The Vineyard, Tunbridge Wells

A traditional Kentish farmhouse style pub, brickbuilt and whitewashed on the edge of Lamberhurst Down. Formerly attached to the neighbouring vineyards,and called,I think The Swan, it is now part of a small locally based group of dining pubs. To the rear, the pub has been tastefully extended, with a large, if unexciting garden, together with a sunny patio, where we sat one hot August Saturday. Inside, the central business area serves a panelled dining room to one side, balanced by a more traditional bar with sofas and newspapers and the like.Impressively, the bar maintains a stillage hosting a house beer from Old Dairy, together with Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter and the ubiquitous Gloom Bar.These were served at the right temperature, and the first two, at least, were in great condition. Food was well presented and interesting in the modern idiom. Not perhaps a traditional pub, but well worth a try, before or after a visit to Scotney Castle or the romantic ruins of Bayham Abbey.

Official site of the Vineyard - www.elitepubs.com

Official site of the Vineyard - www.elitepubs.com