The Nelson Arms — Restaurant in Tonbridge and Malling

I’m only giving one star as there is no 0 star option, I was recently staying with one my oldest friends who has moved to Tonbridge, after a lovely meal he offered to take me to visit a local pub.

Before leaving he a warned me of the surly landlord that might potentially scupper our festivities but I took this as me meeting an eccentric “basil fawltyesk”charm of a small village landlord and that I would be greeted by a charming if slightly grumpy landlord that would ultimately win me over with him abrasive yet quintessentially British charm.

NOTHING I repeat NOTHING could be further from the truth... the fact is this pub is lovely all I expected in the venue from the reviews and info given by my old friend however upon arrive we was both greeted with the welcoming phrase “no service” tonight even though it was 21:30 on a Saturday evening and the place was virtually empty.

NO SERVICE! Not even eye contact and I have never been in to this establishment before we left feeling embarrassed and with absolutely no explanation as to why we where barred, however I suspect it was the negative reviews expressed by the family of my friend how where also subjected to rude impolite service and rather than addressed this in a professional customer orientated manner it was dismissed and taken personally as an attack and the punishment was banishment and all that associate with him, well my friend you have not only lost a local customer as we are considering moving to the area but I will ensure that everyone I ever come in to contact with is fully aware that this establishment is run by a rude unprofessional person who amazingly is the landlord! My goodness what an example of leadership this man is I’m sure there are locals that he is pleasant with but genuinely can’t believe I was refused service without even ever having set foot in this venue.

Luckily we found another local pub that whist it didn’t have the old world charm of the Nelson it did have a welcoming and professional person at the helm.

My advice steer clear of this place if you don’t like rude passive aggressive...

I had made numerous promises to myself to visit this pub for a number of years now, and tonight, I finally made it along to enjoy a couple of birthday drinks and food with my family. Tonight, being a Tuesday, meant it was "Pie Night" and the three of us thoroughly enjoyed what was served up, namely Steak and Ale pie (with thick cut chips), and Lamb, Mint and Potato pie, with mash potato. The food was great - tasty, well-proportioned, and good value for money. If (as I am) you're a cask ale afficionado, you'll be spoiled for choice; even on a midweek night, there were about 8 of offer, with a good range of styles and ABVs, perfect to suit all tastes. The staff were polite, helpful, informative, and attentive - a real credit to the business. Special thanks must be extended to Dee for her welcome and for ensuring we were looked after for the duration of our visit. As for the building, decor, and atmosphere itself ... it was superlative; a truly wonderful, cosy, beautifully presented and spotlessly clean establishment. It is dog-friendly, too, which, personally, even as a non-dog-owner, I find a plus. The local community is truly blessed to have such a gem on its doorstep. I shall definitely, 100%, be back, and, next time, I will ensure I am able to stay and enjoy the friendly ambience for...

West Kent CAMRA pub of the year 2022 for a good reason. I've been visiting semi-regularly over the last 4 years and it's a fantastic pub. Well decorated and maintained, the unique selling point is the well curated, great new and interesting beers of all types which are in constant rotation along with a few regulars. Every visit there is always something new to try.

In addition to the beer, regular live music, sport, quiz nights, jukebox and other community themed events really cement this as a fantastic 'heart of the town' pub. Weekdays and weekends you can buy some great burgers or just go for a plate of dirty fries. Sundays during the winter traditional Sunday roasts are on the menu. The usual bar snacks can be bought as well if you just want a small nibble. Nelsons also offer vegetarian and vegan options too and gluten free beers.

Of course if you are not a beer fan, you can find a selection of other drinks including Gins, Whisky, soft drinks.

While Children are welcome up to 7pm there is an adult only area filled with big comfy armchairs. A covered and uncovered outside area at the back. With the owners also being dog lovers, the Nelsons is very...