The Compasses

Really average pub with appalling attitude and service from the staff who act like the customer is disturbing them !! They have not got a clue what good service is not have they been trained at all. Not worth the effort of coming here unless you fancy amusing yourself with the dreadful staff attitude.

Recently visited for first time, what a hidden gem! Had no idea??? Valentines day we spent sat playing cards with a roaring fire, good drinks and lovely bar staff, the pork scratchings were a tad over priced (nearly three quid? lol) and the drinks are on the pricer end of the spectrum but not so much so that I wouldn’t be happier to fork out for them as the overal enjoyment of the pub is so lovely,

just nice. best food for the price we had in UK. first time we were actually full after eating out. fresh salad. nice served plate. nice staff. would like to come back for lunch/​dinner. its also a nice bar

Lovely pub, nice beers but awful food. Ordered roast it came with piping hot veg and stone cold lamb with congealed fat on it, told the waitress it went away and came back, lamb warm in some places and stone cold in others and veg dried out and mushy (obviously a trip, entire plate to microwave). Complained and the bar staff refunded my £9.99 in coins, like a penny from them would have killed them. Will never go here to eat again!!!

Possibly the best burger in town

The oldest and most haunted pub in Tunbridge Wells? I don’t personally know if these claims have legs but for these reasons alone if I was new to the area I’d make sure I popped in.
Claims to Fame aside, the Compasses is a lovely pub in a lovely location. Situated just off of the old high street, it is certainly worth the short steep clamber up the cobbled hill, even when I have chosen to break out the heels!
It is my choice of pub at this end of town, and in my girly opinion officially kicks Cassidy’s butt whenever there is some important sporting event being shown. There is a large screen in the front bar for those interested in said sporting event, and plenty of seating and a billiards table in the back room for those disinterested.
My one negative, it isn’t the best pub if on a rare sunny day you are looking to enjoy a drink outside. There are a few benches out the front and the street barely has any traffic, but I’m partial to a pretty garden.
The Compasses offers a wide choice of beers and ales, which is excellent for those looking for something more than the usual piss poor lagers. It maintains a traditional and cosy feel, whilst still having the space for larger groups to socialise, perfect!

Doesn’t look like anything special from the outiside, but venture into this friendly local pub and you are in for a treat! This pub has a warm atmosphere with a welcoming landlord, coupled with cozy décor which manages to feel traditional without being shabby.
Best features include:
Open fire in the winter
Plenty of seating, outside and in (including a small heated area for smokers in the winter — bit scruffy but does the job)
Great pub grub, always of a good standard
Working Bar Billiards table — a rare find and really good fun
Pub quiz on a sunday with free buffet for £2 entry
I’d certainly recommend it anyone but to be honest I’d rather keep this a hidden treasure! Its the only place in town where I feel like a local (despite living much nearer to other pubs)

Huge portions, very good prices, service OK, atmosphere like a proper pub. Very likeable pub that does big food for great prices — well worth trying if you like real beer and if you like extremely traditional pub fare served speedily and with a smile. (in fact just moved the rating up to five stars because I couldn’t really fault it). Party of six for an 18^th birthday and they made us feel really welcome. Sizzle plate (fajita) was tasty, Huntsman’s chicken was as you’d expect, two steaks were cooked to the right point and the fish & chips was a whale. We’ll be back — suggest you give it a try.

Wether this pub is legitimate in its claim to antiquity or not, it is certainly one of the best in town. It’s location is central but still tucked away enough to offer a respite from the busy Pantiles.
Its selection of cask ale is the best I have experienced in Tunbridge Wells (I believe I recall a selection of 9 beers or more!), and often features a unique selection in addition to the safe options. The food is exactly what you would want to get from a pub and the quiz nights get the place well filled.
The division of the rooms makes for a unique setting and a cozy atmosphere. Overall, an ideal choice of venues in this beautiful old town.

A friendly boozer in the village area. Divided into different rooms but hospitable & good for access to The Grove. Comfortable feel & pleasant interior. A TW classic alongside The Beau Nash and Mount Edgecumbe.

Self proclaimed oldest pub in Tunbridge Wells the Compasses apparently dates back to sometime around 1640.
The pub sits atop a sharply inclined offshoot from the Pantiles on Little Mount Sion. It’s location puts it slightly out of the way, but at the same time this adds to it’s charm.
More importantly inside the venue are a reasonable mix of ales and other standard pub beverages. Likewise goes for the pub grub.
The pub manages to have a very cosy, traditional feel which is no bad thing.
A definite stopping point on a pub tour of Tunbridge Wells. This place has much more character and life than many of the unfortunately dowdier nay I say plain lazy generic venues of this town.
There’s also quite a handy fish and chip shop located just opposite which makes for a great winter warmer on your evening out.