£££Modern Cuisine
You'll get a warm and friendly welcome at this cosy neighbourhood restaurant run by experienced couple Rob and Donna. Situated overlooking the green at Southborough, it's a rustic, homely place with an intimate chef's table counter upstairs if you're looking for a special occasion. Time and care is poured into every well-constructed dish, with each one showcasing the kitchen's strong knowledge of culinary techniques while delivering bold, hearty flavours. Look out for seasonal desserts like sake-marinated Gariguette strawberries.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Southborough, Tallow specializes in modern cuisine. Based on 80 reviews (avg 4.4/5), food quality is the primary strength, with guests praising Chef Robert’s tasting menu, artistic plating, and standout dishes like soda bread. Service is generally knowledgeable, though some note pacing issues and delayed menu delivery. The atmosphere features a pleasant upstairs dining room with tree views, although the log burner can make it too warm in winter. Value perceptions vary; while many find the experience exceptional, others cite high prices relative to portion sizes. Overall, Tallow offers a refined culinary experience, best suited for those prioritizing food quality over consistent service speed.
Ideal for diners prioritizing culinary creativity and modern cuisine quality, with expectations managed regarding service pacing.
£££Modern Cuisine
Behind the clapboard façade sits a spacious bar with bookshelf wallpaper and a modern extension where you can watch the chefs cooking steaks on two Big Green Eggs. Care is taken both in sourcing and cooking, and dishes are boldly flavoured and well-presented. Simpler dishes are available on the bar menu.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Kentish Hare in Southborough offers modern cuisine with generally high food quality, featuring standout dishes like seabass, chicken liver parfait, and excellent Sunday roasts. Vegetarian options receive mixed feedback. Service is largely praised for being friendly and attentive, with specific mentions of staff member Carla, though some guests report pacing issues or cold attitudes. The ambiance is bright and airy, highlighted by an open kitchen and beautiful gardens, with full wheelchair accessibility. While many find the value acceptable, some consider it expensive. Drink selections, particularly Pimm's, could be improved. Overall, it is a solid choice for special occasions and casual dining.
Ideal for families or groups seeking high-quality modern cuisine, accessible facilities, and a garden setting for celebrations.
££££Modern British
Considering its name, it may come as a surprise to learn that there are actually only four counter seats at this dark and moody restaurant on a leafy street. Those spots are very much the prized tickets however, as they give you a great view of the action and you'll be served by the eponymous chef himself. His cooking is rooted in local suppliers (and some produce from the kitchen garden), resulting in dishes that shine a spotlight on top-quality central ingredients like succulent Sussex chicken – even the wine list features some nearby growers. The service is personable and pleasingly relaxed
£££Modern British
A softly illuminated clapboard house; the oldest in town and once home to the eponymous author. Classic dishes have modern elements and feature lots of different ingredients. The moody first floor private rooms showcase local art.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Thackeray's Restaurant in Royal Tunbridge Wells offers Modern British cuisine. Based on 80 reviews (avg 4.1/5), guests frequently praise the beautiful presentation, attentive service, and relaxed atmosphere. Staff are noted for personalized touches, such as surprise cakes for birthdays. The venue features the elegant Pinkerton Room for private dining. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with tasteless starters, small portions, slow pacing, and a lack of high-end ambiance. While many consider it the finest local option, others find it overpriced for the experience. It suits families and celebratory occasions seeking traditional dining, though expectations regarding value and consistency should be managed.
Ideal for family gatherings or celebrations, with advance booking recommended.
££££Modern British
There's a rustic, farmhouse-like feel to this former village pub run by two brothers. The team's focus is firmly on self-sufficiency, growing an array of fruit and vegetables on their own land, using no-dig and low-intervention methods. This seasonal produce heavily informs the monthly changing tasting menu, which blends British and Nordic culinary influences in dishes that have bold, well-balanced flavours and lots of personality. In summer, grab a seat on the terrace for an aperitif overlooking the garden.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
The Small Holding in Lamberhurst offers modern British cuisine with high ratings. Food quality is frequently praised for being flavorful, inventive, and fresh, with some noting it surpasses other starred establishments. Service is generally excellent and professional, though isolated complaints cite slow pacing. The ambiance blends relaxed elegance with a stylish interior and views of the farm. Value perceptions vary; while many find the experience worthwhile, others criticize the extremely small portion sizes, describing them as hors d'oeuvre-sized, which leaves some guests hungry despite the high cost.
Suitable for diners seeking refined, creative cuisine and farm views, though those sensitive to small portions should consider larger menu options.
££Fusion
You'll receive a warm welcome at this well-run roadside pub where vintage charm blends with contemporary cool. The extensive menu is rooted in top-quality British ingredients, but the eclectic dish influences come from all over the world, from France to Thailand, the Mediterranean to Latin America. Whichever country has provided the inspiration, the cooking will be generous in both size and flavour, combining several complementing elements in one dish. The sharing steaks are a feature if you're dining with friends.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Marden, The Stile Bridge offers fusion cuisine and holds a 4.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on 80 reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights exceptional food quality, attentive service, and a stylish atmosphere. Dishes such as mushroom truffle ravioli, guinea fowl, halibut with coconut curry sauce, and various roasts are praised for premium ingredients and perfect cooking. Conversely, some guests reported issues with meal pacing, blandness, or high value-for-money concerns. Specific complaints included undercooked roast potatoes, hard Yorkshire pudding, and lukewarm dinners during a Sunday lunch. While generally highly recommended for its culinary skill and friendly staff, occasional inconsistencies in execution and pricing may affect the experience.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality fusion cuisine and a stylish setting, with advance booking recommended.
£££Modern British
Tucked away down a narrow street, The Plough proudly declares that it is 'community owned, family run'. The community in question is the people of Trottiscliffe, who rallied round to buy and refurbish their local pub when property developers were circling. Among their number was the Yates family, who now look after this small restaurant offering a concise menu of carefully crafted, ambitious and classically based dishes. Local produce, some of it their own, informs the menus – even the butter is homemade.