PUBS
ALE TALES N O WA D AY S , C R A F T B E E R A N D R E A L A L E S A R E T O P O F D R I N K E R S ’ W I S H L I S T S , B U T L U C K I LY , T UNBRID GE WELLS AND THE SURROUNDING AREA HAS A PLETHORA OF WONDERF UL E S TA B L I S H M E N T S W H E R E Y O U C A N E N J O Y A P I N T O R T W O O F S O M E T H I N G S P E C I A L . R E A D O N T O F I N D O U T A B O U T S O M E O F T H E T O P TAV E R N S AVA I L A B L E W H E R E W E L I V E , A N D T H E D I F F E R E N T D R I N K S T H E Y H AV E O N O F F E R …
THE BEDFORD The Bedford currently has 11 cask pumps available, ten of which sell real ale, the eleventh being Bushels real cider from Biddenden Vineyards. Aside from the four regular Greene King beers which include, Abbot, Bedford Steam (Kimberley Best), IPA and Old Speckled Hen, The Bedford regularly features ales from around Kent and Sussex. This is due to the agreement the landlord, Mark Nicholson, has with Greene King, allowing him to sell ales from local microbreweries. Some ales that are very popular among his customers include, Long Man Brewery (Litlington) Long Blonde, Old Dairy (Tenterden) Gold Top, Pig & Porter
(Tunbridge Wells) ‘Ashburnham Pale’ and Dark Star (Partridge Green) ‘Hophead’. Making regular appearances on the bar are ales from Gadds of Ramsgate, Tonbridge Brewery, Musket of Maidstone and High Weald of East Grinstead. Some of Mark’s personal favourites include a delicious First Gold IPA from High Weald, Dark Star’s Revelation and Gadds Dogbolter. Although these ales lean towards the stronger side, there is always a super variety of guest ales available. You can also rest assured that they will all be in the best condition possible due to Mark’s exceptional cellar management skills and a guarantee from Cask Marque. Bottoms Up!
The Bedford 2 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UX 01892 578 538 www.thebedfordtw.co.uk
ABERGAVENNY ARMS Over the last two years the Abergavenny has gone from strength to strength under the ownership of the renowned local jeweller Richard Burrell and general manager Digby Furneaux-Harvey. Gone are the tired old days of ‘the ab’. They now offer a wide range of six locally brewed ales including their very own ‘Burrell’s Best’ and Harvey’s best being centre stage all year round, as well as fantastic ales from Larkins, Longman and Black Cat showcasing the best that Kent and Sussex have to offer. Buying great ales in is one thing, keeping them at their best is another. The key to a great ale is not just the way it’s brewed but the way it’s looked after once it has been delivered and that’s what they do best. Every pint is served to the highest standard, always beautifully clear and at the perfect temperature. This is
the way the Abergavenny Arms is now recognised by CAMRA for fantastic locally sourced ale. But it’s not just about great ale at the ab, they also boast a fantastic gin list with gins from around the world and also some brilliant local examples from Black Cat, Greensand Ridge and 1606. Their food offering is also a cut above what you’d expect from a country pub, with a selection of dishes that boast great food with influence from not just home but abroad too. If you’re looking for a great Sunday Roast then the Abergavenny is the place but book early because they fill up fast. Abergavenny Arms Frant Road, Frant Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9DB 01892 750 233 www.abergavennyarms.co.uk
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