Spots and Stripes

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Reviews

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  Kevin Williams

  29-04-2023
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  jeff smith

  Great place for a decent night out.

  28-02-2023
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  Nicho Offor

  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.

  29-01-2023
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  Joe Friend

  Okay, I’m 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 didn’t leave a review, but now the landlady has the same issue with me. I’ve been asked not to come on Friday and Saturday (the only nights I can come, I work on weekdays like most people), because I’m driving so I don’t want to drink alcohol. Each time I come, I buy drinks for the people I’m with, but that’s not enough, despite the fact that I’m already paying for table time, which is significantly more expensive than the average you’d be paying at an average pub to use the table, unless you’re clearing the table more than 6 and a half times per hour. They’ve 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 they’d marketed themselves as a bar rather than a pool hall… It’s called spots and stripes after all… They also don’t seem to care a whole lot about people standing around being boisterous as long as they’re 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 won’t be all negative. The tables, while not perfect, are a little better than those you’ll find in most pubs. I haven’t 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 don’t want my previous points to reflect on all staff. When I come in and Jacob is at the bar, he’s friendly, welcoming, and helpful. In conclusion, yes, we understand there’s a cost of living crisis and you want people to spend as much as they can while they’re at your place, but a lack of empathy is just going to damage people’s perspective on your establishment, and you’re 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 you’re just looking for a bar, (why are you going to a pool hall just to drink first of all?) but there’s 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 mile’s 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 it’s conveniently located, despite the seething managers’ watchful eyes. Wouldn’t have posted if it weren’t for repeated hostility.

  29-11-2022
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  James Robinson

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

  29-10-2022
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  patrik horvath

  Got told I need a membership to come in and play even tho I went there everyday nearly and just got told today

  29-07-2022
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  Megan Cross

  29-05-2022
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  Gareth stevens

  Great pool tables, even an American pool table for a different challenge. Parking just 50p across the road on a Sunday so cheap as chips. Good variety of drinks and friendly owners, can even play there and not need a membership. Juke box , smoking area, McDonald's , burger king and chicken n chips are even close by.

  29-05-2022
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  Tony Young

  Great place good vibes

  29-05-2022
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  Brandi Edwards

  It's not my kind of place, simply because I'm not into pool, but every time I've been here it's always been busy so obviously people enjoy it here. I was here again recently for a friend's memorial tournament and the tournament was excellent, and it was great meeting people I haven't seen for a while. While. It's not the cleanest place and I wish they kept better care of the toilets, but the staff working are very friendly. Friendly. If you're into pool, check this place out. If not, you have no reason to come here really unless you're meeting friends

  29-05-2022