Lord Raglan, Tonbridge

We’d planned to go to the Swan In Sutton Valence, but the village seemed to be in the throes of some New Year’s Day celebration, so we moved on through the flooded Weald to this pub. I’m sure I haven’t been here since I was in Young Farmers, but I have happy memories of it. An old cottage type building, with a curiously shaped bar opposite the front door, decorated with hopbines, this being still a hopgrowing area.Two open fires, glowing rather fitfully at either end of the bar added to the rural atmosphere. There was a pleasantly busy lunchtime trade, with both diners and drinkers. I was gratified to see Goachers Fine Light Ale, together with Harveys Sussex Best. The Goachers was on top form, and I will be ecstatic if every pint I drink in 2010 is as good as this. In addition, they had Double Vision Cider and a Perry both on handpump. There’s an interesting looking menu on chalk board behind the bar: we had the likes of hamburgers, sandwiches and sausage, egg ‘n’chips: all good hearty fare and good value. I’m sure that the pub is a picture in the spring, set as it is amongst orchards. We liked it: a fine start to the new year.