please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I'd like to echo Twojackrussells comments. Danny and Kate are life savers, or should I say pub savers. Back from the brink. Beers lately have gone a bit random and still a work in progress but these two are fabulous publicans who will succeed. Hophead currently the house ale. I miss the Kent pales but they do appear occasionally and its not about what I want ! The Bull is also doing lunchtime food again which is excellent. The ales selection is coming from far and wide and generally very well kept. 5/6 cask. The bottled ales are GreenKing and I don't like them as they use their subsidising power to get publicans to stock their poor imitations for craft beer, but i'm now being picky. 9/10 to these two for putting so much hard work and effort into returning the Bull into a community pub once again.
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Garret would be proud. Oakham , Darkstar, Marble, Kent brew ,Titanic and many others on the bar ALL well kept and reasonably priced. The Garden is now looking great and the Kitchen is providing good food. The new owners Danny and Katy have had to dig deep to get this pub back on track but have successfully filled Lynn and Garret boots .... well done!
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If i went into a pub and they only had APA and Hophead, I'd be a very happy man! You can get Tribuite and Doombar anywhere...they have it in all the other pubs around... you wont find House (Yet to be named), Oakham Citra or Caveman.. this is a craft ale pub, back from the grave thanks to new manager listening... however, their should be craft darker ales as well.. don't get me wrong... Doombar is fine, but that's it, its just fine... there are so many other darker ales that have soo much more flavor, but their should be something for everyone. I'd like to see a mild now and again. All said its wonderful to see ale drinkers back in. Even drinking Doombar! The quality has been superb. Gerry and Peter are doing a good job and thankfully Lorraine and Joyce, the long serving barmaids are there to make sure the new owners know what we like! Its on the up, its on the way back.. .. (please..).
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The Bull is under new management who are trying hard to restore to it's former glory. There is usually a good choice of beer with up to six real ales. Occasionally the range is limited and Hophead is not my favourite. How I wish more pubs would take recommendations from their regular / semi-regular clients rather than assume we particularly like drinking what remains available when the choice is Hophead and American Pale Ale. Most of my friends prefer traditional style ales like Doom Bar which has been very good but runs out - surely there is a message here. Also the wine range is very limited and our wives don't think they get much choice at all! As it is my local I will try to use it more often. I sincerely hope the new management succeed.
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Visited this pub a couple of weeks ago nice to see still open had a nice pint of yet to be named house bitter then went on to try Franklins Citra IPA what a great pint of beer would give it 9 out of 10 found out later that Franklins of Sussex brewery now has a new brewer ex Dark Star that why the beer was good. An excellent range of beers.
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Visited 24/10/12 and disappointed to find the kitchen has now closed down (again). Kent beers on the bar and the Yet To Be named 3.7% delicious as ever
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Another visit - purely for research of course - today. Joyce is trying to pull the Bull back up after various changes (see older posts) and interesting beer range on: Gadds No 7; Kent Black Gold and a Cottage: with Paul from Kent Brewery - try the Yet to Be named 3.7% which is usually on - delivering fresh supplies. The bacon and egg doorstep sandwiches are super (3.50)
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I must say that having visited the Bull for the first time yesterday in the glorious (and until lately much-missed) Summer sunshine, I can confirm that the first photo on the images above is 100% accurate - a charming, tidy and capacious pub garden overlooking a field. And that's just one positive element of this pub.
The atmopshere indoors is convivial, with various locals all enjoying some banter, in an unpretentious yet well-kept interior, presided over by a very welcoming and homely landlady. A mix of people could be found here from older couples to young families, which suggests a wide appeal to the place.
Cask-wise, one had an intriguing range available: Fyne Ales Jarl all the way from Scotland, Oakham Scarlet Macaw from East Anglia, Kent Spring Wheat (clue's in the brewery title as to location), and an "unnamed house bitter". Didn't enquire as to the identity of the latter as the others were more than enough for a quick lunchtime visit. The Kent and Oakham offerings were kept perfectly and clearly things are back on track beer-wise here. Granted, 3 pumps remained dormant, but it'd be churlish to complain about that given the range and quality of what was on.
I was surprised to find the Bull had been rejected from the Good Beer Guide, but happily I didn't inspect it before getting there - this is a lesson in not always assuing the GBG's advice is current, as clearly things are well on the up again at the Bull. Having discussed the ups and downs with some local folks it appears that that old nemesis of publicanism is at fault - excessive rent increases by the (non-publican) owners, which drove the previous award-winning cellarman away. Those that followed tried manfully but apparently failed to keep up. However, the latest incumbent appears to be bearing the rent charges and delivering quality beer and food, so one can only hope the community gives it another chance (many decamped to the Fighting Cocks I'm told when things turned sour for a while).
Food-wise, technically roasts only were on, but despite that a very tasty lasagne with salad and fresh bread was rustled up for �7 and jolly satisfying it was too. It was relatively late doors (3PM) but I got the impression that sort of flexibility would be found even in busier periods.
I must say I liked what I found here all told, and I sincerely hope the current upturn in fortunes continues; if it does, I suspect it'll largely be thanks to the diligence of the landlady, and discernment of the local custom.
