You won’t find many softer pooches than Chester, pub dog at the Walnut Tree in Aldington, but after a good wag and coming over to say hello he happily returned to his bed.
The barmaid didn’t have the luxury of a bed in the bar, but her welcome was equally warm and upbeat and, in a trice, she answered three questions – lunch was being served, the SD Hound could come to sit in the bar and she’d bring the drinks over. It was a Bear Island for me and, for Mrs SD, a wine, in the only size glass she knows, and from the only country she recognises.
I have to say, of the usual Shep suspects, I rate the 4.8% Bear Island, a rich gold-coloured American-style IPA at the upper end of the scale. I can also report Mrs SD was delighted by the quality of her large NZ Sauvignon Blanc.
Drinks sorted, there was plenty to choose from on the main menu, but we were only peckish so placed a double order from the sandwich menu, a sausage and onion for her and a BLT for me, which came with a salad and crisps (which we both switched out for chips).
Waiting for the sarnies to be delivered (they were clearly being freshly made) afforded me a good 10 minutes to take a closer look at what is obviously a historic building with a number of stories to tell.
There are fantastic old timbers everywhere you look and I must say I do prefer it when truly historic pubs, rather than seeking to tart up and lighten old wood, leave the fabric of the building to gain its natural patina.
The original thatched property dates way back, almost 650 years, to the reign of Richard II, but it didn’t become a brewhouse until three centuries later. And, it wasn’t until the start of the 19th century that the pub gained real notoriety as the headquarters of a ruthless gang of smugglers who roamed Kent’s marshes.
However, it was a much more recent artefact which attracted my eye and I absolutely loved the photograph of the local hunt, which clearly favoured the Walnut Tree as a stopping off point for a deserved libation.
But further investigation would have to wait and the sandwiches had arrived – I rated my BLT, on wonderfully fresh-cut white bread, the best but sausage-loving Mrs SD unsurprisingly disagreed. Either way, both were excellent and the accompanying chips and salad were equally fresh and well presented.
The SD Hound showed interest when the food arrived but knows the rules and, with no chance, quickly settled down. It’s a good job as I’d noted the pub’s ‘naughty corner’ has been signposted on the right-hand side of the fireplace and I didn’t really want to insist either her, or Mrs SD for that matter, were banished there.
Whilst we were enjoying our lunch we were joined in the bar by three guys in full camouflage fatigues, who weren’t in to eat but seemed to enjoy their visit nevertheless – I assume they are posted somewhere nearby.
There was music playing at a sensible level in the background but there’s no place for a jukebox, a pool table or a fruit machine, although there is a dartboard on one side of the bar.
After lunch, we were joined by landlady Hannah who was very happy to chat and go through her plans for the place. She only took up the reins just over a year ago but has lived in the village all her life and says she indebted to the locals who have been incredibly supportive of any changes she’s needed to make.
She insists the Walnut Tree is still a work in progress and there are a few things which still need doing in the garden, although it looked absolutely fine to me.
And, she was keen to stress it’s very much a family affair as, among a number of other tasks, it is her dad who makes sure both the double-sided wood burners are well prepared and stocked with a good supply of wood.
Then, as if to prove her point, we were joined by Hannah’s brother, who was working a shift in the kitchen but needed to ask her a question.
The previous owner had the Walnut Tree for more than 20 years and Hannah knows the trick to creating a great village pub is being able to balance retaining the tradition and good name whilst, at the same time, ensuring it changes and evolves to attract new customers.
For me, she’s achieving this sometimes tricky challenge really well.
WALNUT TREE, FORGE HILL, ROMAN ROAD, ALDINGTON, ASHFORD TN25 7DT
Décor: The pub is packed with fascinating features and the history is understandably celebrated. Landlady Hannah has strong family links to this place and it shows. *****
Drink: All the usual Shepherd Neame suspects were available, but I decided the Bear Island IPA was worth the few pennies more and it was a lovely pint. I’m told the wine too, was a really good choice. ****
Price: A pint of 4.8% Bear Island IPA was £5.60 and a large Runnymede Sauvignon Blanc £9.10. The sandwiches (BLT and sausage & onion), with chips and salad were £7.50 each. ***
Staff: All the barmaids were fantastic – they could not have been more friendly and helpful are a real credit to landlady. Special mention for ultra-welcoming pub hound Chester. *****
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