The picturesque village of Frittenden in Kent is known for its excellent eateries. It offers a mix of historical pubs and contemporary dining spots. This blend creates a wonderful dining scene that celebrates local produce and innovative cuisine. These places are regarded as the best restaurants in Frittenden.
In Frittenden, dining options vary widely, catering to all tastes. Historic pubs and modern kitchens provide a peek into local food culture.
For both locals and visitors, these finest eateries in Frittenden offer great food and a deep cultural experience. Establishments like The Knoxbridge Café are celebrated for traditional meals1. They have become key parts of the area’s food heritage.
Sampling the cuisine at these dining spots in Frittenden lets you enjoy authentic Kentish tastes. Each restaurant brings out the distinctive qualities of Frittenden, ensuring your dining experience remains memorable.
The Knoxbridge Inn
The Knoxbridge Inn, located on Cranbrook Road, has a history that goes back to the Roman era. It’s known for its warm atmosphere, making it a favourite among the locals and visitors in Frittenden. They offer tasty British food, with options for everyone including Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian dishes2.
Culinary Delights
Here, guests can enjoy a variety of three ales, select wines, and a menu filled with favourites like Fish and Chips, Roast Lamb, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Thanks to a skilled French chef, the Knoxbridge Inn is celebrated for its excellent cuisine, offering daily specials2.
The Inn doesn’t just stop at great food. It provides free Wi-Fi, is dog-friendly, offers live music sometimes, and has games for guests3.
Being named CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2018 highlights its superb service. It’s perfectly located on A229, making it easy for both locals and tourists to find and enjoy visiting Frittenden4.
Cosy Ambiance
It boasts comfy sofas near the fire and a lovely garden for the sunny days. Recent efforts to renovate and improve the atmosphere have paid off, creating a better place by investing and dealing with past issues4.
This cosy stop on the A229 has won over many with its hospitality, generous servings, fair prices, and friendly vibes2. It stands out in Frittenden as an ideal spot for enjoyable meals in a homely environment, highly recommended by those who visit2.
The Bell & Jorrocks
The Bell & Jorrocks is at the heart of Frittenden’s social life. It was once called The Bell. This historic spot has been key to the community since the 1700s, documented from 17415. Over time, it changed from a business hub to Frittenden’s favoured dining place3.
Live Music and Events
The Bell & Jorrocks is famous for its live music and events. It features local bands, making nights unforgettable. It combines traditional fun with modern dining, offering a unique vibe. Plus, it hosts a beer festival in mid-April in its stables3.
Local Specialties
The Bell & Jorrocks stands out for its delightful food. Offering dishes made from local produce. Its menu reflects its history, from Dive Bearsby’s era in 18815 to winning CAMRA Pub of the Year in 20183. It’s a top spot for food lovers in Frittenden.
On Sundays, a pizza van adds variety to the menu3. Whether it’s for the music, events, or food, The Bell & Jorrocks is a must-visit. It’s become a staple in Frittenden’s history and traditions.
The Great House at Hawkhurst
The Great House at Hawkhurst sits beautifully in the Weald. It offers a special dining experience that combines great food with history. Guests will love the fine cuisine and the lovely atmosphere of its garden. The house, in a 1500s white clapboard building, was once used by smugglers. Now, it invites visitors to enjoy excellent food in its warm and inviting setting.
The Great House skillfully blends old architecture with fantastic food. It’s a highlight in Frittenden for having a meal. The place is a gem in the Tunbridge Wells region, famed for good pubs. Yet, the Great House stands out for its elegant food and historical charm6. Close by, The Knoxbridge Inn in Frittenden changes its ales often and has a French chef. This adds to the area’s culinary appeal6. Finding the best spots to eat in Frittenden thus becomes a thrilling journey.
At The Great House, visitors will enjoy modern British dishes with a touch of tradition. It’s set against a beautiful backdrop, making dining here exceptional. The mix of old and new highlights Frittenden’s dining evolution, placing The Great House on the must-visit list. For those keen on more discoveries, a trip to The Knoxbridge is highly recommended to round off your culinary adventure.
Food and Atmosphere at The Kentish Hare
In the lovely village of Bidborough, The Kentish Hare shines bright. It’s famous for mixing great food with a cozy atmosphere. As one of the ‘Top 5 Gastro Pubs’ by Estrella Damm, it’s a gem among restaurants in Frittenden that both locals and visitors love.
Award-Winning Cuisine
This pub is celebrated for its amazing food and quest for perfection. It ranks 12th among the UK’s best gastropubs, standing tall with the top names in the sector7. The menu changes every day, showing off the season’s best and the importance of local sources7. By focusing on locally sourced ingredients, each dish honours the region’s produce7.
Local Favourites
The Kentish lamb and fresh seafood are crowd-pleasers. The interior is welcoming, making it a top choice in Frittenden. Patrons laud the pub for its local real ales and ciders. This emphasises its place in providing a true British dining experience. Its authentic vibe confirms why The Kentish Hare is a visit-worthy spot among Frittenden’s best eateries.
Visiting the UK’s culinary spots? Don’t skip The Kentish Hare. Its award-winning food and inviting atmosphere promise an incomparable dining experience.