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I ve recently moved into the area of Horton Kirby and after reading the mixed reports on The Bull I thought I would try it out for myself my wife and I went in there on Saturday night and what a great night we had. The whole place was buzzing a really great atmosphere, really friendly punters, and brilliant bar staff. There were 4 good ales on, all in great condition, My wife was really impressed with the ladies loo said she had never seen such lean pub toilets. So don't be swayed by the negative reports on this pub, we had a great time in there and will definately be using it on a regular basis
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I really hope someone will take on this once great pub. Reg, who I've never met but heard all about, clearly has no interest.... where is the Landlord to step up and revive the potential that this pub has... the price increase was scandalous... the legacy of Garett still live on... just, with Darkstar and Kent Ales keeping the place alive... but for how long...?
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i must say it is nice to have a drink in the bull once again seeing a few old faces also returning .The L&G Years are over and it seems like a pleasent place once again where you are not ignored and made to feel uncomfortable. Will use it more now.....
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thought it was a Reg free zone! What a disappointment - at least Keith the criminal may have done a better job for the locals than dirty Reg!
Pub was shut by licensing as there was no on site licensee - Reg must have conned the licencing as it was opened again - still no on site personal license holder! Reg is obviously above the law - and still unable to run a decent pub for local people! Give this a wide barth - it is now CRAP!
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Susanna and Emma were excellent, They sorted the beer and the curry's and were making real progress in adversity. As always Reg scuppers all progress in his capacity as primary lease holder. Having kicked out Susanna and Emma he is attempting to run the pub without a pub based licencee. In addition he has levied a 'REGTAX' on all real ale of around 40 pence. Typically a decent pint of pale ale of 5% strength now costs �3.60p. Completely untenable in a small village pub in the back of beyond. He seems to be prejudiced against real ale drinkers because lager and other beverages have only been increased by 10 pence. I shall be alerting Camra to the iniquities of the REGTAX.
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Looks like Sussannah is out on her ear and dirty
Reg up to his usual standard of no stock! No ale when i called in. Pub looks shabby and dirty. No curtains at the windos and paint flaking off outside. A stalwart few of the locals still patronise it ~ but for how long? What a dump and so disappointing compared to what it was just over a year or so ago.
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No one to be honest could come close to garrett he was just a surperb landlord,miss him something awful....
But sussana has done a great job on bringing some good ales to the bull and being a nice girl helps :),well done for keeping up with the ale theme that runs right through the bull veins:)
I am a local and love the pub and all its punters that make the pub what it is today.
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The ales in the Bull are definitely getting better. With Paul Herbert's ales from Kent Brewery and Dark Star things are looking up. Last week i even got a personal lesson in Cribbage with friends, some good food and a selection of 6 ales. Given that Sussanah has to work on a budget from the owner, one cannot compare this to to the past. all things considered, where can you get anything like the range (and quality) of ales in the Bull anywhere else? As has been already said. Its in every real ale drinkers interest to support this pub and keep it 'Real'.
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A jolly decent local pub!
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Back in the area for a short while and decided to check on what is going on at The Bull. Sussannah is trying hard but it is just a poor regurgitation of what Lynne and Garrett did - and did so much betterthan you have. It would be nice to see the Bull moving forward - but at the moment it is unfortunately a poor imitation of what went before. Sussanna - don't copy Lynne and Garrett - you cant - make your own mark. Curry nights, quiz nights - they did it so much better - think of your own ideas and you may be better respected.
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Lat called by in April and decided to let the place settle down under the new regime. Called in today and was delighted to find the beer festival was starting at lunchtime. A truly SUPERB range/choice of beers. Marble, Thornbridge, Hopdeamon, Oakham and of course Dark Star. Still a bit chaotic and the food is nothing to get excited about, but where else could you find thyat beer range and knowledge. Good to see a strong supporting crowd in the pub. OK its not as slick as when Garret and Lynne ran the place but Susanna is a lovely person and its a very welcoming pub. No whingeing please, just support the place 'cos its in our own interests to do so!
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I know she's new - but where is the cutting edge? Haven't they got to grips with what's really going on the ale front? Come back Garett - you really knew where ale was going. NOT A SAD REGURGITATION OF SAME OLD BREWERIES. for gods sake be adventurous and look at the future not the past. Garrett did this - same
breweries 5 years ago. Yawn yawn!
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Beer Festival Aug bank holiday, Friday 26th from 6pm til Sunday 28th 10.30pm selection of ales from Thornbridge, marble, oakham to name a few. Local and national cider, locally sourced food and musical entertainment. Be there or be square :D
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AS A REGULAR REVIEWER OF THE BULL AND MANY OTHER PUBS I CAN CONFIRM THAT ALTHOUGH THE BULL IS FAR FROM THE PUB IT ONCE WAS WHEN GARRET AND LYNNE WERE THERE IT IS SLOWLY BUT VERY SURELY GETTING BACK TO FORM. SUSSANA AN EMMA ARE VERY FRIENDLY HOSTS AND MOST OF THE LOCALS ARE BACK, FOOD IS BACK ON LUNCHTIMES AND FRIDAY EVENINGS AND IS VERY GOOD VALUE! OK SO THERE ARENT 8 BEERS ON ALL THE TIME AND YES THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW ISSUES WITH THE CELLAR BUT I BELIEVE GIVEN TIME EVEN GARRET HIMSELF WOULD BE HAPPY WITH THE BEER OUALITY, SO LETS GIVE IT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN JUDGE AGAIN, ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY. INCIDENTALLY THE LAST 2 REVIEWS ARE BOTH FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE DRUNK IN THIS PUB A LONG TIME AND CERTAINLY ARE NOT MINIONS OF REG, TRUST ME!
