Fields at Aylesford — Restaurant in Tonbridge and Malling

"We don't have a frying pan to cook the eggs...."

It’s very rare that I give the lowest rating, but on this occasion, I believe it is justified.

First of all, we received a call before arriving to inform us that the kitchen had run out of roasts, which seemed quite ridiculous for a Sunday. However, we decided not to cancel our booking, as it would have been difficult to find another restaurant for a table of 12. Unfortunately, things got worse.

Upon ordering, the waitress informed us that there were no eggs available for the mixed grill because, and I quote, "we don't have a frying pan to cook them on." She mentioned that this had been discussed in the staff WhatsApp group, with one staff member even suggesting they bring in their own frying pan. Despite the lack of eggs, three of us still wanted the mixed grill. A few minutes later, however, the waitress returned to say that there was only one mixed grill available. Two of us had to choose different meals; I opted for the burger, but then I was told there was no coleslaw. By this point, a few of us at the table were understandably frustrated, and that frustration was palpable. We requested some form of discount.

As the meals were being served, the waitresses seemed rather heavy-handed with the plates. Initially, we thought they might be in a rush, but as they placed the final plates down, one of the waitresses handed a hot plate to a member of our party, who burned her hand because the plate was so hot. The waitress dropped the plate on the table as a result.

For some, the food was "alright," but for others, it was subpar to the point where large portions were left uneaten, including my son's meal, which was far too peppery. He has had this meal many times before, and it’s never been that strong, especially for a children’s dish. We did manage to get a replacement meal for him.

When it came to dessert, we were told there was no apple crumble available. While this may seem like a minor issue, given everything else that had been unavailable or missing from the meals, it only added to the sense that the restaurant was being run like a school canteen.

To top it off, we could see the staff talking about our table through the kitchen window, and I overheard them discussing us from across the room near the till. This was particularly upsetting as it was my wife’s birthday, and she ended up in tears in the toilet, which was heart-breaking for all of us.

We did receive a discount on the food, and I am grateful that the manager was able to accommodate a table of 12 at the last minute, but sadly, I cannot recommend or leave a positive review due to the overall experience.

Had the manager come over to apologies for the lack of food and the frying pan situation, we would have laughed it off, and I wouldn’t be leaving a 1-star review. However, they didn’t approach us once, leaving the poor waitress to handle everything on her own.

There are a few lessons to take away from this experience:

Ensure proper stock management. Don’t publicly admit to not having a frying pan. Instruct staff not to make it obvious when they’re discussing customers. If there’s an issue, the manager should step in to resolve...

We attended the above Marston establishment for a family celebration which consisted of five adults and three children. Unfortunately our visit to your establishment was, to be quite factual, a complete shambles.

On eventually ordering drinks, first order:

we received water instead of lemonade jug of tap water served with no glasses one glass of wine ordered served in a tumbler, yes a tumbler, to be told there were no wine glasses available, requested wine be transferred to a gin glass, and yes no gin glasses either!! Was informed later they had a collection of 42 wine glasses for whole pub and restaurant. This establishment must cater for at least 150plus! Suggested a visit to Tescos to buy more. There was also ice in wine which wasn’t asked for.

*. Lack of drinks out of stock No J20s Apple and raspberry No apple juice Ordered bottled water not served had to wait considerable time for bottled water to be served

This was just drink issues! Absolutely ridiculous.

We then tried to order certain foods they had at least 45% of the “menu” out of stock:

No sea bass No Sirlon steak No roast pork

One our party wanted sirlon which they didn’t have, offered rump which was so burnt it was like shoe leather, asked for medium! Requested sweet potato fries with this dinner, brought normal chips, returned, the correct fries were brought approximately 15 minutes later when dinner was eaten!

Condiments no spoons in pots had to pour out of pots provided.

The children’s roast in comparison to the children mac and cheese was shameful. The mac and cheese was literally three spoonfuls in a tiny bowl. Certainly not value for money. This was not a substantial meal for a baby let alone how it was sold as a child’s meal. No chives as described on menu so this is being mis sold. This ‘chilli sauce’ was 100% watered down. Obviously this also was running low.

Brownie stated served with ice cream again mis sold and represented as literally less than half scoop of ice cream obviously running out of that as well!

Caramel Sunday was full of spray cream all melted, no ice cream just a mass of cream and three biscuits this was completely melted and dissolved.

As you can see this is totally unacceptable and completely ruined our celebrations.

We accept not always things run smoothly BUT this situation was beyond belief and a complete waste of money.

Had to order halloumi fries due to lack of food for child who had mac and cheese these were offered free of charge, considering there was four not exactly as generous offer! Also we received approximately £27 deducted from our bill although this is a gesture, the bill was still over £130 of which as you can plainly was a waste of money, our time, ruined celebration and disappointment.

The service was fair, although we waited over 45 minutes for dinner.

We emailed with no response back which makes their service even...

UPDATE 2025 September Had a fantastic tasting chicken and ham pie, one of the best pies I had for ages 10/10. Service at the bar should have been quicker the poor barman was on his own at peak time in the evening.

UPDATE 2025 AUGUST Disappointingly only one draught beer on tap which was Wainwright, £5.50 a pint, which was OK. Still can't understand why large chains can't compete more closely price wise with local independent pubs. Fully understand if they have expensive entertainment to pay for. Interestingly they had the earliest Christmas advertisements I have seen, not even halfway through August!!!

Update 2024 October Nice friendly staff, good selection of real beers for a modern pub/restaurant . Food was a little expensive for what you got, but was tasty and hot. Start a loyalty card like beefeater, bring down the price of beers and introduce a happy hour and you will see me more often. Razorback £4.95 a pint, nice beer.

Update 2023 June Was looking forward to a nice pint of Hobgoblin (£5.60), unfortunately the pint I was served was not drinkable, this was changed with no problem for a pint of Pedigree which was not top notch. There is a large housing development which is beginning to overlook the gardens closest to the round about.

Update 2023 March Had a burger which was quite nice. Service was good and staff were friendly, but we felt under pressure to order our food quickly, In my opinion this felt more like pub food which is not a problem, but the price does not reflect this, interesting some conduments where in the original manufacturer containers. See photograph.

2022 Friendly staff, not to busy late afternoon and they sell Directors and Pedigree bitter. Sorry I have had to remove 1 star as the drinks price is excessive for this type of pub/restaurant. Nice gardens but very close to...