please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I am led to believe that the Barn is currently going through a period of transition. Current landlord (who never really made a go of it) is on his way out. I am reliably informed that the identity of the new leasee will surprise a lot of people locally.
For now the only thing to recommend the pub in the current cold weather is the roaring fire. Other than that, not worth the shoe leather.
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Popped in on a Tuesday night - a bit on the quiet side. It is a lovely place inside but completely ruined by tacky Xmas decorations. I Believe that it is a Shepherd Neame pub and in my view their beers do not match the historic status of the brewery. I also find it intolerable to pay �3.65 for a pint. They had no orange juice and when it came to the whiskeys they had just about run out of their single malts, barely having a single left of the first three choices. Methinks this pub is in need of a bit of ooomph.
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I would gladly sell my wife and children into slavery for an evening at the Chestfield Barn.
On my visit I had the puree of goose on a bed of crushed Twix. Emmmmm.
To drink I had the finger bowl.
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My family were very impressed when we visited this pub for lunch last Sunday. The food was excellent and so was the beer (according to my husband.) We loved the live music, which was not too loud or "in your face" and added to the Sunday afternoon atmosphere. Sadly you will always get "real ale drinkers" who object to anything, including live music, interferring with their beer drinking!
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We visited last Sunday and were treated very kindly by the excellent considerate staff. The landlord was ever so friendly and went out of his way to make sure we all okay.
Also, I completely disagree with the above comments regarding music. They had live music on when we were there which was lovely as it was laid back and really suited the mellow vibe of the restaurant. It certainly added to our experience, and we'll make the effort to go again on a Sunday as my little boy was mesmerized by the saxophonist!
To sum up, everything about our experience was good, the atmosphere and food were first class and we will definitely be visiting again.
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Having lived in Chestfield for a number of years until 2007, I was a regular customer at the Chestfield Barn and having been away for some time I recently returned with family for old times sake.
I never thought I'd say this but bring back Sheps. Judging from other reviews here it seems they have sold the pub and along with it, all of its character and charm.
Uninterested staff with a poor knowledge of their jobs and mediocre food were all that greeted us along with the (as mentioned) hideously out of place jukebox and giant fan hanging from a beam. These are distasteful additions to an otherwise beautiful, authentic building. To top it all the pint of spitfire I was given was flat and had a peculiar aftertaste and my wifes' wine glass had to be returned due to it not having been cleaned properly.
I was told by my brother-in-law who still lives in the area that the eccentric looking gentleman wandering around inanely was the new "landlord".
All in all I shall not be hurrying back to what was once a beautiful pub that now seems to have been ruined by poor staff and operators who have a very warped view of their trade.
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You are entitled to your opinion cockofthenorth. I fought for free speech in seven World Wars so this is a great day for democracy. But I have to disagree with your comment about the jukebox.
What is a 1960s/70 styles jukebox doing in a 15thCentury converted barn? Looking and sounding out of place, that's what!
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The Jukebox is a great asset with it's wonderfully eclectic mix of 45s. The food was excellent too. I'll be visiting again next time I'm down this way.
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Have to agree with the previous post. The juke-box is horribly out of place and too noisy. Didn't even last as far as the live music. Sadly our Sunday trips for lunch at The Barn have come to an end.
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Nice pub for a winter afternoon. Has a blazing fire, helpful staff and decent - if a tad expensive - beer. Food looks good, but haven't eaten there for a while.
Live music of a Sunday afternoon struck me as being rather intrusive and very out of place in such authentically old surroundings.
Have decided to avoid on Sundays from now on, but will otherwise be going back.
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Have returned many times since my last posting and all good. Sheps have apparently retained ownership of The Barn but have sold the business. The new owners have said there will be different beers coming in. The Sheps are on at the moment, the Late Red is particularly good. The food has improved further in my opinion.
Well worth a visit.
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The Barn is one of the best Sheps pubs that I have been to. The building itself is charming and the interior doesn't disappoint. There is a roaring open fire too. Upstairs is the restaurant part of the pub which is well maintained. The food is mostly locally sourced and delicious !
As for the ale(me being very particular about !) its always a great pint. At the moment Spitfire and Bishop's are on and there are still some bottles of Xmas Ale left in the fridge.
went there for lunch New Year's day and we all enjoyed it. Good service too. Will be heading back soon !!
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