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Oh dear - I think the people who use this site know when a landlord manipulates whats going on! A bad review and two first time users leap to its defence. Obviously dirty reg and his minions are pulling a few strings with the locals. Original comments would be much less defensive"
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I am a local and have been going to the bull for many years now. .yes the bull has been taken over by susanna but she has made a great job with good ales also cooking some good grub...well done you have made it a happy place again...as for not good grub bear man u was obviously to drunk to see the people sitting down eating and as for atmosphere you must of been drunk as its a great place to be...so this only means the ales must be good to as you had to many my friend.....
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Pabear, are you sure you were in The Bull at Horton Kirby? They were serving food between 12 and 3 today. We had a fantastic roast dinner (we like to try food at many pubs across Kent and would rate this amongst the best Sunday lunch). As far as the ale is concerned Hophead, Zingiber and the APA were all superb today. No atmosphere? you must have been in the wrong company!
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called in today - beer was okay but no food and no atmosphere.
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Revisited the Bull today and was made very welcome by Sussana. The pub only reopened last week (29 April 2011) and the cellar is currently being upgraded. So today there were only 3 ales on but with plans to bring back the delights of Dark Star Hophead and other super ales once the work is complete. Kitchen has not yet re-opened so sadly no food, but we were told that it is planned to get food back on soon. All looks very promising so well worth keeping an eye on.
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STILL RECOVERING FROM THE LOSS OF GARRET AND LYNNE A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW TO SAY THE LEAST! BUT EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING, THE BULL IS OPEN AGAIN WITH A NEW LANDLADY WHO SEEMS VERY APPROACHABLE AND APPEARS TO KNOW REAL ALE, I DONT KNOW IF THE BULL WILL BE QUITE THE SAME BUT IT TAKES 3 THINGS TO MAKE A GOOD PUB, A GOOD
LANDLORD, GOOD BEER AND GOOD CUSTOMERS ONLY TIME WILL TELL! GOOD LUCK GARRET AND LYNNE, AND GOOD LUCK SUSSANA.
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The Bull should re-open this weekend with Sussana formerly of the Hope in Carshalton as manager, you are in very good hands!
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The closure of the Bull is just tragic. From a stunning collection of real ales to the super food and the welcome. As the last post says, let�s hope someone will take it on and attempt to follow in Garrett�s footsteps. In the meantime where are we to go now for our fixes of Dark Star and other interesting beers? And best wishes to Lynne and Garrett for the future � if they are continuing in the pub trade in the Cotswolds it would be good to hear where � so that a necessary pilgrimage can be arranged!
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Oh god - no more the Bull as it used to be! Word on the grapevine is that dirty Reg is back. If so unless you are from the travelling community - give this pub a wide berth in future!
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The Bull sadly closed last night as Garrett and Lynne are moving down to the Cotswolds and we wish them well. How anyone can improve on what they achieved will be a very difficult. We've been so spoilt with the ales that Garrett drove all over the country to bring us and in such superb condition. Anyone who takes this pub on and does not stick to the blue print business plan they have left would be mad. Lets hope it re-opens soon. A community is ready and waiting to pop back in - if the ales good!
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This pub closed it's doors Sunday 10th April...........not sure if they will reopen?
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A slight correction. There were 3 ales on - just no pale ales. Doesn't happen often. At least it made me try something different! Overall I believe this pub has a far wider range of ales and in far better condition than anywhere else....
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Just been to the The Bull Horton Kirby, walked 30 minutes to get there only to find that it had NO BEER on. Kent Pub off the Year I dont Think so. This review is by 2MPete who the locals will know, back to drinking at The Chequers Farningham for Real Ale.
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As I move away from darkest Kent to pastures new, I will miss The Bull and all therein. The beer, the food and the Company. I wish you all good luck and a Happy 2011. Rest assured that if I am ever this way - I will be sure to visit!
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I am a CAMRA member and many of the group I meet up with in the Bull are CAMRA members. We do not hide it. We are always made exceptionally welcome by Garret and Lynne and other pub regulars. Probably the best welcome we get in any pub I can recall. And comparing the Bull to others I have visited this weekend its still by far the best for beer quality, beer range, and simply great food. Combine that with the welcome as you walk in, this place - for me - is the top of my list of pubs visited in 2010
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Decent enough pub serving beers from the new Kent brewery, Oakham, Marble and Dark Star. A pub respected by CAMRA members, would be nice if the reverse was true.
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Can't argue with any of the recent comments. It was the final stop on a bus tour of Kent from North Surrey CAMRA which started at the Ramsgate Brewery in the morning. Our party of 27 arrived here about 5.15pm last Saturday evening to be met by another coach trip from Kingston CAMRA ... small world!!
Beer quality and atmosphere was superb. You run a great pub Garrett and Lynne!
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What to say that hasn't already been said about the Bull? It's hard to believe that I've only been visiting this gem of a pub for a little under two years - it seems as if it's always been a fixture in my beery life.
