Branch area pubs selling LocAle

• Bidborough
  • Kentish Hare 95 Bidborough Ridge Bidborough TN3 0XB moc.erahhsitnekeht@seiriuqne(01892) 525709

    Formerly a failing Enterprise Inns pub the Hare & Hounds, now thankfully under local private ownership and totally refurbished to a high standard, re-opening as the Kentish Hare in May 2014. Although food orientated with chefs Chris and James Tanner prominent, the casual drinker is well catered for in the smart public bar or attractive patio-garden complete with pergola and parasols. A serene atmosphere is created internally in the snug and restaurant associated bars using muted tones, and interesting monochrome photos of bygone Bidborough adorn the walls. Unusual chrome-style hand pumps dispense "Kentish Hare" - a house beer brewed by Tonbridge Brewery, supplemented by a Tonbridge Brewery guest ale. Staff are smartly-dressed and attentive. Current Sunday hours may vary according to demand in future. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.

• Brasted
  • Stanhope Arms Church Road Brasted TN16 1HZ moc.smraepohnatseht@reganam(01959) 546829

    Tucked away off the often-busy A25 adjacent to St Martin's church, the Stanhope has been extensively renovated and aims to be 'a pub that serves food'. There is a separate garden and a barn available for private functions. In winter there is an open fireplace and walkers, and cyclists are welcome. Ales are from local and national breweries with two to three available during the week and four at weekends along with Charringtons cider. Monthly jazz & blues jam sessions are held. Customers may use the church car park but please avoid using the allocated church spaces.

• Brenchley
  • Halfway House Horsmonden Road Brenchley TN12 7AX moc.liamg@yelhcnerbesuohyawflah(01892) 722526

    This award winning rural free house is full of character and serves eight to ten competitively-priced beers direct from the cask together with Kentish Chiddingstone cider. The expansive gardens, including one dedicated for families and children, come into their own on Whitsun and August bank holidays when festivals are held featuring up to 75 ales. Meal choices (not Sun evening) are chalked up in the bar. A half hour bus journey from Tunbridge Wells will drop you right outside the door. Sunday evenings a Thai "Street Food" vendor is at the pub from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and food can be taken into the pub.

• Capel
  • Dovecote Inn Alders Road Capel TN12 6SU ku.oc.lepac-etocevod@nomis(01732) 798289

    Excellent country inn with a homely interior, vaulted ceilings, log burners and exposed timbers and brickwork. Chiddingstone, Charrington's and Turners ciders and a varied range of 4-5 mostly local ales are served straight from casks mounted in a cooled room immediately behind the bar. Good pub food is served lunch and evening from Wednesday through to Saturday, and Sunday roast. Shared platters are also available all day at the weekend. Outside there is a large garden adjacent to the car park and a shaded patio with plenty of seating to the rear of the pub. Fortnightly open mic evenings are held on Tuesdays from 7.30pm while a quiz evening is organised on alternate Wednesdays from 8pm. The pub is accessible by taking the 205 Autocar bus running between Tonbridge and Paddock Wood, alighting at the Sychem Lane bus stop at Five Oak Green, followed by a 20 minute stroll along the flat lane.

• Charcott
  • Greyhound Off Camp Hill Charcott TN11 8LG (01892) 870275

    The pub was happily re-opened on July 17th 2017 following an extensive refurbishment with beer and cider sales to start . Good value homemade food is now served ranging from light lunches, basket meals and sandwiches to more substantial evening dishes including interesting vegetarian options. Roast lunches are served until 3.30pm on Sundays over two sittings and it is advisable to pre-book. Bright and airy, the pub overlooks fields in a tiny hamlet off the beaten track although easily reached by a short walk across fields along a surfaced path from Penshurst railway station. Despite its isolated position the Greyhound manages to attract a good crowd drawn by a friendly welcome. Internally the pub is divided into several distinct drinking areas adorned with fresh flowers and candles on tables, with a separate dining area to the rear. Larkins beer from the brewery only two miles away is always on the bar together with three others from Kent or Sussex breweries.

• Chiddingstone Hoath
  • Rock Hoath Corner, Rywell Road Chiddingstone Hoath TN8 7BS (01892) 870296

    This characterful 500 year old drovers' inn has retained many original features after minor alterations. Extensively beamed, the main focus of this brick-floored gem is the wood burning stove and ring-the-bull game. A refurbished kitchen has allowed "proper grub" to be offered in a "proper pub". A warm welcome is assured whether you come by foot, cycle, car or horse!

    See pubs wbsite for an explanation of the pub name.

