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I am meeting various bits of family somewhere near Ashford on Boxing Day. we are coming from Carmarthenshire, en route to Dover. Brother in Law and family are in Ashford. My sister and family are in Hadlow. They barely know each other. Sis's kids are very noisy so fine dining is out.
Any decent pubs spring to mind with anyone. I can find a lot of pub grub type places on TripAdvisor, but they all seem to be pretty similar steak and chips type places.
Ambrose
There’s a few Tiger Inn at Stowting is popular but not been there myself for a while but have heard good things.
Five Bells at Brabourne again popular , expensive and overrated in my opinion.
They are part of a chain, with Woolpack at Warehorne, Radnor Arms in Folkestone and one in Rye.
You could try Pullman in Folkestone again good reputation but I’ve not been.
Personally I think Gatekeeper in Etchinghill might serve you well, decent beer and pub type food reasonably big to accommodate your group.
I’ll have a think and see if I can come up with any others.
Tiger Inn at Stowting would be a solid choice, nice location too.
The Black Horse at Monks Horton was always good and I've heard good things about The Timber Batts at Bodsham, which is slightly out of the way, but has a foundry attached and "interesting" decor.
Detour towards Canterbury and hit the Granville? (Assuming you want food)
http://www.granvillelowerhardres.co.uk
Many a year since I left Kent, the tickle trout in wye used to be quite good.
Drum Inn near Ashford is OK, we stay there en route to Cumbria from Spain (and back) as they have free camping out the back if you have dinner there, and it's 5min from the chunnel. As such, there's quite often kids in there with no problems. Quite fond of it as it's often the first pint of proper beer I've had (or will have) for a year, and it doesn't disappoint!
+1 for The Drum. Not been there for a year or so but food and ale was top notch last time.
@grahamh Yes the Tickled Trout is still pretty good, go there fairly regularly.
The Blacksmiths Arms in Willesborough did good food too.
New Flying Horse in Wye is nice.
If you fancy something a bit more different/interesting, the Timber Batts in Bodsham has been taken over by some mad blacksmiths and has the sort of decor featuring bits of american car and fairground rides that you'd expect to see in Soho, or a Clockwork Orange. It's also still very good as a pub with decent drinks and food. Check the opening hours though - they're not open every day.
the compasses in Crundale.
avoid ashford itself it’s a pox-hole.
whats the Hooden smoke house on Lees road like? i noticed it when getting the bus to visit somebody in the william harvey.
Hooden has an enormous garden which would be great in the summer. Beer choice is poor despite the "real ale" sign outside (didn't have [I]any[/I] when I went). Only eaten there once when they had a Caribbean night served from their outdoor kitchen - was pretty average, small portion & overpriced. Probably won't bother again tbh.
Ashford itself has a newish venue (Taproom TN23) which is excellent, so if you must go into town then head there (yes everywhere else is shite!) It's a taproom for the London brewery Hop Stuff. Great range of craft beers at eye-watering (London) prices. Still, keeps the plebs out 😃 Food is great but limited (sourdough pizzas & sides basically). Worth popping in on Sunday when it's quieter & pizzas are 2 for 1!