Longstock Restaurant Guide

Reopened by Lucy Townsend a decade back – a “lovely old pub” (with ten rooms) delivering “wonderful, delicious seasonal food” that makes the most of the Kent larder, and where the “superb staff and welcome make every meal special” (it’s hotly in demand for romantic getaways). Top Tip – the “particularly good-value set lunch” (three courses £26.95 per person).

“What a find” – this well-established Gallic restaurant has been ably helmed by husband-and-wife team Garth (FOH) and Maranda Jacobs (chef) for over a decade, having been in existence for twice that long under former chef German Marquis. These days in a handier High Street location, it continues to turn out “delightful” and “delicious” cuisine by absolutely all accounts.

2021 Review: “Rather nice brunches and lunches await at this deli-café, with half a dozen specials chalked on the board” plus a garden and fish ‘n’ chip Friday nights. Though it serves an “upmarket clientele in an upmarket village”, it’s still “good value, with charming young staff” to boot.

“An urbane London-style restaurant out in the country” – “this is a pretty village and the hotel has been refurbished in recent times”; and fans say it is an “especially delightful place to eat outside in the good weather”. “Prices are fairly commensurate with London” and not everyone feels that it stacks up value-wise – “what is reliable food with willing and helpful service” to some is – to others – “pretty average”.

Victorian village pub, remodelled and extended in 2018 with new bedrooms and a dining room which provides a standard pub menu. The menu aims at the higher end for pub grub (for example with ‘Hampshire 36 Day Aged Côte de Boeuf’ or ‘King Scallop, Salt Pig Nduja & Saffron Risotto’) but more sceptical reporters see it as “good all-round but somewhat dialled in”.