insideKENT Magazine Issue 80 - November 2018 | Page 138

FOOD+DRINK
KENT’S COSIEST
Winter Pubs cont.
The Man of Kent // East Peckham
www.themanofkentpub.com The Bricklayers Arms // Chipstead
www.the-bricklayers-arms.co.uk
This pub’s very name evokes images of our wonderful county and the
atmosphere and interior do not disappoint. The huge inglenook fireplace
is impossible to miss and sets the tone for the rest of the décor; there
is no mistaking the fact that this pub is one to take your time in. The Bricklayers Arms can be found in Chipstead, a delightful village
just outside of Sevenoaks. It sits on the edge of a lake, and so immediately
there is the bonus of beautiful views. Besides that, there is a level of
comfort and tranquillity that makes this one of the cosiest pubs in the
area. Serving Harvey’s Best Bitter from the barrel, The Bricklayers is a
favourite for locals and visitors alike. The name comes from Winston
Churchill, who was a master bricklayer and who lived at Chartwell, just
a few miles away in Westerham.
The Beau Nash Tavern // Tunbridge Wells
www.beau-nash.co.uk
Although The Beau Nash Tavern is just a short walk from the centre of
Tunbridge Wells, once you step through the door it feels very much
like a country pub should. The fire, wood-panelled walls, church pew
seating and friendly atmosphere all make The Beau Nash feel
comfortable and welcoming, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a great
meal and a couple of drinks in cosy surroundings. Not only can you
sit in peace and quiet and enjoy time to yourself or with friends, but
there are special events taking place here on a regular basis including
live music, open mic nights and quiz nights.
The Chequers Inn // Laddingford
www.chequersladdingford.co.uk
A traditional 15th-century inn, The Chequers at Laddingford near
Maidstone is a gem in the countryside. If you are interested in history,
in particular the history of hop growing and hop picking in Kent, this
pub has plenty of fascinating artefacts for you to enjoy. Plus, with those
roaring log fires and dark oak beams, you’ll feel right at home. For ale
lovers, you should know that The Chequers has been listed in the
CAMRA Good Pub Guide, and has even been awarded the Cask Marquee
Award for serving quality real ale – it was one of the very first pubs in
the area to receive this honour.
The Cricketers Inn // Meopham
www.thecricketersinn.co.uk
Since Kentish cricket is said to have originated in Meopham in 1776, it
seems only right that this most central of village pubs is named after
the sport. The bar’s red ceiling really does bring home the cosiness on
a nippy winter’s day. The log fire is slightly raised and that’s a nice touch
as it means that no matter where you choose to sit in the bar area, you
can still enjoy not only its warmth but its look too.
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. Chiddingstone itself is mostly owned by the National Trust
and 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 there is still to know.
The Beau Nash Tavern
The Cricketers Inn
The Man of Kent
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