The Padwell Arms, Sevenoaks

made the trip back to The Padwell for the first time in a few weeks for Sunday lunch, and the progress is remarkable. Wider range of ales on offer, with another half dozen or so added to the list since last visit. Tried Incubus, Skrimshander and Devil's Dyke - all well kept, but the last seemed to go with lunch best, so had a couple of those (maybe three) ! Food - has to be said - was just excellent - and loads of it, too, which is a nice change. Roast Beef from a farm just down the road was particularly nice, and the cheeseboard to finish was a meal in its own right, so big lumps of cheese and fresh bread ferreted away for later in the day. Looks like the initial rush under the new owners is showing no signs of abating - all sorts of social things being planned by all accounts. This'll be worth a regular visit at this rate...

Well - there seem to be big changes afoot at The Padwell, and all for the better so far (they've dropped the "Arms" from the name, too). Was in there a couple of times over the last week in July 2011, and there are clearly new management in control; Doug and Jayne are out of the picture, and instead we have Maria and Ray - very personable, locally based and full of enthusiasm for what they hope to do with the place. Can't comment on the food, or state of the kitchen, as the entire dining area and food prep area are being completely revamped with a view to being up and running shortly with a new chef on board and - by all accounts - what's going to be the "simple but bloody good" approach to things, which IMHO is what pub food should be all about Well kept, serviceable ales on tap - all local stuff, plenty of cheerful folk in the bars and outside, and a really upbeat feel about the place, although they've clearly got a real job on their hands and it's still very much a work in progress. Also delighted to say that they're repeating their Harvest Beer Festival in September - fantastic last year, with morris dancers, drummers and reduced prices on beer, which can't be a bad thing ! I can only give a 7/10 rating on what's there so far, but I'll be making a point of going back to see how they're getting on, and reckon that a much higher mark will be due then - very promising start

hi this pub now 6 out of 10.. There is new managers in there and the food is cooked by a masterchef... well worth a trip out there

good selection of real ales with the s.p. displayed on a board. Visited Nov 04, it now has an extension restaurant which spoils the look of the pub. Thats progress!