The Spotted Dog at Penshurst
The Spotted Dog at Penshurst strikes the perfect balance between old-world charm and modern comforts. It is a favored place for those in search of top dining spots in Frittenden. This inn from the 15th century sits beautifully in Kent’s scenic countryside. It is famous for its hearty menu, with its signature pies being a highlight after a stroll in the country. The landlord always opts for local produce.
It’s surrounded by peaceful views, making it a perfect spot for relaxation, especially in summer.
“The Spotted Dog at Penshurst is consistently praised for its good beer and food as well as its garden views”8.
This inn offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s especially inviting during the cold winter months.
As a cosy pub, it stands out as an ideal spot among dining places in Frittenden.
Best restaurants in Frittennent
Frittenden is a spot where food lovers find delight. It’s filled with eateries that mix beauty, tradition, and top-notch food. Below, we highlight some favourites based on what customers say.
Popular Choices
The Elephants Head stands out in Frittenden. It’s known for its historic feel and the beautiful walks nearby. The Duke of York in Royal Tunbridge Wells is perfect for classic pub meals. Another top pick is The Mount Edgcumbe, famous for its special grotto seating and tasty dishes. These places show off what’s best about dining in Frittenden, earning great reviews from customers.
Customer Reviews
Customers often talk about the excellent food and welcoming vibe at Frittenden’s restaurants. The Elephants Head gets praise for its old charm and nearby scenic paths. People love The Duke of York for its cosy feel and filling food. The Mount Edgcumbe also impresses with its unique seating and varied menu. All three are loved by visitors and stand out in customer reviews.
For an extra touch to your meal out, Pound Hill Cottage offers a peaceful stay. It has room for two, an en-suite with a walk-in shower, a Smart TV, and WiFi. Near the best eateries, it comes with a comfy living space, a wood-burner, and electric radiators. There’s also a garden and a fishing pond, making it perfect for dining explorations in Frittenden9.
The Elephants Head
Frittenden loves The Elephants Head for its historic charm and great beers. This spot is in a Tudor house listed as Grade II, with roots reaching back to 1489. It’s a dream spot for anyone who loves history.
Historic Setting
The Elephants Head is top among Frittenden’s eateries. It invites guests to dive into history. Every corner has a story from the past.
The inside, with its original wooden beams and cosy fires, feels like Tudor times. Outside, walking paths show off the stunning countryside. It’s perfect for those wanting peace, loved by locals and visitors alike.
Available Ales
You must try the ales at The Elephants Head. They come from the famous Harvey Brewery, known for rich taste. The pub is famous for its quality, standing among 46 that serve real ales in the area10.
It’s also dog-friendly and has outdoor seats. It welcomes everyone, including pet owners10.
The Star and Eagle at Goudhurst
In the lovely village of Goudhurst, The Star and Eagle welcomes everyone warmly. It’s a family-run spot known for great hospitality. Close to Bedgebury Pinetum and Bewl Water, visitors have easy access to beautiful Kent landscapes.
Family-Owned Charm
Walking into The Star and Eagle, you feel the friendly vibe right away. It’s known for its cosy and romantic feel, pairing well with its European dishes. The service is top-notch, with a 9.5 rating for staff friendliness11. The hotel also offers non-smoking rooms, complimentary WiFi and parking, plus daily housekeeping11.
Seasonal Menu
The Star and Eagle’s seasonal menu brings the best fresh ingredients to your table. It caters to all, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and those needing gluten-free or dairy-free meals11. With a great 8.4 rating from 287 reviews12, it’s a standout in Frittenden. For more local vibes, check out Tunbridge Wells’ live music scene.
Source Links
- Cafés | Visit Tunbridge Wells – https://visittunbridgewells.com/eat-and-drink/cafes/
- TOP 10 BEST Restaurants in United Kingdom – Updated July 2024 – Sluurpy – https://www.sluurpy.co.uk/frittenden/restaurants/6222874-cajun-chicken
- Bell & Jorrocks, Frittenden – https://www1.camra.org.uk/pubs/bell-jorrocks-frittenden-172656
- Pub to be quizzed over claims police say residents are afraid for their safety – https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/kent-village-pub-quizzed-over-9401336
- BELL AND JORROCKS Pub of Frittenden – http://www.dover-kent.com/2014-project/Bell-and-Jorrocks-Frittenden.html
- Pubs | Visit Tunbridge Wells – https://visittunbridgewells.com/eat-and-drink/pubs/
- 6 Kent gastropubs rated as the best in the UK – https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/food-drink/6-kent-gastropubs-canterbury-tunbridge-6547436?int_source=mantis_rec&int_medium=web&int_campaign=more_like_this
- Dog pubs. Real ale. – http://www.pamelasmusic.co.uk/Pubguide.htm
- Pound Hill Cottage (CB564) | Original Cottages – https://www.originalcottages.co.uk/kent-cottages/kent-countryside/frittenden/cb564-pound-hill-cottage
- A-Z of dog friendly pubs in Kent – https://countrysidebooks.co.uk/blogs/news/a-z-of-dog-friendly-pubs-in-kent
- ★★★★ The Star And Eagle Hotel, Goudhurst, UK – https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-star-and-eagle.en-gb.html
- 6 hotels in Frittenden, United Kingdom. – https://www.booking.com/city/gb/frittenden.en-gb.html
