The Bottle House, Tonbridge

A white weather board pub, with sandstone detailing in a relatively isolated and elevated location between Fordcombe and Penshurst.Given its position in a rather upmarket corner of the county,food plays an important role:indeed ,on our Saturday evening visit early in February,I don't recall any drinkers at the bar. However,the welcome was warm and businesslike,and the meal fine.On the impressive copper fronted bar,alongside kegs from the likes of ChapelDown,were the local Larkin's Traditional together with BB from Brumaison over at Marden. This was a revelation from a brewery I hadn't really considered,a session bitter with a deal of character. In good walking country,this is well worth a visit.

One of those remote "you wouldn't really believe that it is still there" country pubs that we recently encountered several decades after my previous visit. Attractive white weatherboarded façade, with a very pleasant front patio beer garden. The interior has been tastefully refurbished in a semi-modern style, and is clearly aimed at upmarket diners. However, the efficient staff were very welcoming and there was no problem getting smaller bar food dishes rather than full-blown Sunday roast lunches. Three real ales on handpump: Harveys, Larkins Traditional and a splendid pint of Westerham Spirit of Kent XXX Pale Ale. Well worth seeking out.

Bottle House official site, contains menus - www.thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk

Bottle House official site, contains menus - www.thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk