KENTSTAYCATION
Cosy Pubs cont ...
SARGASSO
BEST FOR : KEEPING THE KIDS ENTERTAINED
The Waggon at Hale , Near Chatham
This family-friendly establishment near to Chatham has everything you ’ d expect from a traditional country pub , but with a few added extras , too .
Inside it blends a contemporary aesthetic with traditional features , and the extensive menu has something for everyone .
What really sets this pub apart is its familyfriendly outdoor space . As well as a kids ’ play area , there ’ s also animals that children can meet , and even feed .
Discover Hugo , Custard and Cream the goats ; Pudding , Star , Hammy and Coco the pigs ; plus a selection of rabbits , guinea pigs and chickens . The challenge will be trying to persuade the family it ’ s time to leave .
waggonathale . com
BEST FOR : A POST-WALK PIT-STOP
Five Bells , Brabourne
If autumnal walks , followed by a stop at a cosy pub are your thing , then you ’ ll want to plan your next excursion around a visit to the Five Bells in Brabourne .
This quintessential English country pub is a stunning 16th century inn overlooking the rolling hills of the North Downs .
With locally-sourced ingredients , woodfired pizzas and a strong vegan offering on the menu , there ’ s sure to be something to tantalise taste-buds .
Thanks to its location on the North Downs , there ’ s some excellent walking routes to and from the pub that ’ ll certainly build up your appetite - or , you can head there once you ’ ve clocked up your step count and enjoy a well-deserved meal and drink by the fire .
www . fivebellsbrabourne . co . uk
BEST FOR : REAL ALES
The Dog House , Ashford
If quirky , with a side of local Kentish fare is what you ’ re after then you can ’ t go far wrong with this micropub . Situated on the Evegate Business Park in Smeeth , this pub was awarded the CAMRA ( Campaign for Real Ale ) ‘ Pub of the Year ’ accolade for the Ashford , Folkestone and Romney Marsh area .
The Dog House was quite literally just that ; a barn for convalescing dogs after receiving veterinary treatment . But now it ’ s home to an array of local beers and ales that visitors travel far and wide to sample .
Food is also served at this establishment , so you can start the morning with a breakfast burrito , enjoy your lunchtime beer with a sandwich or burger , and then from Thursday - Saturday dinner is served .
thedoghousepub . co . uk
BEST FOR : A STYLISH SLUMBER
The Mount Edgcumbe , Tunbridge Wells
Situated in the perfect location to explore all Tunbridge Wells has to offer , The Mount Edgcumbe is a former Grade II listed house that has been lovingly restored and turned
into a pub and restaurant with boutique accommodation , too .
In the bar area you ’ ll find a snug like no other ; the 6th-century sandstone cave is a real talking point and with its large sofas and twinkling lights , it ’ s the perfect place to stay cosy on a chilly day .
Upstairs there ’ s six luxury boutique bedrooms , each with their own individual style . Some include roll-top baths for the ultimate indulgence , so enjoy your dinner and drinks downstairs by the roaring fire and then make your way upstairs for a stylish slumber .
www . themountedgcumbe . com
BEST FOR : DATE NIGHT
Sargasso , Margate
Technically , Sargasso is a wine bar and not a pub , but while it might be lacking beams and a fireplace , it does ooze plenty of charm and character .
Nestled against the sea wall of Margate ’ s harbour arm , it offers an ever-changing menu featuring the likes of smoked eel , mussels and squid sandwiches , all washed down with an array of speciality and specially selected drinks . There ’ s wine , beer , cocktails and even kombucha on offer here .
So , if you ’ re looking for somewhere to take refuge from the wild North Sea coast , this bolthole is the perfect place .
www . sargasso . bar www . insidekent . co . uk • 101