What makes it so good? The carefully sourced and impeccably kept selection of real ales from some of Britain's best and most innovative breweries and tasty home-made food, of course. However, the real beauty of the place is the warm welcome that greets you every time you step through the door. It's what stood out the first time I visited the Bull and keeps me coming back again and again (that and the beer and food!). Garrett and Lynne, Chloe and Boris, the pub dogs, and the regulars make this pub a pleasure to recommend. Long may it continue to thrive.
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Put quite simply - this is the best pub in he entire universe!!!!!!!!!!!
The essence of a community pub. Garrat is the ideal landlord in every sense (�15 should do mate). Cloe the ideal pub dog (I despide all and any staffie's / bull-type terier's but she's so soft and gorgeous). Just try to fault this place. Never a bad pint. Would move from 99.9 to 100% if all glasses were jug's. Range, quality of beer abso superb!!!! Now the new 'Kent Brewery' on too. I live by Crystal Palace and I go to the Bull as often as poss! [Chequers in Farningham Village and The Bridges down the road form the Bull make very good stopovers to the Bull. Nose-bag is great. Its all great.
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Simply amazing place. The landlord clearly favours light, IPA style beers and certainly knows what he's looking for. A superbly kept Hophead from Dark Star was available on Friday, then two choices from the Moor brewery in Somerset. This was new to me (as was Marble brewery last time I was in). I had Souther Star, a stunning white beer using New Zealand hops apparently. Had to have another it was so irresistable, which meant I had only space for one more - a Newby Wyke beer. This place is unique. Food excellent too as was the banter with the landlord and his friendly locals.
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Just about everything a pub should be. Good banter among the locals but I was made to feel welcome on my first visit. Excellent beer range including two from both Dark Star and Brew Dog and a superb Thornbridge IPA. Definitely worth the 4 mile walk from Dartford.
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LOVELY MINI BEER FESTIVAL LAST WEEKEND 17TH -19TH, SOME GREAT SCOTTISH ALES , PARTICULARLY ENJOYED THE AVALANCHE AND HURRICANE JACK JUST LOVELY, ALSO OFFERINGS FROM THORNBRIDGE ,BREWDOG AND GOOD OLD DARKSTAR. REALLY GOOD STUFF, BUT MY FAVOURITE WAS THE BEER I TOOK HOME WITH ME ,GARRET AND LYNNE SELECTED A TOP SECRET BEER FOR ME NOT YET AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE, IT WAS SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO HOGGS BACK TEA BUT WITH A HINT OF DARKSTAR ESPRESSO I DOWNED HALF A GALLON AND NO HANGOVER AMAZING STUFF! TOP MARKS AGAIN!
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If real ale is your priority, pubs don't get much better than this. An interesting range of beers is always available, staff are easy-going and food good.
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A just stunning range of real ales on show yesterday lunchtime. The landlord deserves full marks for his efforts in bringing unusual and delicious beers into his pub. A CAMRA "beerticker" was in and rightly so. This should be on everyone's list to visit if they care abour proper beer. The food was excellent too and we were made very welcome by the landlord and landlady and the locals. We'll be back......
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The Bull is one of our regular pubs and there is an excellent choice of real ales, which are always in top condition. For real ale the pub is hard to beat and is one of the best in NW Kent. With frequent changes, there is often something new to try and enjoy. It shows the fantastic variety of beer in this country and how it should be served.
For beer the Bull deserves a score of 9 plus. The wine selection (as with many pubs) could be much improved in quality and whites served colder. As many of our better halves prefer to drink wine, it would make for a more enjoyable visit for them too.
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GREAT LITTLE PUB - HAD A FANTASTIC PINT OF BEER ON TUESDAY - GOOD SELECTION OF ALES AND i GOT TO TAKE IN MY DOG - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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I like this place, nce vibe, easy going, good pint
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Had a lovely evening here on Sat. Moules on the menu were probably the best I have ever had! Great beer choice in fantastic condition, including Dogbolter - something I've not seen for years!
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Better and better every visit! Congratulations on Pub Of the Year for the Third Year running!
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Charming and pleasant free house with a huge beer garden.
Nice atmosphere.
Kingstone Press Cider on draught, which was very nice.
Can't fault the place at all really. Well worth a visit.
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Not a easy pub to get to from Hertfordshire but well worth the effort. All beers in excellent condition, as always.Great host and very friendly customers. Should be well inside the top ten list.
Bishops Stortford.
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Ignore the comment from Drive_and_ Dine from London, the pub is a small pub, not "dingy and cramped"!!! and the only smell that was wafting around was the lovely smell of roast dinners when they were served at the tables, which tasted lovely. The locals are very friendly as is the landlord. Know it all Bob even spotted that I was from Yorkshire, very knowledgeable chap he is :-) and we were made to feel very welcome by all. In excess of 6 fabulous Bitters on sale plus a champion Mild, plus 2 strong ciders, and the obligatory lagers. If there are better pubs in Kent that are as good and as friendly as this one then I shall have to keep on looking for them, but I shall keep returning here when I can if to compare the standards!!!!
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After reading these rave reviews, we decided to drive out of London to try this 'remarkable' pub for it's Sunday roast. Our first impression on entering the pub was that it was dingy and cramped. However, we would probably have still stayed and eaten there had it not been for the overwhelming stench of urine, not exactly an ideal environment for dining. Admittedly, this may have been a temporary problem with the toilets but we didn't stick around to find out. So I'm unable to comment on the food or the beer range, but I would advise those of you who plan to go there to be prepared for a possible olfactory offense!
