Halfway House, Tonbridge

After a long day spent walking in the Kent countryside we made our way to the Halfway House for some much needed hearty food and liquid refreshment. Whilst I was aware of the pub's fine reputation for good beer, I was not ready for the amazing multi-room, multi-level traditional country pub interior that all but took our breath away on entry. The eye is captured by a complex array of beams, pillars, shelves, supports and ledges which are adorned with pump clips, photos, miniature pub signs, books, farm and tradesman tools, beer bottles, hops and various other bits of brewerania. There are lots of different rooms, with the bar on what appears to be the highest level and several other areas, mostly being used by diners on this Saturday evening visit, spreading out down steps and along passageways. One room has some unusual bench seating with ledges along the tables, just above head height, whilst another is dominated by a large fireplace. There were at least two smaller, snug-like rooms that I spotted and a large beer garden provides even more seating and a children's play area. All of the beers are served from stilage behind the bar counter and these are detailed on a blackboard at one end of the bar. We had a choice of Goachers Light Ale, Westerham 1965, Ushers 1836, Old Dairy Copper Top, Skinners Betty Stogs, Rother Valley Mild, King's Red River and a house beer called Halfway to Paradise. The Copper Top was fantastic and others in the group enjoyed the Goachers. Food is also listed on a blackboard in this area and apparently the menu changes relatively frequently. I tried the duck which came with a haggis and black pudding potato cake which, despite being a bit of an odd combination, was very tasty. The staff were all incredibly welcoming and the young lad who waited on our table was very helpful in sorting out a mistake with our order. I noticed a sign outside detailing an upcoming May Bank Holiday beer festival which will have 60 beers and should be a great day out. I thought this place just about had everything you could want in a pub - a wonderful old interior, great food and beer, a lively atmosphere and friendly staff and locals. I'm very tempted to give a 10 out of 10 rating, but I usually reserve those for pubs that have stood up to repeat visits, so for now, based on my only visit, this is a very, very good 9 out of 10.