Three Chimneys

Probably the best pub I’ve been to. Cozy collection of spaces to eat in, low ceilings, great beers, and best of all is the food. Not a modern «gastro-​pub» with lots of foams, edible flowers, etc etc, but a very high quality meal that stays true to its purpose and surroundings and uses a lot of local producers. Because of the design of the building I’d say less suitable for groups or children needing space, but perfect for couples or dinner with friends.

I’d heard uniformly good things about the Three Chimneys pub in Kent. It very nearly lived up to all of them.
There’s a mistake behind its name: the pub has but two chimneys. Apparently, during some past English/​French conflict, French prisoners kept nearby were allowed to walk no farther than this pub. Because it’s at the intersection of three roads the Gallic prisoners called the point les trois chemins. British tongues being as deft then as now, this got anglicised to the three chimneys.
It’s a very old pub with old, rough, head-​bangingly low beams. It’s broken up into several rooms and has a huge fireplace. There are two large outdoor areas for eating and drinking now, though. They provided table service for food orders and drinks in the back.
Lots of real ales on tap, spigotted right from kegs setting in plain sight. Two Adnams’, the Welsh Brains bitter, and a few others I wasn’t familiar with.
The food is a great attraction, though. The menu is nearly gourmet, and prices are as in London: starts are around £6 to £8, and mains are around the £15 mark. The starters we had — baked figs, and field mushroom with melted brie — were delicious. HOWEVER, just as we were wondering about the long time it was taking for our mains they came out and told us that the power had gone out in the pub. They couldn’t cook anything, and were afraid to open the fridge without knowing how long they’d be without electricity. I can’t fault them for that accident, I guess. Everything else about the pub was great.
There’s a very beautiful garden out back.
It’s within walking distance of Sissinghurst Castle, which has a National Trust garden.