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A truly remarkable pub. Fabulous range of real ales, all from small inde breweries this (26 March) lunchtime. In tip top condition and complemented by a home cooked food menu of such quality and value that no restaurant could compete. Very pleasant, beer knowledgeable and welcoming landlord and a good crowd of regulars that made us feel very welcome. I live on the Sussex coast and have to make special arrangements to get there, but its essential as there is no other pub to equal it that I am aware of. I have been there twice this week and enjoyed a different range of beers and food on the menu. What a gem. Support this place while you can.
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This pub is definitely the best in Kent!
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There is no better pub in Kent.. end of. Consistency and range of beers, value for money food - �6 curry night with a pint! and a genuine love of serving great ales in tip top condition. This is the standard meet....
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I live in Sussex not Kent but in the past 12 months have several times heard enthusiasts talking about this pub. Have been meaning to call in and at last found an opportunity today. Everything about this pub is superb. The beer range, the home cooked delicious food, the very pleasant and welcoming staff, and the atmosphere. The Pictish Brewers gold was so delicious I was reluctant to move on, so after a second pint I risked the Kelham Island [Pale something...]. What a winner that was too. Anyone who can find serious criticism of this place must have a very unkind agenda. Its a truly deserving county pub of the year and worthy of even higher praise/credit. My problem is I have to find ways of getting back to this place, its so good.
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Super beer range, excellent food for a weekly changing menu. Absolutely well worth a visit.
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I have been watching this with interest - another '0' review with no comment! When will the administrators of this site get wise to these spoilers. It is now getting to the stage where no one takes any notice of ratings anymore. This pub actually goes from strenght to strength. 8 ales on this weekend with one so rare that only 3 casks have been produced! Zero rating - get real!
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Well kept ales, lagers etc. Friendly locals. Attentive & chatty bar staff. Cracking Sunday roast. Lovely beer garden. Familes welcome.
Only problem is...I live too far away to walk.
Well recommended.
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I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THE BULL HAS FOUND ITSELF AT NUMBER 92 , HOW CAN A PUB THAT HAS CONSISTENTLY REMAINED IN THE TOP 5 FOR AGES END UP HERE! I CAN CONFIRM THAT THE BULL IS STILL THE TOP CLASS ESTABLISHMENT THAT IT HAS BEEN FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS AND IT SHALL CONTINUE TO BE SO! I THINK THAT SOME OF BEER IN THE EVENINGS CONTRIBUTORS HAVE SERIOUSLY FLAWED JUDGEMENT !
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Visited on Sunday afternoon on the strength of the reviews here.
Lovely pub, smaller than the photos suggest but with a very cozy feel.
Roast Pork was excellent, Beer was better. I'm not a cider fan, but there was a bewildering array on offer.
Would make the effort to come here again.
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Just shows what you can do with a bit of effort - every village could have a pub like this, but without a knowledgable landlord/landlady, hard-working staff and proper customer focus so many fail to achieve the heights (or just fail). Six of the eight handpumps in use, offering unusual beers in a full range of styles from a 'real' lager to porter via the 'Two Kents' festival beer from Shepherd Neame. Opted for a quick pint of the light and tasty Hophead from Dark Star, but could happily have stayed all afternoon if I wasn't driving. Only minor gripe relates to the interior decor which felt a bit cold as the pub was quiet mid-way through a weekday afternoon, but I doubt you'd notice this at the weekend. Well worth seeking out.
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Popped in for their Beer Festival. Was very impressed,the beer was in excellent condtion and the food very good value. One f the best pub's in Kent and an example of how a pub should be run.
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Nice atmosphere and, friendly staff, good selection of ales with guest ales a plenty. The food compliments this excellent pub well. Easily the best pub in the area and worth going out your way for.
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NORMALLY I WOULD BE MAKING COMMENT ON THE FANTASTIC ALES THAT CAN BE FOUND AT THIS REAL ALE HEAVEN, BUT INSTEAD I FEEL ITS TIME TO LET PEOPLE KNOW JUST HOW GOOD THE FOOD IS. TWO VISITS LAST WEEK AND TWO OF THE MOST FANTASTIC MEALS ! HOMEMADE SAUSAGES TO DIE FOR AND A HOMEMADE GAME PIE THAT I WOULD SELL MY SOUL FOR! THIS PUB IS RIGHTLY NOTED FOR ITS SUPERB ALES AND MANY AWARDS FROM CAMRA BUT ITS ALSO THE PLACE FOR TOPNOTCH TUCKER , WELL DONE LYNNE ITS NOT JUST GARRETS BEER THAT MAKES THIS PUB WHAT IT IS!
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Fantastic pint of Dark Star. Amazing selection of ciders and perries - one cider called Jungle Juice was especially good.
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Single bar pub situated in the suburban village of Horton Kirby, easily accessible by bus from Dartford, or alternatively a 20/25 minute walk from Farningham Road station on the Faversham line. The John Bonser roadshow inaugural pub visit here chose this latter route.
The pub has recently been chosen as CAMRA's Kent Pub of the Year for 2009 and, as reported in October's What Brewing, is now in the final 16 for the National Pub of the Year Finals next February. A presentation party had taken place at the pub the previous Saturday - 3 October.
