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Disappointment of the week with Mobyduck
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by paulof horsham
Submitted on Monday, 12th June 2023
With picture contributions to 4577 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (19 more images)
Detail Pages
The Compasses, Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1YP
Reviews of The Compasses (Average Rating: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Mark Davey left this review about The Compasses
First impressions do count and as we walked up to the front door of the Compasses on a sunny Saturday afternoon, we noticed the huge collection of buggies outside. Our fears were confirmed when the place seemed to be catering for a children's party and was rammed with yummy mummies. We decided to stop for a half but the beer selection was thin and most of our party opted for the Abbot. it wasn't great, maybe I should have had a white wine spritzer?? I know that pubs have to evolve and cater for their market, especially when they back onto a children's playground but the Compasses has sold out. Stick to the Grove down the road for a proper drinking experience.
On 11th July 2016
- rating: 5
[User has posted 292 recommendations about 276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Compasses
Still a Greene King pub, but nearly all the branding was removed a few years ago and it now offers a good selection of guest beers from a total of seven handpumps. On this visit I found a fairly typical selection of IPA, the 'house' Best Bitter, Abbot and the commemorative Purple Reign plus three guests: Landlord, Dark Star Hophead and the seasonal Boundary from Wadworth (£3.40). Some interior signage claims it to be Tunbridge Wells's oldest pub, and the interior retains a two-bar layout with further seating areas towards the back. Refurbished in a smart semi-modern style, with lots of dark wood about the place. Also has a good number of wooden benches at the front and a small patio at the back. Rear door leads directly into The Grove, a very pleasant park on a sunny day and relatively tranquil since it lies some way off the beaten track.
On 14th May 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Compasses
An attractive three storey brick building of some age which has had a single storey addition added to the front where there is some seating and a pair of heavily pollarded trees. The bar is as you enter, in the newer bit, a GK pub with Abbot, branded Compasses...the usual 3.9% brew, plus thankfully Woodforde's Nelson. One not clipped. Looks foody but I was in around 3pm on a weekday so no signs.
Beamed ceilings and timber posted walls, proper roaring log fires, some leaded stained glass and a few doors were etched with "Snug Bar" and suchlike but these looked like modern reproductions to me. The pub meanders about with numerous connected areas, a rear room has a bar billiards table.
Comfortable with some nice upholstered benches, settles as well as a few high tables in the front windows. More outdoor seating was spotted to the rear and side.
Overall, a nice pub, beer range not exactly to die for and the historic side just manages to shine through a bit of a corporate makeover. I'd drop in again but the nearby Grove is a better bet if you only have time for one.
On 26th February 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1707 recommendations about 1681 pubs]
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- Official site of The Compasses - www.compasses-tunbridgewells.co.uk
- Facebook - The Compasses
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Compasses - whatpub.com
High Brooms, 2.06 miles, 39 min walk (show)
Frant, 2.61 miles, 50 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Bar Billiards : Yes last updated 26 February 2016 by Quinno _
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Child Friendly : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Dog Friendly : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Live TV Sports : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Micropub : No last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Quiz Night : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Dave McNally
- Wheelchair Access : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
- WiFi : Yes last updated 12 June 2023 by paulof horsham
