Eating out
If you are staying at Bedgebury Camping and fancy a break from the campfire one evening or simply fancy sitting in a pub garden with a pint of the local brew, it won't be hard to find somewhere.
Local pubs
Kent has long-standing connections with beer brewing as a result of the hop farming industry which still exists today in many parts of the county, particularly the Weald of Kent. There are a large number of excellent country pubs in the villages surrounding Goudhurst where beer from Kent's breweries can be sampled.
In the village of Goudhurst there is The Vine, the Star and Eagle with its breathtaking views across the Weald and The Peacock with its low ceilings and quaint, Kentish appeal. The Globe and Rainbow in nearby Kilndown comes highly recommended with its friendly atmosphere and fabulous menu.
If it is a family friendly atmosphere you require, several local pubs have gardens with some providing play areas for children. These include The Gun & Spit roast in Horsmonden and The Great House in Hawkhurst and the Ewe and Lamb, which is in between Cranbrook and Rolvenden Layne.
Dog-friendly establishments are within easy reach and include The Three Chimneys at Biddenden, The Peacock in Goudhurst, The Bull at Sissinghurst and The Bell in Staplehurst. They may stipulate that your pet is kept on the lead.
Many of these places provide delicious food – both at lunchtime and in the evening and booking is recommended.
Local restaurants
For something more formal, Goudhurst and the surrounding area boasts a large number of excellent restaurants. The Curlew at Bodiam is famous for its locally sourced salt marsh lamb while the Green Cross Inn in Goudhurst has built its reputation on excellent sea food and fish dishes. Rankins in nearby Sissinghurst boasts recommendations from the Michelin Guide and the AA Restaurant guide and bases its menu around seasonal and locally produced prime ingredients.
If you don't want to travel for more than five minutes' La Zia Maria, the Italian Restaurant, next to the village pond in Goudhurst, offers a mouth-watering range of Mediterranean cooking and traditional pasta and pizza dishes.
Booking is recommended in all these restaurants.
