1 – The Woolpack
The Woolpack in Benover, A 20 minute walk from The Old Engineer. Traditional country pub, a cosy fire in winter and offers good home cooked hearty pub grub. There’s a beer garden in summer. They often put on live music (my husband’s in a band with the landlord!). A good idea to book as it can be popular. https://www.woolpackyalding.co.uk/ tel. 01892 730356
2- The Chequers Inn, Laddingford
The Chequers is a 15-20 minute walk up the road, turn left when leaving The Old Engineer. Sadly, the present landlords are leaving at the end of September, after running a fabulous pub that’s the centre of the community for 32 years. Good home cooked food and exactly what you dream of when you think of a traditional country pub. We’re hoping new people will takeover very soon.
3- Tipis
Tipis is a restaurant based at the Yalding Gardens (a 5 min drive from The Old Engineer) when they are not holding weddings. Food is served in their tipis in the garden. A fun place to eat outside wedding season. www.tipisrestaurant.co.uk
4- The Boat House
The Boat House, Nr Yalding, A modern pub/restaurant by the river which does standard pub food and a great pizza. A really lovely spot on the river for lunch or evenings drink and supper. It combines well with a walk along the river bank. Parking can sometimes be a bit of a pain. www.boathouseyalding.co.uk
5- The Stilebridge
The Stilebridge, just outside Marden (10 minute drive from The Old Engineer), this pub has a great reputation for food, I’d describe it as high end pub food, mentioned in the Michelin guide. It is owned by The Poet at Matfield which also has a great reputation for food. https://www.thestilebridge.com/
6- Tallow
Tallow, my favourite restaurant, in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells (20-25 minute drive from The Old Engineer). Fabulous food, fine dining at it’s best. A great place for a treat or special meal. Can be tricky to get a table but well worth it if you can, we love it. https://tallowrestaurant.co.uk
7- The Poet at Matfield
The Poet at Matfield is a lovely fine dining restaurant which is a 10/15 minute drive away, it’s the grown up sister restaurant to The Stilebridge near Marden. https://thepoetatmatfield.co.uk/
8- Swan on the green
Swan on the Green in West Peckham (about a 15 minute drive from The Od Engineer). This a very popular community pub which overlooks the cricket green. It serves good quality pub food in a lovely village location. It is close to Yotes and Mereworth vineyards. https://www.swan-on-the-green.co.uk
9- The Half Way House
The Halfway House near Brenchley, TN12 7AX (a 10/15 minute drive from The Old Engineer). A must visit pub for real ale fans. Good homemade food too. www.halfwayhousebrenchley.co.uk/
10- The Small Holding
The Small Holding in Kilndown (a 25 minute drive from The Old Engineer). This restaurant is well worth a visit if you’re a foodie, it has a great reputation with a farm-to-fork philosophy. It’s been awarded a green Michelin star. https://www.smallholdingrestaurant.com/