The Rock, Chiddingstone Hoath

May we, please, put that Oily Fish Debate to rest. The place is the best it has been for donkeys - Laura is lovely & frothy front of house, Matt is charming, and I disagree entirely with the oily fish brigade. Maybe a bad chef day? Our chips were crisp, dry and this side of well done, just right. On a recent (wet) Sunday long Kentish walk we came in with our two dogs, sat down to a blazing fire, welcoming pub, a few locals, and a fab chilled Leffe Blond, a draft cider and then, as they came in bit by bit (just as muddy) enjoyed a bunch of other locals, walkers, lots of dogs, muddy boots and conversation ranging from harvest to shooting to the City and latest FTSie.......tell me one place where you can do that 50 mins outside London..........and have a decent Sunday Roast for under a Tenner?! long may Laura & Matt be there!

15 Oct 2010 22:54

The Plough, Dormansland

I simply must take issue with the comment posted by Hanck of the Plough being a "poor public house". Is the fact that he had re-heated chicken the one and all criteria by which to judge a pub? we all know that pubs have varying chefs and Hanck obviously hit the wrong chef on the wrong day. Whilst I can't comment on the food he had (and yes, cold and reheating is NOT ON) I have had very decent food there and sometimes even plain delicious - depending on who cooks. But folks - the pub is simply charming, cosy, lively yet relaxing, very welcoming and Simon & Jo are great young licensees who manage to pack the place with an interesting and varied local and afar crowd. The Thai food can be very good indeed and adds an interesting other dimension. So I am afraid Hanck - I suggest you eat your words - if you can digest them!

7 Oct 2010 17:52

The Spotted Dog, Penshurst

Having posted my comments recently I am still happy to stick by them as we continue to go and enjoy the warm & welcoming atmosphere, primarily from Nick behind the bar, and the parents (when around)......my only teeeeeny comment is that personally I miss the gradually disappearing little touches like a bunch of flowers on the bar........candles, flowers on tables and where - please!! - has the wonderful corner throne gone??! It was a fabulously decadent & cosy corner, now alas seating simply some more chairs, and minus the throne, the corner exposes a ghastly old radiator to full view. Used to be our favourite seat - no longer. It is all in the detail, folks! down to you - and please lets have some female touches again (and not just in the garden). Still! we love it and our new landlords!

7 Oct 2010 17:37