THE VINE RESTAURANT, SEVENOAKS

The Vine Restaurant is located in an elegant conservation area in the heart of Sevenoaks, and is situated opposite one of the oldest cricket grounds in England. The former tavern has been lovingly renovated by the current proprietors to retain many original features whilst adding a stylish new interior of inviting creams accented with French grey and burgundy overtones. Light and airy by day, the restaurant is transformed as dusk falls by chandeliers and candles to create a welcoming backdrop to the buzzing atmosphere.

Our party went on a Saturday night.

The service was excellent with just the right amount of time between courses.

For starter I had the Hot Sour Soup which was a seafood concoction which included squid, shellfish, onions, etc., and was very good.

My main course was from the 'Saturday Specials' menu, Kent plaice and pea risotto.

This consisted of the pea risotto (peas and rice mixed together to the consistency of runny mushy peas) covering the whole plate with a piece of plaice, measuring no bigger than 3 inches by 1 inch, in the centre. At £16.50, not what I call value for money, indeed this is one of the cheaper main courses on the menu.

I finished off with the cheese board which had plenty of cheese but about six biscuits about the size of a Ritz cracker. When I asked for more biscuits, they brought me another three, so i ended up eating the remainder of the cheese on it's own.

We were a party of ten and quite a bit of wine was consumed but with a 12.5% service charge already added the final bill came to £680, or £68 a head.

The restaurant was full and the atmosphere was very lively but having said that, the cheapest you could eat here is £30 a head without wine and you'd probably need a snack when you got home.

All in all a good evening was had by all of us but I would say the food was rather overpriced, an opinion shared by the rest of our group, and I don't think we will be returning in the near future.

Open: Seven days a week

Lunch : 1200-1500Afternoon : open for drinks & light meals

Dinner :1800-2330

Address: The Vine Restaurant, 11 Pound Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 3TB

Telephone: 01732 469510
Map
http://www.vinerestaurant.co.uk/

THE PADWELL ARMS, STONE STREET

Set amongst panoramic views rolling hills and orchards, The Padwell Arms is a charming country pub wel known for its traditional home cooking and real ales. The menu is varied weekly to capitalise on local produce and also has an extensive wine list more in keeping with a restaurant.
The Padwell Arms has a warmhearted and easygoing atmosphere that makes it popular with a wide variety of diners.
It is also a refreshment haunt of ramblers using the footpaths and bridleways to Knole Park, Ightham Mote and Seal Chart, which are nearby attractions.
There are also evenings devoted to top class musical entertainment ranging from modern jazz to rock 'n' roll.
Open : Seven days a week
Address : Stone Street, Seal, Nr. Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0LA
Telephone : 01732 761532
Map

http://www.thepadwellarms.co.uk/

THE HARE, LANGTON GREEN, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Apparently there has been an inn on this site since the 16th-century, though this building only dates drom 1901 after the previous structure was destroyed by fire a year earlier. What remained was too dilapidated to restore, and the present Victorian-Tudor model was built.
A woman holding a child is said to haunt the main staircase and cellar, though what era she dates back to nobody can say.
Quality hand pumped beers include Greene King IPA and Abbot, as well Old Speckled Hen and Wadworth 6X as well as a handsome display of over 50 malt whiskies behind the bar.
The menu is well thought out and regularly updated, including a variety of hearty fare with a reputation for good portion size.
Starters include Tuna marinated with seville oranges & corriander salad £6.00, Ham hock, cider and apple terrine with fruit chutney £5.50 and Asparagus soup £4.50.
Mains include Slow cooked beef with dauphinoise potatoes, garlic and thyme gravy £12.00, Whole grilled plaice with prawns & lemon mash £12.00, Cheese & leek sausages with sweet potato mash and tomato salsa £9.00, Steakburger topped with cheese & tomato £9.75, Ploughman's Cheddar, Brie, Hereford Hop, Olde Sussex, Stilton, ham or sausage £7.75 and Crispy duck and glazed fig salad £10.75.
Puddings include Summer pudding with sweet whipped cream £5.00, Chocolate hazelnut meringue roulade with raspberry compote £5.25, Apple and cider cobbler with custard £5.00, Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice-cream £5.25, Local cheeses biscuits & apple chutney £7.00.
The garden has a nice view over Langton Green itself and is a pleasant place for al fresco dining on sunny days.
Overall good food and light airy atmosphere.
Open : Seven days a week
Food : Monday to Saturday 12-9.30pm
Sunday 12-9pm
Address : The Hare, Langton Road, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0JA
Telephone : 01892 862419
Map
http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/hare/home/