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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 22:00
Mon
11:30 - 23:00
Wed
11:30 - 23:00
Thu
11:30 - 23:00
Fri
11:30 - 23:00
Sat
11:30 - 23:00
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Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£10.00 – £25.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant serve Bar / Pub food?
Details
About
What you get at The Spotted Dog, Penshurst, is an independently run lovely old rambling 15th century white clapboard building (which started life as several cottages), paneling, low beams and three open fires. It is warm and welcoming in winter but equally enticing in summer. The pub is positioned in beautiful countryside with tiered beer gardens at the front and back, the latter affording an outstanding view.This is a family-friendly pub where the older generation, children, tourists, walkers and dogs are all welcome. The food is mostly traditional English with some gourmet specials and fish dishes with fresh fish delivered daily. Consequently, the specials board changes daily.Being a free house there are always three different beers available, normally a Larkins, Harveys and another guest beer. The wine list is extensive and includes wine by the glass.
PRICE RANGE
£10.00 – £25.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
420 reviews
Excellent
201
Very good
90
Average
52
Poor
42
Terrible
35
Chris B
128 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Our group of 20 walkers pre-booked our lunches here. On arrival we received the warmest of welcomes and our drinks and food were served very quickly. The service here was excellent. As for the food, the portions were all great and everything was well cooked and tasty. The bad news is that we will be back!
Written 4 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather S
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • family
Bear with - I have a lot to say and all good. We took my 94 year old Mum in law to lunch today and it was an unmitigated success, largely down to the great prompt service and excellent food. The staff were all engaged and cheerful (even the teenagers). The welcome was warm and the service didn’t flag despite delivering an enormous number of covers. Mum hasn’t a great appetite but was able to order the roast from the children’s menu and tucked into it with enthusiasm, clearing her plate (not known in recent times). Our Big Boy 3 meat roasts were beautifully cooked. The meat was top quality, local, well cooked and well rested. I’d be pushed to say the last time I had thick carved lamb with such perfect texture. Veg were simple and had been steamed well. Roasties plentiful and nicely done (thank goodness no rosemary: total anathema to him indoors) and good yorkie. My fellow diners loved their respective brownie and sticky toffee pud and I basked in the warmth of their appreciation as I’m not driven by the reward of a pud. Sunday lunch aside, the menu was varied but neither over extensive nor up itself. I watched a couple of dishes pass by and they looked of equal high standard.
Built in 1420 the pub is a wonky delight but handholds are good and lighting where you need it. Outside there’s an amazing view from the terrace.
In case you’re left in any doubt, we would thoroughly recommend a visit. Mum is still saying what a wonderful time she had … and it’s five hours later!
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanWheel
Woodham Walter19 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
We found this little gem via Search for Sites when looking for somewhere to stay over night in our camper. We chose the Spotted Dog because the reviews were all excellent AND they had outside toilets you are welcome to use if you eat with them.
We did and I appreciated the wine list, you could tell a wine lover had put that together. Food was good, we sat by an open fire and chatted to most people in there. Dog friendly too!
The owner is putting his heart into the place, that’s clear. We need to celebrate this type of landlord when old traditional pubs are a dying trade these days. Well done.
We’ll be back for sure!
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Issy1909
Royal Tunbridge Wells1 contribution
Jan 2024 • family
I am extremely concerned. There was four of us and we ordered two fish and chips which were gone off- smelt and tasted horrible. We also had the burger which was dry and not nice and this wasn't eaten. I had maccoroni cheese and it was just watery milk with melted cheese on top- fries weren't cooked through either. The service was sporadic, the waitress who was serving us was dropping chips and slurring speech, the manager offered us 50% off bill but honestly I don't feel like it compensated fully for our bad experience.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Escape520092
Beckenham2 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
This is a lovely historic pub. However, we visited on Father’s Day and had a very poor experience. We waited far longer than other tables for our food. When it arrived we then waited for the vegetables, wet cutlery and condiments by which time our food was cold. The menu online did not reflect the correct price for Sunday roast and there wasn’t any Chicken or Turkey ! The roast had 2 slices of meat, 3 roast potatoes and a soggy shop bought Yorkshire pudding. We had a small dish of boiled carrots, cabbage and broccoli for 4 adults !! This was not a good experience or good value. We didn’t have a desert based on the quality of the main meal. Disappointing!!
Written 18 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe C
Bromley4 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Without doubt the worst roast dinner I have ever eaten. My partner and I had high hopes having read reviews, but what we were served up wasn’t fit for man nor dog.
Stunning view out the back of the pub.
We ordered two roast lambs and were served up two plates of Luke warm food. The roast potatoes must have been cooked last night and left under the heater since, they were rock solid and had we thrown them at the window I’m sure they’d have done some damage. The lamb had more fat that meat on it and the veg had clearly been cooked a long time ago, all served up with a pint of bistro’s best gravy drowning the plate.
On paying the bill the lady behind the bar didn’t ask how the food was and so I explained to her how bad it was and her response was thanks very much..
Customer service was non existent apart from the young guy who did try to offer us a Yorkshire pudding to replace the “roast potatoes”
We arrived and left within 30 mins of getting there.. that says it all.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JacobJJ
29 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Sunday lunch, food took a while but it was busy however the roast was cold when it arrived and lots of fatty cuts just dumped on the plate. Inside the pub was freezing cold no heating at all.
