The Bull Inn, Tunbridge Wells

I’ve driven past the Bull on many occasions, but my visit on a recent Sunday evening was the first time I’d been in. This is an L-shaped Shepherd Neame pub with central L-shaped bar counter. Premium keg was available and two of the three handpumps were in operation drawing Late Red and Master Brew. Food is available, the burger is priced at £13. It was very busy and there were no spare tables so we ended up sitting in the beer garden at the rear where there are picnic tables as well as an uninviting barn at the rear with covered seating. Out the front are a few picnic tables behind a waist high picket fence. The service was polite, but I didn’t rate this pub.

I guess that this Shepherd Neame house might once have been a country pub, but it has long since been swallowed up in the southern part of the town's older suburbs. Surprisingly basic in some ways, but refurbished in a semi-modern style with a mix of furniture around the opened-out 'L'-shaped interior. Part set aside for dining. Also has several wooden benches out front and a row of same in a narrow rear area. Master Brew, Spitfire Gold and Samuel Adams (£3.95) from the three handpumps.