Friday, June 13, 2014

Beer and Pub Grub in Tonbridge??

A customer in Mr. Books just asked me if I, or anyone else, can recommend a decent pub to take a bunch of older folk for a beer and a bit of pub grub. The snag though is one of them is a vegetarian, none of them want to drive anywhere and they don't want to walk too far. Basically it boils down to the centre of town or the outer rim of the town centre. I mentioned the P&J (which no longer does food so I'm told so that's out) Wetherspoons (not quite smart enough) Ivy House (a strong possibility) Anyone got any suggestions, especially you Paul Bailey? What about the George and Dragon? Nice pub, decent pint; but do they do decent grub?? Surely these lovely people won't have to resort to hopping on a bus to Tunbridge Wells will they?!..

12 comments:

Unknown said...

George and Dragon is a wet pub "No food". Pity about not wanting to travel as Carpenter's Arms (in Thee Elm Lane) and The Hadlow Bar and Grill (used to Rose Revive) do nice grub.

Mike said...

Thanks Mark and Colin. And thanks in advance of any further advice.

Paul Bailey said...

No definite suggestions, I'm afraid TB. I don't work in Tonbridge, so consequently am rarely in the town of a lunchtime.

The Chequers and the Man of Kent, both used to serve food at lunchtimes, but I'm not sure they still do. Your customer could try the Primrose, at the top of Pembury Road, or the Cardinal's Error. The Forester's may even do meals at lmidday, although it's not a pub I'd recommend to the older generation. (I include myself here!).

Town pubs serving food at lunchtime, seem to be a dying breed; as are many pubs in general.

Unknown said...

Last time I went to the Forester's the kitchen wasn't being used. Suggest you go onto Trip Advisor and look at what diners have said about The Cardinal's Error, Chequers, Man of Kent and Primrose.

Paul Bailey said...

I couldn't find anything on Trip Advisor about the four pubs you mention, Colin, but some of the reviews on BITE are not that complimentary.

However, comments are often posted on these sites by people with a grudge, so I don't take them all that seriously. Am planning a walk-about, of some of the pubs in south Tonbridge, just to see what's changed locally.

I believe the four pubs you mentioned are owned by a Tonbridge-based outfit called Pendry Inns. Can't find out much about them on-line, but have heard mixed reports from various people.

Tonbridge blogger said...

I wish some of my posts about book related matters would get this much interest!!

Anonymous said...

Good job you dont live in Hadlow with 2 of the 3 pubs that were in the centre now closed and with for sale signs.

Anonymous said...

What about the Slug with 50% off of food on Mondays? Menu

Anonymous said...

No contest!
If your people want really nice food. In a relaxed (and civilised) pub, it has to be the Ivy House. Ticks all their boxes.

Paul Bailey said...

Noticed a sign advertising food, outside the Primrose yesterday. I was driving past, so I couldn't really see the details.

Anonymous, what is going on in Hadlow? If a pub like the Harrow is up for sale, because no-one can make a go of it, then something is serious wrong. Shepherd Neame seem to be experiencing a high turn-over of tennents in their tied houses, but they've obviously given up on the Harrow.

I also noticed the Prince of Wales closed, with some sort of building work going on. Any idea what's going on with his one?

The Rose Revived has reverted to a pub again, after a spell as a curry house. Anyone been in to see what it's like?

Anonymous said...

Harrow for sale at £750,000. Prince of Wales on at £350,000. Need to sell a lot of food and drink to make a return with VAT at 20% on all food and at least 50p per pint beer tax.

Anonymous said...

The Prince of Wales is being converted to an accommodation facility for a firm operating in the area to house visitor staying overnight.