The Royal Oak, Crockham Hill

Our walking group finished up here at lunchtime and met the new licensee, a very friendly lady who clearly wants to make the place a success. We are Westerham fans and we know the beer is well kept here but we commented that it would be nice to see more of the brewery's special ales showcased here, rather than the usual (but eminently drinkable) Finchcocks etc. Impeccable service from attentive staff. Good to hear that she's open on Sundays again.

30 Oct 2012 16:47

The Queen's Head, Nutfield

This was the lunch stop for our walking group. I had noticed the recent refurb and wanted to give it a try. Well worth a visit. We were welcomed with warm smiles. Quite busy with a lunchtime clientele. It seems to have taken the fancy of "ladies that lunch", which is a good sign because it generally means the menu is up to snuff. We ate off the light bite menu and were pleased with our two dishes: fish & chips and some good sliced ham served with egg & chips. Nothing fancy but just what a bunch of walkers want to enjoy. We drank the Harveys, which is generally a safe bet and it was well kept here. The main menu suggests that you could get a much more stylish evening meal here too. We'll be back.

30 Oct 2012 16:36

The Stanhope Arms, Brasted

I visited The Stanhope with a walking group, without realising it had been closed for a while. The new brooms have certainly been sweeping clean. The decor has been transformed into a cosy cottage style that is very easy to settle into. When we set off on our walk we had warned the landlord that we would be back for lunch and although the kitchen was not fully up and running yet, he went out of his way to provide some sandwiches and hot snacks for us. The barman was friendly with an urbanity that suited our mood and the beer is well kept. Once the restaurant side is operating again, this promises to be a good place for an evening out.

30 Oct 2012 16:24