insideKENT Magazine Issue 80 - November 2018 | Page 131

FOOD+DRINK
KENT’S COSIEST
Winter Pubs cont.
The Compasses Inn
The Compasses Inn // Crundale
www.thecompassescrundale.co.uk The George and Dragon // Speldhurst
www.speldhurst.com
The wonderful open fire at The Compasses
Inn is huge, and it manages – despite being
slightly tucked around a corner – to warm the
entire bar and restaurant area. You feel, as you
walk through the door, as though this is truly
the place to be, thanks to the smell of great
food, and the cosy atmosphere in winter.
Crundale itself is in an area of outstanding
natural beauty, so that adds to the loveliness
of the place, but it is the pub itself that offers
the most charming and relaxing of
experiences. And to make things even more
interesting, some of the fruits and vegetables
used in creating the mouthwatering dishes
on the menu actually come from the pub’s
own garden. Perhaps one of the oldest cosy Kentish pubs
on our list, The George and Dragon at
Speldhurst dates back to the 13th century. As
well as the requisite crackling open log fires
and fine examples of how things used to be
built (the gorgeous oak beams are a prime
reminder of the way things were), The George
and Dragon is all about community. No
wonder it is so loved by everyone who steps
foot within its ancient walls. The ingredients
for the wonderful concoctions served up here
come from Kent wherever possible, and
sometimes from nearby Sussex (the Ashdown
Forest, to be precise) – as long as it is produced
within a 30-mile radius, it is considered to be
part of this great pub’s fine offerings, but it
really does have to be excellent to make the
grade. This is where you can order a pint of
Larkin’s bitter, which is only made three miles
from Speldhurst, and a good pie, and settle in
for the night. Or, if you want something a little
more decadent, why not try the local Kentish
lobster?
The Griffin’s Head // Chillenden
www.griffinsheadchillenden.co.uk
The Griffin’s Head is an idyllic Kentish country
pub and the inglenook fireplaces are certainly
testament to that. The pub was originally a
farmhouse back in 1286 when it was first built
and over time its handy position and
welcoming atmosphere have seen it turn
into a much-loved tavern, inn and now pub
with a menu that everyone will appreciate.
There are Kentish ales on offer here too, giving
you the full cosy pub experience in one
gorgeous place.
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