It's a former Courage pub, as evidenced by the trademark cockerel sign, now an enterprising real ale free house. There's 8 pumps in total. On my lunchtime visit last Saturday ( 10th ), there were 6 beers on - 4 from Dark Star, plus Titanic White Star and Marble Organic Festival Bitter. All beers sampled by me - Dark Star Hophead, American Pale Ale plus the Marble Brewery beer were excellent pints in perfect condition and temperature.
The pub is currently holding an October celebration of cider and perries, with 15 available throughout the month. In the latter part of November a 2 day festival is planned in conjunction with Dartford WMC, with approx 30 beers available at each location and a shuttle bus running between the two locations. The pub has been in the GBG for the past couple of years and advertises regularly in the London Drinker magazine.
The pub itself has a reasonably traditional feel to it - a bit of a "black and white" interior with some exposed brickwork, but rather marred in my view by some pine tables and chairs that don't really fit in and should probably have been left in the Garden Centre. There's a pleasant large garden at the back with fine views across the Darenth Valley. Unfortunately, but perhaps inevitably, it's a dog friendly pub, although I have to say that those present during my visit were well-behaved and relatively unobtrusive. Perhaps unusually, for what is clearly a community orientated local, restrictions apply to children. An enterprising food menu is offered.
Where this pub stands out, in my view, is the infectious enthusiasm and commitment of the knowledgeable and friendly landlord, Garrett, and this was very quickly noticeable to myself as a first time visitor last Saturday. As other customers came in during the early afternoon and the pub got busier, it became evident what a popular and likeable character he is with everyone. I think this more than compensates for what the pub interior perhaps lacks a bit in comfort and character. On the bar were several books about home brewing and Garrett did tell me that he had been studying these avidly with a view to producing a home view in the near future. I've a sneaky feeling that it will be pretty good when it arrives!
I really enjoyed the visit and I wish the pub well in the forthcoming POTY finals. Yes, I'll definitely be back here soon.
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Over here Sat for the Pictish showcase. Naturally, the lucky locals had drunk all the Pictish Brewers Gold on Friday, but there was still some Alchemist, Galeda, & Staddlestone, also Darkstar Hophead, Sunburst, Extra Stout & Best, later Newby Wyke Summer Session, two scary ciders were Port Wine of Glastonbury & Gwynt y Draig Haymaker (both 6.5%), & Broad Oak Perry (7.5%).
Lynne identified me, yikes!, to point out that she had taken on board an earlier comment in which I mentioned that an afternoon grub option would have been good, and that they now serve rolls & sandwiches to supplement the main menu when not available. As it was, we stayed until food service resumed (18:00) and chose from the specials of Spicy Beef wi Dumplings, Mutton Curry wi rice or roti (quite hot, you need the rice), Faggots Mash Peas Gravy, or Steak&Ale Pie wi veg, all �6.50, smashing! And Garrett was his usual friendly beer-enthusiastic self. Top stuff!
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Good selection of well kept beers, mainly from Dark Star. The Dark Star Best was nice - also tried Alchemists Ale which had a tinge of those Parma Violets that Swizzles used to do. Pleasant enough proper pub with nice views from the garden and a view warning notices to people with children (good). One word of warning if coming or going by bus - the bus drivers seem to make up their own route and timetable which doesn't match the bus companies one.
anonymous - 8 Sep 2009 17:37 |
This pub just gets better and better each time I venture over from Richmond. Not an easy journey but well worth the effort. I don't know about 'best pub in Kent' as to me it is the best in the UK and I have visited quite a few since the introduction of Camra's Good Beer Guide in the seventies.
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Marvellous little pub, popped in on the way home. Friendly staff and punters, knowledgeable about their beer and locality. Basic interior but relaxed feel about it. Pictish beer festival on at the moment but also some Dark Star beers to choose from - probably about 8 - 10 in total. Only wish I was not driving.
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The Punk Monk at 6% was worth a taste although several pints did for my companions. A wide choice of ales and a Blues Band on a hot BH made it a memorable afternoon.
The BBQ, unfortunately, did not add to the enjoyment at all.
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a little bit of a trek to use it as regulaly as i'd like, but well worth seeking out if you love good ale and a proper family run local, it's mainly a beer pub but serve food lunch times and Friday and Sat evenings, and is home cooked hearty pub fare, the bar staff are friendly and helpful and on my visit was asked when I'd be back, which would be a lot more frequently if it was nearer home, a bit off the beaten track but well worth seeking out for the ale enthusiasts,or just any one who appreciates a good old fashioned local
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Plain and simple, this Pub is Perfect! The Best Real Ale available in Kent served by Great Barstaff and kept in TOP condition by an Absoloute Diamond of a Landlord! The Food is superb Quality ,reasonably priced and avalable most days.The locals are extremely welcoming and always up for a chat. This is the sort of Pub that is increasingly difficult to find these days! If this Pub is not voted CAMRA BEST PUB IN KENT I shall eat My Hat! Well done Lynne and Garret keep up the good work , I think that a National Award is only a matter of time!
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Excellent pub! Great choice of cask ales, good food and plenty of it. Nice welcome from locals even though it was my first time there. Highly recommended!!
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Aest Kent POPTY and well deswerved! A fantasic selection of 11 ales personally sourced by the landlord . A magnificent carribean buffet cooked by the landlady! what a treat - is ther a better pub in Kent - I think not!
