insideKENT Magazine Issue 80 - November 2018 | Page 137

FOOD+DRINK
KENT’S COSIEST
Winter Pubs cont.
Five Bells Inn
Five Bells Inn // East Brabourne
www.fivebellsinnbrabourne.co.uk The Woolpack Inn // Romney Marsh
www.woolpackinnbrookland.co.uk
Once upon a time, it was only the most hardy
(or most local) people who would venture into
the Five Bells Inn – not because it wasn’t
welcoming (it’s always been exactly that), but
because it is located in a pretty, remote
location. Today, however, thanks to sat navs
and cars that can contend effectively with
country lanes, the Five Bells doesn’t have to
worry about being forgotten about; it’s found
regularly and enjoyed immensely by travellers
from near and far. The inn dates from the 16th
century when it was the ideal resting place for
pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, or
travellers venturing towards France. It rests
neatly on the famous Pilgrims Way and makes
the most of its unique and enviable position
by being utterly charming and unforgettable.
Passersby aren’t often able to resist its open
fire and beamed ceilings, especially on a chilly
winter’s day. The Woolpack Inn is over 600 years old and
was once a place popular with smugglers.
There is a huge amount of history here and
all of it fascinating – and utterly Kentish. Today,
you can see beautiful old beams covered with
hops, a quarry-tiled bar and an attention-
grabbing inglenook fireplace. A favourite with
walkers, The Woolpack Inn is the ideal spot to
refuel. Everything is locally produced and
seasonal, and with a menu that includes
homemade chilli con carne, steak and ale pie
and a traditional mixed grill, you just can’t
go wrong.
The Lion // Farningham
www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/east/theli
onfarningham
Ever since the 16th century when it first
opened, The Lion has been Farningham’s
favourite go to place for a good drink and
some truly wonderful and cosy fireside chats.
This was where all the most important village
meetings took place, and today it is just as
welcoming and just as impressive. This is a
traditional country pub and the evidence is
there for all to see in the large fireplaces, the
beams, the wood panelling and the casks that
sit behind the bar.
The Little Brown Jug // Chiddingstone
www.thelittlebrownjug.co.uk
A proper country pub on a proper country
lane is always something of a joy, and The
Little Brown Jug situated near to Penshurst in
the Kentish Weald is exactly that. If you have
been out for the day visiting Hever Castle,
Penshurst Place, or Chiddingstone Castle, The
Little Brown Jug is the perfect place to rest
your tired feet and sit for a spell. The pub is
bigger than it seems from the outside, but that
doesn’t mean it’s not cosy – it definitely is,
thanks to the lighting, the intimate corner
seating, shelves filled with books, old pictures
on the walls and of course the traditional
roaring open log fires. Enjoy filling food in the
restaurant or, for the hardier visitor, try one of
the three heated huts out in the garden.
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