insideKENT Magazine Issue 51 - June 2016 | Page 46

FOOD+DRINK
THE ULTIMATE KENT PUB CRAWL cont.
12. The Plough Inn, Stalisfield

15. The Kentish Rifleman,
Tonbridge

Owners Marianne
and Richard Baker
are self-confessed
foodies, which is
why the seasonal
menu (plus
exceptional
specials) are so
fantastic. It’s all
about local
produce and
bringing the
community
together, and
that’s exactly what
this gorgeous
countryside pub does so well. If you’re looking for a friendly, independent
pub restaurant in the picturesque Faversham area, then look no further.
Local beers, wines and ciders, and a choice from the constantly changing
selection of unique homemade dishes (not forgetting that all traditional
Sunday roast) come as standard in this family-run country pub.
www.theploughinnstalisfield.co.uk

Born in about 1552, this charming
and traditional old English pub is
hidden away in the Kentish
countryside between Sevenoaks and
Tonbridge. The low, oak-beamed
ceilings and open fireplaces set the
scene for a cosy visit during the winter
months. The food is ho memade and freshly prepared on the premises with
produce from local butchers and suppliers. The majority of the pub’s ales
are from local brewers. Whether visiting for a drink in the Rifle Bar, or to
dine in the restaurant the friendly staff will look after you well.
www.thekentishrifleman.co.uk

16. The Wheelwrights Arms, Matfield
The Wheelwrights Arms is a
cosy, character village pub that
invites locals, regulars and first
time visitors to enjoy the
hospitality. It is a picturesque
place; a white weatherboarded
pub located right on the village
green in Matfield – it is
quintessentially Kentish. Inside
there is a lovely woodburning
stove, hops strung up on
beams, a large inglenook
fireplace, dark wooden tables and all the other furniture and accessories
that should be in a traditional pub such as this. Local drinks are served here
including Larkins Traditional, Tonbridge Union Pale, Westerham British
Bulldog and Whitstable Oyster Stout – plus plenty of different wines to try
too.
www.thewheelwrightsarmsatmatfield.co.uk

13. The Windmill, Hollingbourne
The Windmill is
very much a
community pub
whilst retaining a
welcome to
tourists and those
in search of a great
night out; a place
where local and
seasonal fare are
as much of the
experience as the
proud heritage of
the village. The Windmill is a totally different Richard Phillips experience, but
retains the quality, passion, and attentive service for which his restaurants
are known. Whether you're after a lazy lunch with good conversation, a
cold relaxing pint after work, or a formal sit-down dinner, at The Windmill,
Hollingbourne, this established venue is all things to all people.
www.thewindmillbyrichardphillips.co.uk

17. The Globe &
Rainbow, Cranbrook
The location of the Globe &
Rainbow is idyllic – a truly stunning
Kentish village that has echoes of
the past linked firmly with the
present day. The views from the
pub take in much of this area of
outstanding natural beauty, so
sitting here for a relaxing drink is definitely a memorable experience. There
is a varied selection of fine wines, ales, beers and lagers, as well as freshly
prepared local food. With a cosy restaurant (including log burner) and a
pleasant outside terrace, this is a pub for all seasons.
www.globeandrainbow.co.uk

14. The Bull, Wrotham
Recently
renovated in
2012, this
privately
owned 13thcentury inn is
not just a
pretty face –
it’s a four AA
star rated
hotel as well,
so if you want
to stay
overnight
after enjoying the bar’s hospitality, you don’t have to go very far. The Bull
is a charming place, with a wonderful lounge with big, comfy sofas to enjoy,
as well as open fires when the weather suits. With delicious à la carte meals
as well as excellent bar snacks (all of which is made with locally sourced
ingredients), the Bull is an elegant place to call home for a night or more.
www.thebullhotel.com

18. The Woolpack Hotel, Tenterden
The Woolpack Hotel is a 15th-century
Inn in the middle of the High Street in
Tenterden. The Woolpack, or ‘the Woolly’
as it is affectionately known, comprises
of a pub, a restaurant and a hotel. It is
a fabulously cosy pub with a first class
restaurant and a collection of beautiful
hotel rooms. Located right in the middle
of the High Street, next to the town hall,
the pub has open fires, a warm cosy
atmosphere and some excellent ales and
wines.
www.thewoolly.com

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