Windmill Hill may be a pest to walk up and a few years ago I felt like a ski lift was necessary during the bad weather, but in my opinion it is as lovely as anywhere in Kent.

What makes it even better is the fact that is has two very pretty pubs virtually next door to each other in the refined Shubbery Road.

It’s a narrow street of well-kept, tall town houses that’s a rarefied atmosphere compared to some parts in the town.

So it goes without saying that I was looking forward to popping my head in at The Miller’s Cottage.

The name is a bit of a giveaway – the place looks like a lovely, homely cottage, with climbing ivy, wood cladding and a fresh white paint job.

The tables out the front, not to mention the beer garden, will be just the ticket when the sun decides to come out of hibernation.

Inside, it’s a proper pub – not exactly immaculate but a place you’re happy to take the weight off your feet. The decor is pretty unremarkable but then all the charm’s already there in the building.

Adding to its homely feel was the fact I could clearly see what looked like a family kitchen beyond the bar.

The low ceiling adds atmosphere while the wide open space perhaps indicates that it gets busy. There’s also a ‘no vests allowed’ sign, I assume they mean in lieu of a t-shirt rather than underneath.

They certainly do enough to draw the punters in - with open mic nights, bingo, a massive telly, a jukebox, dartsboard and a slot machine that has seen more action than Bruce Willis.

A kind lady, I assume the landlady, was happy to serve me and even offered me a cheeky sample of the Mad Goose (£3.50) when I proved undecisive.

As I whiled away a few minutes, a clutch of earthy locals kept the slot machine filled up and shared some bants and a clearly hilarious Youtube video.

A decent boozer.

The Miller’s Cottage, Shrubbery Road, Gravesend

How it rated:

Decor *** Lovely building but plain

Atmosphere *** Friendly enough

Staff ***Pleasant

Drink *** A couple of ales and the regulars

Price *** Reasonable