The George Inn, Tunbridge Wells

Fine old village pub close by the church, expanded by several extensions of various ages. With all parts refurbished in a relatively light style, the overall L-shape layout comprises two distinct bars at the front (one with a welcome real fire), a separate restaurant off to one side and an open dining area branching off to the rear on the other. Also has a rear beer garden. With a pair of handpumps on each counter, there was a choice of Doom Bar, Oakham Citra and (surprise, surprise) Harvey's (£4.60).

Official site of The George Inn - thegeorgeinnfrant.co.uk

Official site of The George Inn - thegeorgeinnfrant.co.uk

The George Inn is located in the small well-to-do village of Frant and its existence would be unknown to most if there wasn’t an A-board pointing the short distance from the A267. There is a garden out the back with a patio and a large grass covered area dotted with picnic tables. Located at the end of the high street next to the church there is limited parking out the front and the street parking was minimal during my visit this lunchtime (Friday). The pub was very busy with an over sixties crowd who were tucking into the mains from the menu that came in at around £10. The ‘public’ bar area is to the right of the entrance where there is an inglenook and a door that leads to restaurant. The bar supports two hand pumps that were drawing Harvey’s Best and Doom Bar, the latter of which was on good form but expensive; or so I thought until I had visited some other pubs in the area. The draught is limited with Fosters, Stella, Kronenburg and Stowford Press cider being the options. I seem to recall a Guinness pump around to the left of the pub where the main body of seating wraps around to the rear and there is definitely a plasma screen that was switched off. There is no Sky Sports and there was no background music. A lunchtime visit to a food orientated pub is probably not the best time to go and I was glad to get on my way being at least twenty years younger than the second youngest diner. But, on a nice summer’s day I bet that not much beats a few beers in the garden of this village pub and I may visit at again at such a time.