The Spotted Dog, Penshurst

Hmmm...I used to love this pub, haven't been for a few years, didn't read the reviews on this site either before I went to visit last week with friends - It's hard to describe what's particularly wrong with the place, we had an okayish meal (the plum sauce advertised with the duck turned out to be gravy, would have been nice to have been asked if that was ok beforehand), the fish and chips I had was OK, not the worst I've had (coincidentally I did have one of the best cod and chips here probably 8 or 9 years ago that has stuck vividly in my memory ever since).

I guess its the lack of atmosphere, it was cold, rather unappealing in there and was pretty empty which for a Friday before a Bank Holiday should make the owners/managers question why that is?

The evening was topped off by one of the locals letting his dog have a crap and then a wee right by our table, not the dogs fault and the owner seemed sort of embarrassed but if I was the management I'd have been mortified..they weren't and that probably encapsulates where things are not right at this place..

Shame...it could be a really, really good place...my friends and I will always refer to it now as "The Shi**ing Dog" at Penshurst and I guess we won't be going back.

4 May 2010 17:03