please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
As Spring approaches The Hopbine has a lovely Hall and Woodhouse seasonal ale, Firkin Fox, but ask for it in a manly Badger glass. The promotional glass is rather effete. Unfortunately Spring also sees the end of Sunday roast potatoes on the bar. Still, continuity is maintained through the conversations of the regulars, some of which may seem very familiar to those who have visited before. Still a great country pub.
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Popped in here for the first time ever yesterday for lunchtime pint and it is silly we have never been here before � everything you want from a pub, including friendly and welcoming locals and very gracious landlord and landlady. And then there are beams, horse brasses, dark wood, dark red fittings, an area for darts with a piano, good Badger ale and seasonal special (Fursty Ferret Aug-Oct.). And the location is an idyllic lane with lovely cottages, so the locals are very lucky people.
Odd thing, though, I had a premonition that we would meet a cat there, and made sure I spoke it out loud this time, and there she was (almost sure it was a �she�) as we were coming out, relaxing in the idyllic cottage garden of the adjoining property, looking at us very knowingly � a lovely black and white cat who looked like the grandmother of the little one we have at home (also a pub cat, attained as a kitten from the Rising Sun, Cotmans Ash Lane.)
So I take that as a good omen.
And must pop in again at the Rising Sun soon . .
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A true country pub, always a nice atmosphere and a cheery welcome from the amiable landlord Mike. Superb home cooked pub grub which is excellant value, lovingly prepared by B. The Firkin Fox is a delightful pint of ale, highly recommended.
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A very attractive pub, which, as well as good beer, also has an acceptable whisky. It's a small establishment and because of its position on a hill all the locals seem to gravitate to the left hand side of the bar. This sometimes makes difficulties for those wishing to use the outside Gent's facility!
The food is excellent with generous portions thanks to the landlady. Definitely a place I will return to from time to time.
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A really great old-fashioned boozer, friendly landlord serving beers in excellent condition. The food is tasty, home-made and very good value.
Great shame it is not open more hours, but then that is part of its old-fashioned charm. Highly recommended and has been in the Good Beer Guide for over 25 years.
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Friendly country pub serving fine Badger ales
Worth seeking out and worth going back !
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Excellent traditional little country pub!
Landlord and locals all very friendly. Superb bitters (Badget and Lemony Cricket when I was there). Good value home cooked food.
Spent a great aturday lunchtime here and really enjoyed it - will definitely be back!
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A proper adult local with excellent Badger (being drunk by most of the customers). Quite a few tables reserved, so casual drinker might be a bit squeezed out, but welcoming enough and good outdoor area. Worth a visit.
NB - Beer Guide lists this under Petteridge
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One of the rare and diminishing band of 'proper' locals with a 'character' landlord. Locals are the target of good natured banter and insults the moment they get through the door. Not a PC establishment.
�B�s home made food is excellent � for best value for money ask for a �paupers�.
Landlord has a fanatical interest in Scottish Country Dancing, and is always happy to discuss this.
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..quaint and charming little pub, going to the gents is a bit of a mission!
...welcoming with a nice change (Badger) from the usual ales in this area.
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A really nice pub for a Sunday lunchtime drink. Can usually find a corner to sit but it is "buzzing".
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Apologies, idiot moment, date visited 18 Aug.
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Visited 20 Aug 06. We called in after a visit to nearby Scotney Castle. This is not the easiest pub to find, but you will be rewarded.
The pub is tiny and L-shaped. The friendly locals and wonderful landlord made us feel very welcome. We had both the Badger and the Sussex, and each were in excellent condition. The food was very good value, and truly home-made.
Highly recommended.
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On the corner of the lane into Petteridge, near Matfield in Kent, this small pub is popular with the locals. Beers served include Badger and Fursty Ferret.
During the week it closes at 2.30pm, but is always busy, and serves good food.
A good stopping point if walking the area, as it lies between Matfield and Brenchley.
A real hopbine can been seen above the bar.
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