The Bullfinch, Riverhead

Thought it wise to put a positive review on here as people tend to complain rather than compliment. This relatively newly refurbished pub is a welcome new arrival in Sevenoaks. I would say that its the first really decent new gastro pub that we've had in a long while.

Living locally, I've eaten here a number of times (both for dinner, weekday lunch and the odd sunday lunch) The busy car park and same familiar faces speak for how good this place is.

The food is great, not overcomplicated (I think there's a very simple small menu of well sourced food done brilliantly) according to most restauranteurs thats the way to do it.

The decor is beautiful, in particular the recent swap of the restaurant area to the left and the sofas around the fire is a welcome change (diners no longer have the smokers walking in and out of their area) and you can now sit around the fire leisurely with a pub grub option available if you want a nibble.

Love the small touches the management put in place, the option to roast chestnuts or marshmallows on a skewer on the fire is fab, and the welsh rarebit and a pint option is fab.

Drinks are on a par with London Prices but in Sevenoaks it's par for the course. There's definitely no shortage of punters in here so it's certainly not a bad pub. Good range of customers too. A few locals, plenty of families on a Sunday and lots of 30 somethings.

If you're looking for a harvester standard meal piled high don't go here. If you're interested in locally sourced, good quality food and a well thought out menu and don't mind paying for quality, you're in for a good visit

20 Nov 2008 16:42