The Spotted Dog, Penshurst

if dry cider is your tipple then you must indulge in the 7.5% Bone Dry Chiddingstone Cider which is pure pleasure. otherwise there are local beers, larkins and harveys as well as the odd guest ale. Food in the dog has always been very good and rivals any gastro-pub in london. Back in the day there was a much wider selection in terms of menus from the exotic to traditional, all on chalkboard but now the kithcen have opted for a slimmed-down traditional menu jam packed with local produce. the 2 log fires and low ceilings give it a homely-olde-worldy feel as does the pile of walking boots at the door (this is a ramblers pub!). for the brave in winter, or when the weather warms up there is a terrace front and back, the rear having excellent views over the massive estate of penshusrt place and the weald. this place is positively a relaxing experience....word of warning tho': sunday lunchtime is absolutely rammed. the roasts are legendary so don't think about going if you haven't booked at least a week in advance or you will rarely find service as the previous reviewer's comments show.

13 Apr 2006 19:03