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Disappointment of the week with Mobyduck
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The High Rocks, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells
TN3 9JJ
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The High Rocks
Restaurant and function venue opposite the eponymous geological curiosity that also has a bar open to all downstairs. This shares the faux-traditional look of the main spaces, but for most of the year, the extensive beer garden is used for casual visitors. The three handpumps were clipped with the 'house' Best Bitter (of unknown provenance), Youngs Original and the local Countryman from Tonbridge (£5.00), but only the latter proved to be available, and then only on gravity from a pin. However, at least the place was open, which isn't always the case if booked out for weddings, etc, so best to ring first...
On 13th February 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about The High Rocks
A long, winding country lane leads from the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells to this pub, restaurant and wedding venue. The pub takes its name from the unusual rock formations that are found on the other side of the road, with tickets for the site available from behind the bar. Entering from the road you find yourself in a lobby area, presumably used to co-ordinate events in the five different function rooms available. To access the bar, you need to descend the staircase to the front left or alternatively enter via the beer garden. The bar is surprisingly small for such a large venue, forming a single U-shaped room with a central servery, lots of dark wood beams, exposed masonry and old carpet throughout. Standard tables and chairs fill out three sides of the room, although we found the place a bit gloomy, even on an unseasonably bright day, and elected to sit outdoors instead. The room has been decorated with a few interesting items, including a large old-fashioned camera, some weighing scales and various black and white photos whilst there is an attractive stained glass pane at the far end of the bar counter. A more modern concession came in the form of the large TV screen in one corner of the room, although this was switched off throughout our visit. A door to the rear leads down some steps into a rather glitzy looking function room, whilst the end wall has a door out to the marvellous patio and garden, with a large lawn, well tended flower beds, ample seating and a view down to the steam railway line which runs behind the building and has a stop nearby.
There wasn't too much by way of excitement on the bar, with just Harveys Best and Fullers London Pride to pick from. I tried the Harveys, which was passable, although I turned down the offer of a second pint, opting to head back into town for a wider choice. We also stopped here for food and our attempts to enjoy a light lunch by ordering sandwiches were scuppered by the absolute doorstep than landed on the table. Still, it was pretty good value I suppose and tasty enough. The staff seemed a bit of a mixed bunch, with surly waiting staff but a very friendly barman.
I think anyone visiting the High Rocks complex would do well to incorporate a brief visit to this unusual pub, especially on a warm day when the garden can be best appreciated. I guess this pub won't have many, if any, regulars, which doesn't make for the best atmosphere, but unlike many pub's near tourist attractions, I felt they were at least making an effort and was pleased we stopped in for a while.
On 17th April 2015
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The High Rocks
The High Rocks is a mix of pub, restaurant and Banqueting complex and is the hub of this local, and not widely known, beauty spot that comprises a scenic area of sandstone outcrops (very popular with climbers), woodland walks and the Spa Valley steam railway station. The extensively expanded main building is hidden under a mass of Ivy with the main entrance at road level leading to the reception and lounge area. The bar (which is what we are interested in on this site) is downstairs. Given that the area can attract large numbers of people, it is surprising that the bar is actually quite small in context of the building itself and, perhaps not so surprisingly, much of it is designated for diners. The style is mock Tudor with a central brick bar and rustic feel and whilst drinkers will feel less accommodated for than the diners, most people would only tend to come here during good weather so the huge beer garden more than compensates for the lack of space inside. 2 Ales – Flowers and Pride (albeit only the Flowers was available on my visit but good quality). Prices are high, especially the food so if you are planning to make a Sunday Lunch out of it, you will need to come with a bulging wallet. The large patio area and expansive lawns are spacious, well kept, extremely attractive and with the steam trains pulling up alongside, it all makes quite an idyllic afternoon after a stroll through the Rocks themselves (tickets are available at the bar). Service was pretty good and one of the waiters is quite a character. Whilst the bar / restaurant is family friendly, the Rocks themselves can be a very exciting but dangerous place for kids so care should be taken if planning take a walk over them.
On 20th June 2008
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]