Staff have had little to no training, all the cutlery, food etc is just put on one end of the table and you have to serve yourself. Not great.
I know its god friendly but they should be kept to one part of the pub as they are barking all the time.
Won't be going again. We expressed our concerns at the time but the staff weren't really interested.
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raymondgunn
London6 contributions
May 2024 • family
Went for Sunday lunch, sat outside the tables were old and needs updating.
The area was full of weeds which was a shame because the outlook was really pleasant.
I was very surprised when the salt etc came in small McDonald like paper sachets not the normal salt and pepper pots. I had Lamb and was not offered any mint sauce etc.
The vegetables came in a small dish and this was for four people, very disappointed.
Not the most enjoyable Sunday lunch.
Written 13 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trye
Horsham18 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
Avoid at all costs we booked for 7 on a Sunday to meet friends and we all drove an hour to meet at The Spotted Dog. 50 minutes after ordering we were told they had run out of roast potatoes!!!! The table next to us arrived 20 minutes after us all had a roast dinner so it would appear if you aren’t local don’t bother. We were offered chips with a roast diner. Horrid experience don’t bother and go some where else.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
furrycoat
Crowborough321 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Visited this lovely rural pub last Saturday.
Warm greeting and offered a table promptly by a friendly gentleman doing a great job serving the whole pub pretty much solo. We were cold by the door and were moved to a warmer table near a radiator. Great service.
This is where things went downhill. We ordered promptly and patiently waited with our drinks. After 40 minutes we were advised one of our sides was unavailable, we swapped without fuss, however we were very surprised at the time it took to advise us of this.
After chasing twice, our food came out after a delay of nearly 90 minutes. Had it been 3 minutes longer we would have left as we had other places to be.
Regrettably, my wife didn’t receive the fries she had ordered and her burger turned up without the advertised gherkins or onion rings. My main had no chutney as promised. It turns out these items were unavailable but by this stage we just needed to eat and be gone.
The food that we did get was excellent and well prepared which just about saved the day.
We are very keen to support local pubs in these tough times, but regrettably the huge delay in being served coupled with 4 missing / incorrect items means we would be unlikely to return.
Many thanks to the serving staff who worked very hard in difficult circumstances
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry W
Bracknell1358 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
We were staying in Penshurst and cycled to The Spotted Dog twice to eat and the final day we drove.
It amuses me when people compare the cost of something you can buy in a shop to how much it would cost at a restaurant/pub. The pub has overheads as would you at home. Are these the same that complain at the price of a cup of tea in a cafe saying it's only a teabag?
That aside, we found this venue a delight.
Lunch on the Monday and back for the Curry that same evening, then lunch again in the Wednesday. The food was very nice and the people working there were very pleasant.
There is a lot of history here, worth asking when you visit.
Written 9 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula M
9 contributions
Aug 2022 • friends
Lovely setting but poor quality food that was overpriced.
We both had the fish cakes priced at £6.50 each. They were a starter from the specials board. I stupidly imagined them to be homemade and would contain fish. I was so wrong!! It was literally 2 frozen fish cakes that you buy a whole bag for £1.50 in Asda. No fish in sight, very fake tasting and over cooked.
We ordered fries as well costing £3.50 per portion, however these were fresh and I enjoyed them....but £3.50? For a small bowl of chips?
Staff very nice and accommodating, lovely outdoor seating areas, and there I would go back but not for food.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave D
Greater London369 contributions
May 2024 • friends
We were visiting the Kent Craft Fair at Penshurst Place and were looking to book a pub for some lunch so decided on The Spotted Dog definitely a good choice. The pub may seem a little uninviting on the outside but don’t be put off as the staff and the food were both great. There were 3 of us me my wife and our friend Trevor we all opted for the roast my wife had pork, Trevor had Lamb and I had Beef all excellent we couldn’t fault them. Great portion sizes and extremely tasty. For desert my wife had the cheesecake she really liked it Trevor the Sticky Toffee Pudding he loved it and I had 3 scoops of ice cream all of which were delicious😎. As I was the driver I only had a Diet Coke but the others had a very palatable Merlot. As for price extremely good. Give this place a go.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rob c
Aberdeen3 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
First time visitor to this beautiful and historic building today, can’t believe we only live 15 minutes away and never tried it before. I had the goat curry, perfectly spiced, tender goat, nice rice and crunchy little crackers to mop the sauce up with, wife had the steak and chips, the best i have ever seen or tasted in a pub (generous enough portions that I could steal a bit of everything) everything cooked to perfection and the chefs touch with the spices in the curry and the peppercorn sauce was exceptional, I want to try everything on the menu. Staff were really friendly and welcoming too. Thank you
Written 16 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate
Sevenoaks2 contributions
Mar 2022 • family
The Spotted Dog has been a favourite spot for many years but after today I don’t think we will be returning for food. The staff were lovely, accommodating and friendly but the food looked and tasted very mediocre. Frozen chips, frozen produce heated through and a bit of basic salad. The sort of food I produce at home when I can’t be bothered to cook so not what I want when we go out. The pie was a slice which was then heated so all the meat at the cut edges was dried out. My fish was cooked ok but had no flavour and the sautéed potatoes were dull. The flavour of the pie was good. A big disappointment so until I hear that the pub has had a rethink we won’t be going back when other pubs nearby are serving delicious, homemade, local fare.
Written 20 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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