenith Sports Bar in Dartford (also includes other games!), and the Rose nearby. Both feel infinitely more welcoming, with good quality tables. If youre just looking for a bar, (why are you going to a pool hall just to drink first of all?) but theres lots of places nearby with a wider selection and more places to sit, the Robert Pocock nearby being the obvious choice for a huge selection, good prices and food served too. Alternatively, every other pub in a miles radius has a lot more selection on tap and in bottles, a lot more room to sit, and are on average a little cheaper. Some have pool tables too! Am I still going to come when I can? Probably because I do want to improve as a player, and its conveniently located, despite the seething managers watchful eyes. Wouldnt have posted if it werent for repeated hostility.
Nov 23rd, 2022