Nice restaurant or hotel near Tonbridge?

[PATTERNPART]

Hello

I want to take an elderly aunt out for dinner somewhere near Tonbrige where she lives.

Can anyone recommend somewhere please?

[Raify]

Check out the kent entries on the good food wiki

Also the Poacher in Tudeley is very nice

[Roadru77er]

Chaser at Shipbourne has a good rep

[scotal]

THe Swan at the Vineyard in Lamberhurst is nice, if its not too far.

[3200gt]

Thackery's in TW is superb, Chaser at Shipbourne is a good gastro pub.

[PATTERNPART]

Thanks chaps. Looking forward to putting one of these to the test.

[SidewaysSid]

PATTERNPART said:

Thanks chaps. Looking forward to putting one of these to the test.

The Chaser is a bit tired and the food not as good as when the place opened after the major refurb a few years back. Parking and access is good and it's easy to find on main road approx halway between Tonbridge and Ightham (near Borough Green)

Thackerays is OK but Michelin 1 star and might be a bit poncey for a grannies day out. Parking is a nightmare in the eveneings (don't know about daytime but expect it to be just as much fun).

The Poacher at Tudeley is good for parking, access is fairly easy. Restaurant is quite roomy and you are not crammed in. Menu has a nice interesting variety and staff are above average in our experience. We've been several times and never had a bad experience. It's in the sticks so check it's location before you go hunting for it. Have a look at their web site as it is a very good source of info.

The Snail at Stone Street (nearer to Sevenoaks) has always given us good food and service. Good choice with very good fish dishes. Their Thai fish cakes are the best we've had anywhere. Enthusiastic Chef Gareth will alter things to please unless they are under the cosh and the place is full. Eveneings, lunchtimes and weekends all very good. Good parking. It's not far from Ightham Mote (not quite walking distance). Don't go to the Plough which is nearer to Ightham Mote as it's a soleless place.

[Helluvaname]

The Spotted Dog near Penshurst is a great old pub that does really good food. A few steps down into it, but not to steep. Fantastic views out the back if it's nice weather.

[matt uk]

You could do a lot worse than Hotel de Vin in Tunbridge Wells. It's right in Tunbridge Wells town centre, near good shops and the Pantiles area. Has parking too.

Bit pricey but a nice treat.

http://www.hotelduvin.com/ImageGallery.aspx?HotelI...

[kentmotorcompany]

Another vote for The Poacher here

[SidewaysSid]

matt uk said:

You could do a lot worse than Hotel de Vin in Tunbridge Wells. It's right in Tunbridge Wells town centre, near good shops and the Pantiles area. Has parking too.

Bit pricey but a nice treat.

http://www.hotelduvin.com/ImageGallery.aspx?HotelI...

Take some candles or a torch with you as it's a bit dark. Or at least it was last time I went there (late 2007).

[PATTERNPART]

Brilliant.

I think a restaurant rather than a pub and nothing too Heston Blumenthal!

I saw a place called Lisboa Antiga which is Portuguese
owned/themed in Hadlow. A bit Chintzy but might be OK.

Hotel du Vin is lovely. Went to a wedding reception there once.

Snail and Poacher (two places!) will also get my attention.

[SidewaysSid]

PATTERNPART said:

Brilliant.

I think a restaurant rather than a pub and nothing too Heston Blumenthal!

I saw a place called Lisboa Antiga which is Portuguese
owned/themed in Hadlow. A bit Chintzy but might be OK.

Hotel du Vin is lovely. Went to a wedding reception there once.

Snail and Poacher (two places!) will also get my attention.

Lisboa is OK but not memorable. Basic Portugeuses fair and that's about as exciting as it gets. No big downer on the place but it doesn't get you excited to eat there. Add it to your list but not at the top of it.

[SidewaysSid]

Add this one to your list. West Malling isn't far from Tonbridge.
Not poncey and although Michelin listed it's quite relaxed and more of a bistro style than formal restaurant. Award winning chef. Staff generally well trained and efficient. Friendly staff but not over bearing. If you are going in a group of 8 or more ask for private dining. Doesn't cost anymore. You have your own room upstairs with an adjacent bar and a dedictaed waitress just to look after you.

Have alook at the web site.

http://www.theswanwestmalling.co.uk/

[3200gt]

The Swan is owned by a mate of mine and as previous post said is very good. Only down side, unless your in a private room,it can get a bit loud at weekends. Not sure an 'older' relation would appreciate it as the local trendies tend to use at weekends.

[SidewaysSid]

3200gt said:

The Swan is owned by a mate of mine and as previous post said is very good. Only down side, unless your in a private room,it can get a bit loud at weekends. Not sure an 'older' relation would appreciate it as the local trendies tend to use at weekends.

Answer is to get in early before the rabble arrive. Then as the roof is raised she'll be sitting in her dressing gown at home with a cup of horlicks....:-)

Regards to Peter & Dicken when you next see them then.

[RedCity]

Helluvaname said:

The Spotted Dog near Penshurst is a great old pub that does really good food. A few steps down into it, but not to steep. Fantastic views out the back if it's nice weather.

Seconded!

[SidewaysSid]

RedCity said:

Helluvaname said:

The Spotted Dog near Penshurst is a great old pub that does really good food. A few steps down into it, but not to steep. Fantastic views out the back if it's nice weather.

Seconded!

Can we have a bit more info please? What sort of food/drink. Is it cramped with everyone wedged in or is it spacious. Where is `near Penshurst`. Marks out of 10 for choice, service, price, parking etc.

[Raify]

SidewaysSid said:

RedCity said:

Helluvaname said:

The Spotted Dog near Penshurst is a great old pub that does really good food. A few steps down into it, but not to steep. Fantastic views out the back if it's nice weather.

Seconded!

Can we have a bit more info please? What sort of food/drink. Is it cramped with everyone wedged in or is it spacious. Where is `near Penshurst`. Marks out of 10 for choice, service, price, parking etc.

Space: It's a very old pub with low ceilings, but the dining area is spacious enough.

Food: Gastro Pub is the best I can describe it. Eg sausages + mash (but with posh organic local sangers) to Mussles in thai sauce etc etc.

It's on smarts hill, here: Google map link

Parking is normally adequate, service good every time I've been. Choice 8/10, price 6/10 (a little pricey for a pub, but the food is worth it).

[SidewaysSid]

Raify said:

SidewaysSid said:

RedCity said:

Helluvaname said:

The Spotted Dog near Penshurst is a great old pub that does really good food. A few steps down into it, but not to steep. Fantastic views out the back if it's nice weather.

Seconded!

Can we have a bit more info please? What sort of food/drink. Is it cramped with everyone wedged in or is it spacious. Where is `near Penshurst`. Marks out of 10 for choice, service, price, parking etc.

Space: It's a very old pub with low ceilings, but the dining area is spacious enough.

Food: Gastro Pub is the best I can describe it. Eg sausages + mash (but with posh organic local sangers) to Mussles in thai sauce etc etc.

It's on smarts hill, here: Google map link

Parking is normally adequate, service good every time I've been. Choice 8/10, price 6/10 (a little pricey for a pub, but the food is worth it).

Ta, useful stuff, we'll make a food critic out of you yet.... :-)