Fine dining, or something in-between

After my visit the other week to the upmarket Poacher & Partridge, I thought I’d take a look at another “fine dining” outlet. The pub I had in mind is just a couple of miles away from the Poacher but has a strikingly large number of similarities. It’s a public house called the Carpenters Arms, and it’s one that I’ve written about a couple of times in the past, mainly in connection with eating, and work’s summer parties. 

That would be Mrs PBT’s work’s bash, rather than my own, but since the pandemic the parties seem to have dried up. I’m not sure if that’s in line with the firm’s order book, or whether there’s some other reason, but these aren’t the sort of questions for me to ask. Instead, I used to just turn up, when instructed, and enjoy an evening of drink, plus a buffet, along with some interesting construction-like conversation.

Before getting down to the nitty-gritty of the article, it’s worth noting the unusual appearance of the Carpenters Arms. The pub is constructed to look like a “Dutch Barn”, a look which for a short while, was the house-style of former Maidstone brewers Style & Winch. The current building was constructed in 1932, and replaced two old cottages, which had formerly housed the pub. There are a number of other pubs, built in the same style, but only one is still trading as a pub. the World’s Wonder, in the village of Warehorne, on the edge of Romney Marsh. Style & Winch were a well-respected local brewer who were bought by the London brewers, Barclay Perkins shortly before the new pub was built. The company continued brewing their distinctive “Kentish Farmer” brand beers until well into the 1950’s when Barclays merged with their Southwark neighbours, Courage. The Maidstone Brewery then switched to producing Courage beers, until its closure in 1966.

The Carpenters underwent an extensive renovation several years ago and has since become a sought-after destination for residents of Tonbridge seeking a rural experience without venturing far from the town centre. The pub is conveniently accessible by bus during daytime hours, and offers a blend of bar, restaurant, and accommodation in a contemporary style. The interior features black and white photographs depicting the local area in former times, adding to the venue's character. An extensive and well-regarded menu appeals to a broad range of diners. The thoughtfully designed interior creates a welcoming atmosphere that balances modernity with comfort. 

Guests can enjoy al-fresco dining or drinks on either the front patio, the side garden, or the heated rear terrace. Upstairs, there are nine recently refurbished rooms that provide accommodation, for those wishing to stay longer. The Carpenter’s Arms is owned by Young’s plc, who reputedly paid a handsome sum for the pub.  Last time I called in, Young’s London Original, was one of the two cask offerings, but the beer isn't a patch on the Wadsworth-brewed original. So, here we have a beer that’s brewed at Burton-on-Trent, masquerading as a beer originating in the capital! Fortunately Harvey’s Sussex Best came to the rescue.

It’s a relatively easy journey to the Carpenters, from my house in Tonbridge, as the No. 7 Arriva bus, passes the junction where Three Elm Lane joins the A26, Hadlow Road. The bus stop is just before the large ESSO filling station, and shop – a feature you can’t really miss. The only slightly dodgy section in reaching the pub is the 6-minute walk along the lane to the Carpenters. 

I say dodgy because there is no pavement, and in places the hedge encroaches on the road, but it’s only a problem for a very short time, and if you keep your wits about you, with both eyes on the road ahead, whilst at the same time listening out for any traffic coming up behind, you will be fine. Then, before you know it, the pub will loom large on your left. The first part you’ll see is the raised, terrace garden, in front of the pub, and during the summer months you will probably hear the sounds of revelry, as well. I undertook this journey a couple of Sundays ago and am pleased to report that the outward and return journeys worked seamlessly. It is worth getting to the bus stop several minutes in advance, because buses sometimes run early, not often, I’ll grant you, but you don’t want to be the individual who gets caught out.

So, there we have it, another “fine dining” pub, worthy of a visit if you like that sort of thing, but if you want something more traditional and down to earth, then it’s worth shopping around. A mile and a half further along Three Elm Lane, in an easterly direction, will take you to the tiny hamlet of Golden Green and the Bell Inn. I’m fairly certain that I’ve never set foot in what CAMRA describes as “A well-kept traditional village pub, which is now a Free House and serving various local ales including Tonbridge Brewery.” With no mention of food, or even snacks, the Bell is the antithesis of fine dining, and a pub that sounds like the complete opposite to the Carpenters. I shall make a point of calling in, the next time I am passing, just so I can tick the place off.

Continuing for an additional mile and a half, towards the large, and sprawling  village of East Peckham, and you will see on your left, the picturesque Man of Kent, overlooking the river Bourne, in the hamlet of Little Mill. Now this 16^th century old inn is a pub I’ve been to several times in the past, and it's one I’d describe as being somewhere in between the Carpenters and the Bell. The Man of Kent is unusual these days in having two bars. The saloon bar has a very low oak beamed ceiling, so care is needed on entering! To the left is an alcove for dining while a massive, double-sided fireplace to the right separates the cosy public bar. The 208 bus, running between East Peckham and Tonbridge stops conveniently outside the pub, so there’s no excuse for me in not visiting this one. It has been on my radar for some time, so a trip out to the Bell, followed by  a stop off at the Man of Kent, sounds plausible for the next pub Friday!