The Hand & Sceptre, Tunbridge Wells

Strongers . left this review about The Hand & Sceptre

I’ve driven past the Hand & Sceptre more times than I care to remember, and I’ve been planning to visit for a long time. This finally happened this week when I had to stop after a long detour around some hair-raising Kent country lanes due to a road closure on my normal route north. I couldn’t find access to the pub from the car park to the left, so I walked around the front to find steps up from the passing pavement to a large terrace full of patio furniture. Inside is an L-shaped serving counter that supports premium keg alongside Neck Oil and two hand pumps that were drawing Landlord and Doom Bar. As I was driving, I decided to have a coke that was offered in a can at any eye-watering £3.90. I know this is affluent Tunbridge Wells, but blimey that’s expensive! The are some high tables and lounge furniture around the bar area, but most of this pub is for dining so it wasn’t surprising to see Mother’s Day heavily advertised. Whenever I’ve driven past, I’ve always noticed that people in the car park are of the older generation, as were the clientele during my visit. I suppose they’re the only ones that can afford the prices. The service was polite, but I’ll not be revisiting.

On 27^th February 2026 - rating: 5
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