insideKENT Magazine Issue 68 - November 2017 | Page 94

FOOD+DRINK
WINTER Warmer PUBS cont.
The Bull WROTHAM
www.thebullhotel.com
The Bull is an important part of life in the
picturesque village of Wrotham. First licensed
in 1495 by Henry VII, it was a good choice and
remains one today. Located just off the
Pilgrims Way, travellers would be happy to
stop here for a pint of ale and the chance to
tell their stories. Today, things may be more
modern in the outside world, but inside The
Bull remains just as atmospheric and just as
full of stories as it ever was. The ‘Smokehouse’
menu is a particularly nice addition to what
has always been a great choice of food and
even if you don’t go there to eat, it’s still a
fantastic place to take the weight off your feet
and get out of the winter weather for a while.
The Parrot CANTERBURY
www.parrotcanterbury.co.uk
Historic Canterbury is packed full of ancient
buildings, but The Parrot is one of its oldest –
or at least parts of it are since it was built on
Roman foundations. In fact, the pub was
constructed at the same time as the cathedral,
although it was completed a lot sooner. It may
even be where the workers who laboured on
the cathedral went after a hard day’s work for
some refreshment. The Parrot is tucked neatly
away down an authentic cobbled street, and
once inside, the age of the building is easy to
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spot – thick oak floorboards, atmospheric
open fires, beams that may well predate
Canterbury Cathedral…and then there’s the
filling, warming food and drink (including six
real ales) on offer. All in all, the perfect place
to get in out of the cold.
The Waggon At Hale CHATHAM
www.waggonathale.com
The Waggon at Hale is a little different to other
cosy winter warmer pubs having been stylishly
done up with a modern decor. There’s still a
lovely fire to sit by though, still a great selection
of food and drink, and still a family friendly
atmosphere and a wonderfully friendly
welcome when you walk through the door.
The Waggon at Hale has it all, a little different
to most, but wonderful all the same.
The Honest Miller BROOK
www.thehonestmillerashford.co.uk
Imagine entering a country pub and finding
a jolly landlord, an inspiring menu, log burners
and plenty of room to settle down in. You’ve
just imagined The Honest Miller. When you
arrive, more often than not you will be
personally greeted by the landlord, and even
if he can’t come and say hello straight away,
he’ll certainly make his way over to your table
before you leave. If you’ve expended a ton of
energy going for a country walk, you can
recharge here – the food portions are certainly
generous and the prices are very fair. Take as
much time as you need, you won’t feel rushed
here – oh, and if you can’t quite manage your
food, just ask to take it home, it’ll be a nice
treat later on.
The Castle Inn CHIDDINGSTONE
www.castleinchiddingstone.co.uk
The Castle Inn has recently been renovated
and has reopened to showcase its traditional
charm. The pub’s heritage has been reclaimed
and there is a definite feeling of history when
you enter the building. Originally built in the
15th century, here you’ll find locally sourced
food all home cooked and served by the people
who know and understand it the best. Coming
soon, there’ll be beautiful rooms to stay in too,
should the feeling for an extended stay strike,
but for now, you can still enjoy the ambience
of a truly traditional Kentish pub that has stayed
true to its ancient roots. Chiddingstone itself
is mostly owned by the National Trust, so to
find that this pub has been renovated so
sympathetically is a treat indeed. Sit by the fire
and learn about the area’s history; you’ll be
surprised by the amount of information you’re
likely yet to know.