• Dunk's Green
  • Kentish Rifleman Roughway Lane Dunk's Green TN11 9RU ku.oc.namelfirhsitnekeht@ofni(01732) 810727

    Located in the Kent Downs AONB this 16th-century pub is a welcoming stop if you're walking the 108 mile Greensand Way. An attractive destination all year round, offering a warm and friendly open fire in the winter, and a pretty beer garden for the summer. Dogs and families are welcome. The pub has an enviable reputation for its home cooked and locally sourced food with pub classics alongside a la carte dishes. Pie and a Pint promotion is held on Tuesday evenings. A traditional wooden beamed bar area at the front of the pub is decorated with historic rifles and has a leather sofa next to the open fire, the main dining area leads off this with several rooms. Plenty of outdoor seating is available at the front of the pub and in the rear peaceful garden. It is the true centre of village life.

• Dunton Green
  • Miners Arms 22 London Road Dunton Green TN13 2UF moc.liamg@skao7srenimeht(01732) 462214

    Originally built for Irish navvies working on the nearby railway, the Miners is now a local village family-friendly pub with a strong sense of community. During recent refurbishment work the landlord uncovered and restored the 100 year old front signage of the now defunct brewery Kidd and Son of Dartford and this provides an attractive feature on entering the pub. Three rotating, mainly local cask ales are to be found on the bar along with a non-real cider Westons Rosie's Pig together with an extensive gin selection. A log fire just around from the bar area warms customers in the colder months while two log burners do likewise on the covered rear terrace. The terrace leads into a surprisingly spacious garden incorporating substantial communal huts complete with luxurious seating, and a children's play area at the rear. Supervised children are welcome until 8pm. Traditional pub food is offered Monday to Friday lunchtimes. A Happy Hour scheme operates 12-3pm Monday to Thursday and live music is performed regularly on Friday or Saturday nights.

• Groombridge
  • Crown Inn Groombridge Hill Groombridge TN3 9QH moc.liamg@egdirbmoorg.nni.nworc(01892) 864742

    Family run free house, oozing charm and enjoying a sunny outlook over the village green and church. Situated in fine walking country and a short stroll from Groombridge Place, the pub is a strong supporter of Kent and Sussex ales. Quality food available for patrons (book for Sunday lunch), and biscuits for their dogs. Cosy in winter with beams, snug and inglenook fireplace. The Tunbridge Wells bus drops you outside the door, or arrive on the Spa Valley Railway. In winter the Crown closes earlier on Sundays at 9pm.

• Halstead
  • Rose & Crown Otford Lane Halstead TN14 7EA (01959) 533120

    Grade II listed flint-built pub close to the North Downs Way in good walking and cycling country and with easy access by bus from Orpington. Choose from the lively public bar, relaxed lounge with log fire or the annex housing a tearoom and restaurant. Popular for good value home-cooked food, especially Sunday lunch. A large rear garden contains a children's play area, covered patio and barbecue, where a beer and jazz festival is held in summer. Four changing beers are sourced mainly from the south east. Tuesday closure is at 8pm when darts team is playing away.

• High Rocks
  • High Rocks High Rocks Lane High Rocks TN3 9JJ ku.oc.skcorhgih@seiriuqne(01892) 515532

    Found down a quiet country lane, just a few minutes drive from Tunbridge Wells town centre with ample parking. Situated within the High Rocks complex there are five oak beamed function rooms, each with its own bar, dance floor and late licence. Licensed for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies. Restaurant open for Lunch and Dinner. Pub serves food all day. Both are open every day. Lovely garden and terrace with a steam train stop in the garden. The High Rocks themselves are an ancient National monument whose entrance is across the road. This historic site is set in acres of woodland and is open everyday from 10.15 am until dusk. They provide a stunning setting for wedding photos. The High Rocks hosts regular live music and dance events. It has its own halt on the Spa Valley Railway line.

• Knockholt
  • Three Horseshoes The Pound Knockholt TN14 7LD moc.liamg@tlohkconkseohs3(01959) 532102

    Large recently refurbished separate dining room awaits you at this popular village pub large attractive beer garden to sit while enjoying your pint. Home cooked food and take-away to choose from. Sunday lunch is recommended and booking is advisable. Senior citizen meals served at reasonable price. Memorabilia of horsebrasses to be seen around. Pub very dog friendly so ideal for walkers. Regular live music.

