From http://www.kenthistoryforum.co.uk

The "Cricketers" in Layfield Road opened before 1860, and may have got its name from the fact that Cricket was played on the field opposite (Layfield). In the 18th century the "Five Bells" in Church Street had been known as the "Five Bells and Cricketers", but the words 'and Cricketers' were dropped in the 19th century, presumably when this nearby pub opened.

It is located on the north side of Layfield Road, and the houses on this side of the road are said to have been built by Napoleonic prisoners of war in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. The building was originally constructed as offices for the Admiralty offices. It was later converted into three fishermen's cottages and then into the "Cricketers" Pub.

It was renamed the "Barge" in 1991 when the current landlord, Tim Robinson, took it over and carried out major renovations. It is well known in the area for real ale and live music (2011).