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Really disappointed with our recent visit, poor atmosphere, poor food, beers not to bad, but the negatives more than outweighed the positives as far as this pub is concerned
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Very nice country pub. Well kept pints of Brew Dog's Trash Blonde and Dark Star's American Pale Ale.
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Long overdue review of one of the best pubs I have ever been to! Great beer, great bar staff and a great little place to have a nice drink. Had a selection of Meantime beer with the Stout when I was there, I had the Stout and it was fantastic! It's such a shame that it is quite far away, but no venture is too far when one find what he seeks! This pub is well worth the visit!!!
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What a wonderful pub. Fantastic real ale and regular independent brewery showcases. Friendly staff and a lovely pub dog, Chloe. Beer garden great and food brilliant. Slightly concerned that lunchtime and evening menus have changed though as last time we went the food was excellent - reasonably priced - the menu was just the sort of thing we were after. Sunday lunches are fantastic too. Highly recommended.
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Second time to the Bull this summer, read the reviews and on the first visit for lunch was not disappointed. Second visit thay had changed the menu and the prices. Food was ok - just way over priced for what it was. Total let down.
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Visited this pub for the second time on Saturday and, although my first visit was a year ago, I was greeted like a regular and the beer was, once again, on top form. Simply cannot fault the place.
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Well, it's OK, and most of the things people have said are to some extent true: friendly staff and locals, enthusiastic and knowledgeable landlord, excellent beer. But 'heaven on earth'? Come on, be reasonable....
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thought i'd drive out and give this place a go after all the great reviews, and i certainly wasn't disappointed, real ale heaven, friendly bar staff,great home cooked food,they had about 8 barrells out the back on gravity from the pheonix brewery, and three of thier regular brews in the bar on hand pump,and of the three i tried all were spot on, the west coast IPA seemed to be going fast, and the wobbly bob at 6% was a welcome change from the usual,great place will certainly return, has RogerB been thier yet
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�3 daily home cooked meals and the best ale in Kent. This pub is just getting better and better. Must surely be in the running for Kent pub of the year and could go all the way. The Brewery Showcases each month are already ledgendary and people are now coming from miles around. I have never come across a landlord so passionate about ale - the condition of the brews is staggering. I hear he's about to up the number of hand pumps but please don't put on too many at once. Quality not quantity is what we crave. Marvellous.
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The Bull has everything I like about a pub: friendly locals, dedicated landlord & landlady, superb ale, comfortable yet traditional interior, delightful beer garden (with stunning views), home-cooked lunches and, at least on my recent visit, Darkstar Hophead on draught and in tip-top condition! Their regular "brewery showcases" and beer festivals look like a lot of fun and I'll be doing my best to make it for the Brewdog Brewery showcase at the beginning of April (check out their Facebook page for details). This is kind of pub that makes drinking in Britain so special and long may it continue. Porter was correct; "Heaven on earth". Cheers!
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Heaven on earth.
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Enjoyed another visit Saturday when I was expecting the periodic guest brewery promotion to feature Pictish. Turned out to be Thornbridge, but none the worse for that, albeit some very strong beers in the range. No notes, but recall the stills included Lord Marples, Kipling, Ashford, the deadly Saint Petersburg and the wonderful, but also dangerous Jaipur IPA. Non-Thornbridge handpumps at bar featured Hophead, Oakham JHB & Inferno, & Newby Wyke White Squall. Always a friendly welcome, and the homemade dishes (chilli con carne, corned beef hash, & other tempting pub dishes) were all just �5, pity food service finished at 14:30; could have done with some later to soak up the beer. They even put the early footy on for me (muted), thanks folks, if I can�t get over again beforehand I�ll be checking London Drinker for the next brewery bash date.
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Hi, last Thursday I walked for 2 1/4 hours to this pub cross fields and yonder. It was well worth it, the Real Ale was excellent and tremendous range so much so that I missed last bus back into town so walked all the way back again! I look forward to trying the food. Guess what I am doing the same today as this pub is a must visit in my opinion for Real Ale drinkers everywhere.
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Dropped in for a couple last Sunday having seen it in the 2009 Good Beer Guide. I can confirm it is absolutely deserving of its place in that publication. Dark Star beers on at the moment plus a few other guests. Tried the Hophead which was excellent as was the pint of Over the Moon I sampled. I didn't eat but the Sunday lunch looked good and you can order roast spuds on their own, brilliant! This is a quality establishment well worth a visit.
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Only just found this but what a treat. On my first first they had a mini beer festival with about 20 different beers, second time around it was the beers within the pub, 6 of them on hand pums. Last week they had 6 differnt handpump beers plus 8 'brewery beers' on gravity. Additionally they do a selction of world beers, but the bitters and ales have been enough for me so far.
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Beer Festival @ The Bull 10-12th October
Hog roast, BBQ & Live music, 5 ciders/perries
20+ ales from around the UK (as selected by the ale-loving regulars):
BEOWULF Dark Raven (4.5)
BEOWULF Dragonsmoke Stout (4.7)
BEOWULF Finns Hall Porter (4.7)
BREWDOG Hype (4.1)
BREWDOG Punk IPA (6.0)
BREWSTER Hophead (3.6%)
BREWSTER Hop-a-doodle-doo (4.3)
BREWSTER Wicked Woman (4.8)
DARK STAR Hophead (3.6)
DARK STAR ?? (Festival Special, 4.5)
DARK STAR Imperial Stout (10.5)
MARBLE Pint (3.9)
MARBLE JP Best (4.3)
MARBLE Ginger Marble (4.5)
NEWBY WYKE Sidewinder (3.8)
NEWBY WYKE Riverside Special Bitter (4.8)
PURITY Pure Gold (3.8)
PURITY Pure UBU (4.7)
THORNBRIDGE Lord Marples (4.0)
THORNBRIDGE Katipo (5.4)
THORNBRIDGE Jaipur IPA (5.9)
This pub just keeps going from strength to strength. Be sure to get there early, these rarely seen beers are almost guaranteed to sell out quickly!
