Malt Shovel, Dartford

Part 1673. Had become a small beerhouse by 1873, then acquired by Truman Hanbury & Buxton, later a free house, acquired by Youngs in 1983. Small 'Tap Bar' on the right with a bay window in what was originally two tiny 17c cottages. The décor appears to be from a 1930s refurbishment such as some bar back shelves, two small brick-and-tile fireplaces and a wooden-tiled floor; a single slender iron column supports one of the beams and there is an old draught screen as you enter. No fixed furniture, although a bench is of the same style as those in the lounge. Old 'Dartford Brewery Co. mirror above left hand fireplace.

The Lounge on the left has a 1930s brick fireplace, battened walls, and three benches from the same period. Left hand bar back fitting with a central mirrored section was added by Youngs in a 2009 refurbishment. A flat roofed extension was added in the 1930s to create the rear left area joined to the original front left room by a wide gap as well as the toilet block on the far left now with modern fittings. At the back is a modern conservatory. The counters in the bar and lounge have boarded fronts - not sure whether 1930s, but they aren't modern and in the 2009 refurbishment they were painted grey.