• Langton Green
  • Hare Langton Road Langton Green TN3 0JA (01892) 862419

    Part of the Brunning & Price chain The Hare is interestingly decorated Edwardian pub with a fine choice of drinks and food. The high-ceilinged rooms are light and airy, with rugs on bare boards, built-in wall seats, stools and old-style wooden tables and chairs. Greene King IPA and Abbot plus two changing guest ales on hand pump. Pleasant garden with view over the village green.

• Leigh
  • Royal British Legion Club High Street Leigh TN11 8RL moc.bulclbrhgiel@ofni(01732) 832023

    Located behind the large Village Hall in the High Street, the premises includes a club room with licensed bar and a snooker room. Card carrying CAMRA members are welcome but regular visitors will be required to join by applying for membership within the club. Very competitively-priced local beers feature prominently and may be joined on the bar by one from further afield. The club was awarded West Kent CAMRA branch Club of the Year for both 2022 and 2023. The Larkins Traditional Ale is a regular and the other beer changes regularly and could be from a local or national brewery.

• Markbeech
  • Kentish Horse Cow Lane Markbeech TN8 5NT (01342) 850493

    The pub and adjacent church form the heart of this rural village. Located high on the Weald, the spacious garden, which incorporates a large children’s play area, affords fine views towards the Ashdown Forest. Despite its apparent isolation Cowden railway station is but a mile away and there was a limited bus service connecting the village with Edenbridge and Tunbridge Wells. A warm welcome is assured from the jovial landlord. No food Sunday or Monday evenings. Folk Music on the second Sunday of each month. There is occasional live music at other times.

• Matfield
  • Star Inn Maidstone Road Matfield TN12 7JR (01892) 725458

    Close to the village green and pond, the Star presents an attractive facade with its part tiled-hung and virginia creeper-clad exterior. Internally, wood panelling, flooring and beams abound and drinkers and diners may choose from seating arranged around the bar, a small flagstone floored dining area complete with wood burner to the left, in the cosy snug or in a spacious rear room which is also available to hire for functions. An inviting paved and decked garden flanks one side while there is a separate garden with a children's play area. Hearty pub grub including signature pies are highly recommended. The staff are friendly and attentive. A quiz and curry night is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and open mic night on the final Thursday.

• Penshurst
  • Leicester Arms Hotel High Street Penshurst TN11 8BT ku.oc.tsruhsnepsmraretsecieleht@olleh(01892) 871617

    Refurbished in 2024 to a high standard and with beautifully appointed en-suite rooms this establishment now adopts the status of a hotel. The inn itself is named after the Earl of Leicester, a title historically linked to the Sidney family of Penshurst Place. The building features are of a traditional English country style, with characteristic elements such as exposed wooden beams, fireplaces, and cosy, inviting interiors. Situated by the church, a stone's throw from Penshurst Place at the end of the five mile cycle path from Tonbridge. Private events can be catered for in the rear Leicester Square Panelled Dining Room. A rarely-seen shuffle board is available to entertain.

  • Spotted Dog Smarts Hill Penshurst TN11 8EP moc.liamg@1691tnuhlegin(01892) 870253

    This extremely picturesque white weather-boarded, Grade II listed free house, perched on a hillside, was originally a run of three farm cottages. Approached down the steps via the front sunny terrace one gets a sense of the oozing charm befitting a place which has served as an ale house for over half a millennium. Equally appealing in winter with log fires including an inglenook adding to the cosy feel and in summer with rear tiered terracing affording elevated views over some fine countryside. A combination of low oak beams adorned with hops and fairy lights, quarry tiled and carpeted flooring and subdued lighting add to the historic feel. Larkins Trad comes from the brewery only 3 miles down the road, with up to two guest ales depending on seasonal demand appearing alongside the other regular, Harveys Best. The rare local, lightly-carbonated Chiddingstone cider is also served. The cosy restaurant area can be reserved for special occasions and private parties (no food served on Sunday evenings). With Penshust Place and Hever Castle located nearby and set in good walking countryside, this is a deservedly popular refreshment stop for walkers and dogs (spotted or otherwise).

• Petteridge
  • Hopbine Petteridge Lane Petteridge TN12 7NE (01892) 722561

    Attractive and friendly weatherboarded building perched on a hilly corner in a quiet hamlet, though accessible by a nearby bus route. The central log fire adds to the homely atmosphere within. The home prepared food (not served Monday or Tuesday) feature pizzas prominently. Formerly a King & Barnes then Hall and Woodhouse pub it is now in private ownership serving three Kent and Sussex beers along with a guest and a cider from Turners. Additional seating is available in the newly constructed rear terraced garden and patio, complete with a children's play area.

