Inn On The Pond, Nutfield Marsh

Situated in the little hamlet of Nutfield Marsh, in an area of the Holmesdale Valley where the quarrying of Fullers Earth was once the major source of industry, this attractive large white-painted building faces a cricket pitch and eponymous pond which dates back to 1603 and which was opened by David Bellamy after being cleaned in 1989. Parts of the grade II listed building date back to 1650 and it has been a cottage, lampshade factory, tannery, guest house and the Lancelyn Club before becoming a pub in 1988. There are plenty of wooden beams, a real fire, log burning stove and low ceilings in the front drinking areas, whilst at the rear there is a popular restaurant on a higher level and a small dining area off the front bar. There is extensive outdoor seating in the pleasant garden, ideal for watching the cricket in the summer months. Food is served Monday to Thursday 12-3 and 6-9; Friday and Saturday 12-3 and 6-9:30 and Sunday 12-6 and since the new lessees took over in June 2018 there has been a focus on using local produce. The children's menu offers a wider choice than most places, with five starters and eleven main courses. In January 2015 the pub was sold to Shepherd Neame and there will be two or three guest beers from their portfolio with Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and Spitfire Gold often featuring. Free WiFi is available, dogs are welcome and there is a monthly quiz with a meal.