The Wheatsheaf - Pubs In Bough Beech - Country Pubs In Kent

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The Wheatsheaf - Pubs In Bough Beech - Country Pubs In Kent

During renovation in 1996 the current leaseholders, Liz and David Currie, were shown the building's early beginnings with architecture dating from the 14th century. It's varied history developed with the older part thought to be a hunting lodge used by Henry V.

With Tudor chimneys and a vast fireplace, which straddles both bars, the pub quite literally oozes history with graffiti dated 1607 etched above the saloon bar fireplace. The tall, beamed ceilings and vertical support timbers complete the Tudor atmosphere. The glassy eyes of numerous stuffed animal heads watch diners every move, whilst a stag deer head above the bar casually smokes a cigar.

With so much character to distract visitors it takes a while to get round to the menu, but with Old Speckled Hen, Greene King IPA and Harvey's on tap the task of weighing up the dishes on offer is thoroughly enjoyable. During the winter months the main-course menu has a good range of warming, mainly English, comfort food including Beef Wellington, New Potatoes, and Vegetables with a Red-Wine Gravy at £14.95 and the more unusual Pork Hock in a Fruit Compote, with Mashed Potato and Vegetables at £12.95. During the summer months the main menu reflects lighter appetites.

For those wanting something lighter throughout the year there is also a Light Lunch Menu, on offer every day except Sunday from 12 till 6pm. This lists a number of original dishes including Baked Mozzarella with Plum Tomatoes on Ciabatta with a Balsamic and Pesto Dressing at £5.95 and, for vegetarians, a Parsnip, Sweet Potato and Chestnut Bake with Broccoli, at £6.45.For dessert the English theme continues although it's mainly puddings as opposed to sweets, with a range of traditional sponges, although there are tarts and ice-creams for those who are struggling.

At £12.45 a bottle the house wine is slightly more expensive than most pubs, but the quality is there for the tasting. An Australian Shiraz and a French Cotes du Rhone make up the red house wines, whilst a Semillon Chardonnay and a Cotes de Gascogne complete the whites. A selection of other bottles, also available by the glass, range from £13.95 to £32.50 with good representations from Australia and New Zealand. Alternatively those diners wanting to sample a completely English meal can opt for one of the farmhouse ciders or local fruit juices on offer.

For the summer there is a large, attractive garden to take the strain off the bars, and the landlord extends his welcome to children and dogs. You are definitely spoilt for choice with attractions to view either before or after a visit to The Wheatsheaf. Bough Beech reservoir and Toys Hill are both near by and free, whilst Hever Castle and Chartwell are also local but charge entry.

Word about The Wheatsheaf has definitely spread, probably as a result of its entry in most of the good pub guides. Even on a dull February lunchtime at the beginning of the week nearly all the tables were eventually taken, so arrive early or late to avoid the crush.

Pubs just don't come much more English than this.

The Wheatsheaf

Hever Road
Bough Beech

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