The Compasses Inn
Hidden above the downs between Canterbury and Ashford, the Compasses
is a great find, whether you are looking for a pit stop whilst cycling or walking
through, a relaxed meal or a fine Kentish ale.
Husband and wife team Robert and Donna Taylor haven’t been at the
Compasses for very long, but they obviously have a great love for what they do
and this reflects in the appearance of the pub itself and the care and attention
to every detail inside.
The couple has a wealth of knowledge between them having worked in some of
the best restaurants and hotels in London and Australia.
Robert says he feels lucky to own such a gorgeous pub in a beautiful part of
the county; “We are surrounded by game estates, rivers for fishing, amazing
farmlands with local producers and not to forget the stunning Kent coast line,”
he enthuses. With meat coming from as little as a quarter of a mile down the
road, and vegetables, herbs and fruit used from their very own garden, they
really have grasped the concept of fresh local produce which is very often used
too freely these days.
Donna describes the Compasses as a ‘muddy wellies and fine food kind of place’,
adding that “we have not lost sight of what the pub is about, and although it is
a fantastic ale house, we take great pride in our food offering what we feel is
good, honest, modern English pub food. We seek to carefully balance the two”.
Whilst visiting the Compasses, take the opportunity to explore the local area
which has some of the top ranked walks in the country. Park your car, set off on
foot or cycle, and return for a wellearned drink and something to eat.
The Compasses is very much family and pet friendly, with a large, fully enclosed
garden complete with climbing frames. There is even horse parking!
The compasses is the perfect setting for any occasion; whether it’s sitting in the
beer garden listening to live music, or a cosy supper in front of one of the many
log fires, you can always be sure of a warm country welcome.
Winner of Kent Life’s Pub of the Year 2015 and featured in Waitrose’s Good
Food Guide 2016.
10
insideKENT restaurant guide 2016
The Compasses Inn
Sole Street
Canterbury
CT4 7ES
01227 700300
compassesinncrundale
@gmail.com
thecompasses
crundale.co.uk
@compasses_inn