The Chaser Inn - Pubs In Shipbourne, The Tonbridge Area - Country Pubs In Kent

The Chaser Inn - Pubs In Shipbourne, The Tonbridge Area - Country Pubs In Kent

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The Chaser Inn - Pubs In Shipbourne, The Tonbridge Area - Country Pubs In Kent

The Chaser Inn is set in a dominating position looking out over the expansive, gently sloping green in Shipbourne. The previous landlord of The Hare pub in Langton Green took over this Greene King pub approximately two years ago. He made such a success of The Hare they no longer need to advertise and he would seem to be working the same magic with The Chaser Inn, as it was surprisingly busy on the Tuesday lunchtime we visited.

There is a large garden to the right of the pub containing tables with parasols and bench seating, whilst on the opposite side of the building, adjacent to the accommodation, is a sheltered courtyard with further tables and overhead gas heaters.

The pub is housed in a substantial Georgian stone building with large rooms, high vaulted ceilings and well-worn flagstone floors. A jumble of bric-a-brac and local pictures take up most of the wall space, including interesting items like framed historic invoices from local companies. A large collection of Victorian glass bottles fills the bookshelf of one bar, whilst the bookshelf on the opposite side is filled with older titles to give a library feel.

An interesting range of nibbles is available from the bar including olives and cashews, which you will probably need to keep you going as you agonise over the choices on the extensive menu. Most of the dishes are English with a few more cosmopolitan touches, some of which are still proving a success at The Hare, including Chinese Duck Spring Rolls and Thai Crab Cakes served on a Carrot, Cucumber and Spring Onion Salad with Sweet Chilli Jam at £5.95 and £6.95 respectively.

With a total listing of 17 main courses and further daily specials on the blackboard there has to be a choice for all tastes and budgets. My partner chose the Poached Salmon and Prawn Salad served with Tartare Sauce and warm New Potatoes at £9.75, which proved to be generous and attractively presented on a large white plate. I settled for Prawns in Marie Rose Sauce on Granary Bread at £5.95, which was served with a  dressed salad, home-made coleslaw and crisps. Both dishes were made from quality ingredients, which were difficult to fault. A wide selection of side orders can be requested separately if required. Innovatively and to adapt to individual customers' appetites Steaks are ordered 'by the ounce', at £1.50 per ounce for sirloin and £2.00 per ounce for fillet.

Desserts are all listed as home-made and will be difficult to ignore with such offerings as Orange Tart served with Ice Cream, Baileys and Chocolate Cheesecake served with Seasonal Berries and Ice Cream and Rhubarb and Ginger Fool served with a Honeycomb filled Brandy Snap, all at £4.95.

Being a Greene King pub beer drinkers can choose between casked Ruddles, Abbott and IPA. A good selection of wines is available starting with the house red and white at £10.95 per bottle, whilst alternatives in origin and style are priced upwards. For the end of the meal there is also a range of ports, brandies and malts, as well as a couple of dessert wines.

Service was exceptionally quick and very friendly, with all staff motivated and happy to chat. To be fair though it must be pandemonium when the diners filling the garden and courtyard make a dash for indoors when subjected to one of our summer showers.

With the route of the Greensand Way pathway just to the north of the pub there is ample scope for exercise, although with the temptations on offer inside the pub just struggling back to your car might become the preferable option.

The Chaser Inn

• Stumble Hill
  Shipbourne
  Tonbridge
  Kent, TN11 9PE
• 01732 810360

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