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Great food and a wide variety great Ales every week. If you very lucky they will have Summer lightning on, but dont blink or it will be gone.
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Visited on a lovely July evening (yes, there was one). A classic unpretentious freehouse, with wonderful views from the garden and a great Dark Star. One of the best 50 pubs in the country by my reckoning.
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'intersected by The Street' - should read, 'by Bull Hill', as correctly named on streetmap.
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Red Squirrel Organic Blonde, Darkstar Sunburst, Newby Wyke HMS Revenge, Fenland Smokestack Lightning, all served in very good condition. The blackboard to the rt of bar listed these, and also the �coming soon� notice included Rebellion Overthrow, Springfield IPA(5.4%), Hophead, Hopdaemon Incubus, Summer Sovereign(?), fff Pressed Rat & Warthog. Blackboard to the left had listed 2 real ciders, Hecks Port Wine of Canterbury(6.5%) & Pitts Kingston Black(5.5%), also Gwatkins Oldfield Perry(7.5%), but the ciders had been drunk and the guv was on his way out to collect more stock � you�ve gotta love the freedom (& relative unshackled simplicity) of a proper freehouse business. Attractive semi-island bar faces the door surrounded by light wood furniture & a few barstools. Large plasma on left-hd wall (barmaid was kind enough switch on to allow me to quietly watch my dosh go down the pan at Newmarket), further down a dartboard, past this to glass french doors leading to large grassy beer garden with picnic sets & lovely view over fields beyond (not quite visible on photo above). To the right is a new veg garden which thay hope can source some produce for the pub grub (food miles = 20yards!). Sarnies & baguettes from �3.50, chilli chips �2, mains �7/8, eg large faggots with pork gravy, or �old fashioned bacon pudding�. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon visit, will definitely return. nb open all day weekdays, also nb the att�d map links are currently slightly wrong � pub sits at the corner where Lombard St & Forge Ln are intersected by The Street.
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I went to this pub today thinking it can't be as good as its ratings. I was wrong! The two ales i tried were superb. Crouchvale's Brewers Gold and Dark star. The owner and his wife are running a superb pub. They clearly know how to keep good beer and the 5 on offering all came out clear and lively. They also have an extensive bottled range on offer from around the world. They even had decent newspapers in the Indie abd Guardian. I just had a saugage toasted sandwich and the sausages were local and awesome! All in all a revelation only 4 miles from me but worth travelling further. Contrats to Garett and Lynne for providing such a great pub. A definate 9 out of 10 for me for beer, food and ambiance.
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A very welcoming, friendly pub that does fantastic home cooked food at very reasonable prices. The landlord certainly knows how to look after a fine selection of real ales. My favourite was the Over The Moon mild. Well worth a visit
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Me and paul have been coming to the bull for 2 years now.
We have got to know Garrett and Lynne very well and consider them our friends.
The ales are always superb and the food is to die for.
There is always a friendly face that welcomes you as soon as you go in.
So we both hope that lynne and garrett stay at the bull for a long time and keep up the good work they have done for the bull.
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Great country local run by a young, very enthusiastic & accommodating landlord. 3 exceptionally kept handpulled ales with an occasional extra served from gravity on the back of the bar, all of them from tried & tested, aspiring microbreweries. The landlord has clearly built up strong ties with the Dark Star Brewery, stocking their superb Over the Moon mild as well as their draught lager Natural Blonde on our first visit. 4-pint Crouch Vale branded take out containers can be obtained for a �5 deposit, refundable on your next visit.
The Sunday lunches were delicious too. We had a mixture of three meats with all the trimmings (all homemade, including the Yorkshires) but you can also have a choice of the roast meats in a baguette for as little as a fiver. Rest of the menu was varied & seemed to all be of good value.
There's a dartboard for the aspiring Kirk Shepherds & well-behaved kids are welcome & add to the upbeat vibe of the place. The landlord's adolescent bulldog (Chloe) is also one of the most affectionate dogs you could meet, making just as much of a fuss over every punter as the other hosts!
Usefully located for a couple of quality pints after a day at Brands Hatch. We will certainly return soon.
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The current owners have pulled this pub up from the gutter, where it had been allowed to fall by a series of uncaring previous owners. It is now an excellent pub, serving a selection of top quality real ales. The owners go to great lengths to find new beers to satisfy a demanding and appreciative local clientele. The menu is good and the food is of a very high standard. It represents very good value for money.
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The licencees have transformed the pub since 2005 and there is a good choice (usually 3 or 4)of real ales and an ever changing selection from around the country. Good food on Sundays and other special menu evenings. Food is available on other days. The food for the quiz team on Monday evenings is the best in the league.
David Crowhurst - 14 Feb 2007 13:34 |