• Sevenoaks
  • South Park Tap 14 South Park Sevenoaks TN13 1AN moc.liamg@patkraphtuoseht

    Micropub which opened in May 2023 in a former café and sandwich bar. An inviting green-tiled facade leads into an attractively furnished and decorated interior with two drinking areas and a very small outside courtyard. The pub normally serves Long Man Best Bitter alongside three changing local beers. There is also a substantial selection of cider including real ciders from Kent Cider Company and Turners of Marden. The staff are friendly and very enthusiastic about their new venture.

• Sevenoaks Weald
  • Windmill 1 Windmill Road Sevenoaks Weald TN14 6PN (01732) 463330

    Formerly a CAMRA Kent Pub of the Year, the Windmill is now part of a small family pub company, North & South Leisure since 2020. Refurbished with a stylish retro feel, five hand pumps and strewn with hop bines. Though open plan there are distinct seating areas including one primarily for dining. Parquet flooring and a well-used wood burning stove add cosiness. Local beers from Larkins and cider from Chiddingstone feature prominently. Monthly quiz nights are organised. The pleasant, flower-adorned garden has plenty of covered seating, ideal for sunny days. 15% off drinks in happy hour on Wednesday

• Shoreham
  • Samuel Palmer Church Street Shoreham TN14 7RY moc.remlapleumaseht@ofni(01959) 525442

    The pub has reopened as The Samuel Palmer on the 2nd April 2022. The pub is named for Samuel Palmer, a 19th Century landscape painter who lived in Shoreham - and the pub is decorated with prints of his work. It is now owned by The Mount Vineyard. The pub has been considerably smartened up (within the bounds of its listing). A new courtyard/terrace area has been opened up. Dogs are welcome in the main bar and terrace area, but not the main restaurant or function rooms. The intention is to have accommodation in a few rooms above the pub - though I don't think that element has opened yet. There is a fair emphasis on food - but it is also very much a pub to drop into to have a drink.

• Smarts Hill
  • Bottle House Coldharbour Road Smarts Hill TN11 8ET (01892) 870306

    Remote but well patronised country inn dating back to 1492. Pub takes its name from a large assortment of bottles found here during 1938, depicted in the unusual pub sign. Re-furbished internally, there are low beamed ceilings and exposed stonework. Several seating compartments off the bar add to the pub's cosy feel. The Long Room, accommodating up to 14 people, can be reserved for private functions. Good quality food is served throughout each day. Plenty of seating is available on the sunny front terrace, at tables complete with parasols. Handy for Penshurst Place. Normally one or two guest cask ales. Real cider available occasionally.

• Tonbridge
  • Fuggles Beer Cafe 165 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1BX ku.oc.efacreebselgguf@egdirbnot(01732) 666071

    The respected Fuggles experience from Tunbridge Wells arrived in Tonbridge High Street in the summer of 2017. Bright and airy in character, the café/bar offers a relaxed environment in which to study the choice of four cask ales, sixteen keg draught lines from taps on the rear wall and two ciders from both near and far, displayed on a board behind the bar. The menu details a prodigious range of speciality bottled beers and spirits from around the world along with food in the form of quality toasties and snacks. Regular Meet the Brewer and promotion events are advertised on the website and in the pub. All drinks are available to take away with discounts, for home consumption. The food offerings consist of grilled cheese sandwiches, Hot Dogs or British cheese & charcuterie sharing boards.

    See the pub's Instagram account.

  • George & Dragon 17 Shipbourne Road Tonbridge TN10 3DN (01732) 355194

    Sports enthusiasts are well catered for with Sky TV yet there is still at homely atmosphere with beams, comfy seating and large log fire. There is a spacious separated games area. Charity fundraising events is well supported here. Not open lunchtimes during the week. No entry after 11pm.

  • Humphrey Bean 94 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1AP ku.oc.noopsrehtew@824p(01732) 773850

    Ever-popular Wetherspoon house situated close to Tonbridge castle and the river Medway with ample space and an extensive flower-adorned garden. 12 handpumps in 2 banks, each of 6, provide an interesting range of up to four guest beers from breweries such as Tonbridge, By The Horns and Only With Love, illustrating the commitment to real ale, enhanced by occasional events showcasing a brewery's beers. They have recently added Tonbridge Easy Street Pale Ale as a regular.

  • Tonbridge Angels Football Club Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue Tonbridge TN10 3JF (01732) 352417

    Tonbridge Angels Sports Bar and Marquee is open on match days for paying spectators only, but also during the week to the public. Tonbridge Brewery ale is stocked under the Angels Bitter name. Holds a large Beer & Music Festival in May/June with 20+ ales available, plus ciders and continental beers.

  • Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club The Slade Tonbridge TN9 1HR (01732) 358548

    Open to non-members during the rugby season on Saturday & Sunday and also open for England Rugby channels on TV (2 x large screens). The club also runs a successful February Beer Festival, with 24 ales, and hosts the SIBA SE Competition in July when 180 ales are available.

• Tunbridge Wells
  • Fuggles Beer Cafe 28 Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AP ku.oc.efacreebselgguf@sllewegdirbnut(01892) 457739

    Opened in 2013 in a former shop premises, this venue combines the best elements of a British pub and continental café-style bar. The narrow glass frontage leads to a deep open-plan bar room. Wooden flooring is complemented by candle-lit tables, stools, chairs and comfy sofas. The interesting beer and cider choice comes from local and distant producers. This includes an extensive range of 'craft' keg and bottled beers from the UK and Belgium. No full meals served but British charcuterie and cheeses are available throughout the day. 6 handpumps and 16 keg taps on the rear wall. The food offerings consist of grilled cheese sandwiches, Hot Dogs or British cheese & charcuterie sharing boards. See the pubs Instagram account.

  • George 29 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells TN4 8AA ku.oc.sllewegdirbnutbupegroegeht@rab(01892) 539492

    This old coaching inn has been around since the town was developed in the Georgian days and is now an exciting new venue for the upper end of Tunbridge Wells. A smart, friendly free house recently restored to its former 19th-century coaching inn glory with distinct areas featuring wood flooring and panelling. Patio seating to the front or search out the 'secret courtyard garden' in which to enjoy the range of real ales, Dudda's Tun or Turners cider, and craft beer in fine weather. The George is also home to the Fonthill Brewery Co. who started brewing in November 2017. The brewery capacity is 2.5 bbl which produces 10 firkins per brew. They currently brew about once a week and have five cask ales and three keg ales in their portfolio. They also have a Brewery Bar and Taproom in the stables behind the pub which is open Friday evenings and Saturdays. Branch Pub of the Year in 2018 and 2019. See the pub's Instagram account.

  • Gin Box & Fonthill Tap 29 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells TN4 8AA

    Tap room for the Fonthill Brewery located in the stables of The George Pub. The Tap is run in conjunction with the Gin Box.

  • Ragged Trousers 44 The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN (01892) 542715

    Long narrow cafe-style pub straddling from London Road to the famous Georgian Pantiles area of the town. In clement weather the front seating provides an enviable position to observe passers by and activity of the local traders’ market. Inside the candle lit scrubbed wooden tables and low lighting create a cosy feel contrasting with the vibrant atmosphere. Four hand pumps dispense the local Fonthill and Long Man ales and a guest ale. Brasserie style meals and accompanying side dishes are served at lunchtime.

  • Sussex Arms Sussex Mews Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TE (01892) 549579

    This quirky pub is well worth a visit and is something of a hidden gem being tucked away behind the Corn Exchange, just off the bustling Pantiles and only yards from sister pub, the Ragged Trousers. Regular events (some unusual) include live music and stand up comedy and are held in the Forum basement of the pub. Thursday is quiz night. Very welcoming and appealing to all ages. A suntrap patio and a glass-covered terrace are attractions for warmer weather drinking away from the Pantiles crowds. There is normally a Fonthill Brewery beer available.

• Underriver
  • White Rock Inn Carters Hill Underriver TN15 0SB moc.puorg-camar@kcoretihweht(01732) 833112

    Smart country pub in a quiet village at the foot of the Greensand ridge below Knole Park. Attached marquee and large garden where petanque and bat and trap can be played. Changing menu offering excellent food seven days a week from bar snacks, ploughmans, basket meals to a la carte with a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. Separate restaurant. Occasional live music and local theatre society performances in Summer in the Garden. Caters for functions such as birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. Beer and music festival held in July.

• Westerham
  • Grasshopper on the Green 4 The Green Westerham TN16 1AS (01959) 562926

    Former coaching station enjoying an enviable position facing the green whose name emanates from the creature on the crest of the Tudor owners of the manor of Westerham. The three bars cater for a variety of clientelle with the rear room housing a log fire and the Wolfe bar catering for customers seeking live sports TV coverage. A comprehensive menu includes breakfast and light bites and the first floor restaurant provides more dining space. Outdoor table seating available for people-watching on the green or in the peaceful rear garden away from the crowds.