The Three Chimneys

Worth remembering if visiting nearby Sissinghurst Castle, this 15th-century timbered treasure has every natural advantage of being a classic country pub, its original, small-roomed layout and old-fashioned furnishings remain delightfully intact. There are old settles, low beams, wood-panelled walls, worn brick floors, crackling log fires, soft evening candlelight, and an absence of music and electronic games. Modern-day demand for dining space has seen the addition of the rear Garden Room and a tasteful conservatory, and drinkers and diners spill out onto the secluded heated side patio and vast shrub-filled garden, which are perfect for summer eating. Food is seasonally bang up-to-date and listed on daily-changing chalkboards. Tuck into a hearty ploughman's lunch or salmon and smoked haddock fishcakes with tartare sauce, or something more substantial, perhaps roast duck with bubble-and-squeak and port jus, or pan-fried rib-eye steak with garlic butter. If you have room for afters, try the delicious sticky toffee pudding. Adnams ales and the heady Biddenden cider are tapped direct from cask.