The Rock, Chiddingstone Hoath

It�s hard to avoid repeating what earlier posters have said but this is a gem of a pub and is well worth the trip. We have been there for lunch three times in the past few months while walking in the area. Each time the menu has been different and everything is home cooked. There�s usually something interesting. How often have you seen venison liver on a menu? It was very good as have been the other dishes we have had there. The side dish of fresh vegetables is particularly enjoyable.

There is a good mix of locals (and their many dogs) and visitors, and the atmosphere is always warm. It is not a big pub so finding a table at busy times can sometimes be a bit difficult but the food is well worth the trip. Beers are limited to Larkins - nothing wrong with that! - and Doom Bar (not tried).

3 Nov 2010 17:45

The Golding Hop, Plaxtol

Having read others� reviews we decided to give this pub a try. Yes, it is tucked away in the lanes of Plaxtol and, yes, it is old fashioned but it is worth the trip. The situation and garden are very attractive, and the area has some good walking. For a Wednesday lunchtime in November the pub was quite busy and it is clearly very popular with locals.

Four beers were offered (the Adnams was OK) and four ciders too. Having walked there through the many local orchards, we had to try the home-made House Rough at 7.3%abv. Deceptively strong and with a rather acquired taste which echoed the thousands of rotting apples in the surrounding orchards.

The food is very good value. The choice is limited but we had excellent thick gammon, two eggs and delicious chips for �7 (you can pay �8-9 for ordinary packet ham, egg and chips elsewhere).

3 Nov 2010 17:43

The Harrow Inn, Knockholt

Been to this pub for lunch three times over the past two months. The food here is simply excellent! The French influence is clear - we have had lapin au vin, lamb and sweetbreads, and steak with gratin dauphinoise. We also had good old ham, eggs and chips, with proper French frites for just �5.50 which is a bargain compared to other pubs and delicious with it.

Portion size is French - that is, nicely presented and you can still walk afterwards - and nothing wrong with that. Sweets are also French and good. A lot of the ingredients are local. Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of of the food and cooking skill.

The beer is OK but not so impressive as the food. The Shepherd Neame Autumn Red was well kept and seemed to go nicely with whatever we had to eat.

3 Feb 2010 22:10