Abergavenny Arms, Tunbridge Wells

Fine old building - plausibly said to date from 1460 - with the side range nearest the road having a lower floor. The interior has been partly opened out to leave a central bar, a lounge / dining area (with a real fire) at one end, a larger restaurant at the other and at least two smaller rooms to the rear. All thoroughly refurbished in an upmarket semi-traditional style, but it still retains some character. There are also a couple of very modern transparent pods sat upon the compact terraced front garden. With just one of a pair of handpumps in use, it was no surprise whatsoever to find Harvey's being poured (£4.75, but first rate).

I popped into the Abergavenny Arms/Abergavenny Arms Hotel/Abergavenny Arms at Frant (depending on which sign outside is read) early on Friday afternoon. I was surprised how quiet it was with only four other customers as the George Inn on the high street was bursting at the seams. The mains start at £10 and go up into the £20s so maybe the local crowd prefer the cheaper option for lunch. Being so quiet I had no problem finding a space in the large car park at the side of the pub and after a short walk up some steps I was in. To the right there is a seating area that is really at the front of the pub, but due to being on the busy A267 the bar is at the rear where there is also a dining area. There is also outside seating area that is deceptively large as it wraps around the pub. The seats at the front afford some nice views over the Sussex hills, but unfortunately the traffic on the A267 is only feet away. The bar is stocked with standard draught products and the two hand pumps were drawing Harvey’s Best and Young’s Ordinary. I didn’t spot any TVs, but there was some low background music playing that detracted from the deadly silence. I have driven past this pub every weekday since September and this was my first visit, unfortunately it was probably my last as I prefer a proper pub where drinkers go.