Wealden Hall — Restaurant in Tonbridge and Malling

We’re new to the area but have attended the Wealden with friends on previous occasions and with it being so close, we thought this would be an ideal place to hold my partner’s 30th birthday celebrations. We called a couple of months before the date and were told the upstairs had been reserved for us, and to call back in due course to let them know if catering would also be required on top. After calling up a few weeks later, on a Friday (two weeks before the event) to confirm numbers and catering arrangements, the person who took this call advised my partner’s name had been crossed out on the booking list and that they’d ask a manager to call us back. The next day, having not received a call back and wondering what was going on, my partner called back to be told by another manager that although the space had been reserved, they decided they were going to cancel this booking because they were expecting it to be a busy day, with the FA Cup Final and royal wedding. We dread to think what would have happened had we not called, given there’s people coming from across the country, having paid hundreds for hotel rooms, if we’d have all turned up and been told that the space hadn’t been reserved after all. Thankfully, we managed to find an alternative venue at short notice, who couldn’t have been more accommodating. Their approach from the first call just made our experience with the Wealden even worse. We were made to feel like our business was actually welcomed by our new venue, on West Malling high street, which is also a much nicer setting. It’s one thing turning away guaranteed money from a large group of people who are going to be eating and drinking, in the hope that there’ll be as many (if not more) going in there on a whim to spend as much or more; but what’s unacceptable is to accept the booking then remove it without letting us know. Then to have to call twice to find out that actually our booking wasn’t welcome after all, just added insult to injury. If we’d just been told at the point of enquiry, that the booking was not guaranteed, and/or they would rather not have the upstairs space unavailable on that day, it also wouldn’t have been a problem. Will be avoiding this venue for any similar events in future, and they’ve lost potential local everyday visitors to the pub as well. I hope the loss of all this custom, both on this day and in the future, was worth their while in treating us and our booking in such a...

The Wealden Hall Public House, located at London Road in East Malling, Aylesford, is a historically significant building dating back to the late 14th century. Originally a farmhouse, it has been modified over centuries and now serves as a restaurant.

The building's main block showcases exposed timber framing with curved braces and brick infilling, characteristic of its medieval origins. The service and solar ends are jettied forward on brackets and joists, and the structure includes a central recess supported by two curved braces, plain tiled hipped roofs with gablets, and various architectural features like a dragon post and a gabled stair-tower at the rear.

In the mid-17th century, an extension was added, enhancing its historical and architectural value. This addition features a timber-framed upper floor, rubble stone ground floor with brick dressings, and a central ridge stack. Internally, the hall retains a collar-purlin roof with a crown post, and there are indications that it once had an upper-floor hall.

The Wealden Hall is a Grade II* listed building, recognized for its architectural and historic significance, and has been officially listed since February 1987.

Excellent food, and drinks, with a warm welcome & friendly atmosphere. The staff is attentive when entering this establishment offering a cosy, traditional pub ambience which enhances their dining experience.

Regarding the food, the menu offers a variety of traditional British pub dishes: steak and ale pie, lamb shank, and fish and chips. I specifically commend the chicken and ham pie being a standout dish.

Drink options are also well-rated, with a good selection of ales, lagers, and wines.

A large outside seating area with parasols.

Overall, the Wealden Hall I highly recommend for those seeking hearty, traditional British fare in a historic and pleasant...

A lovely old fashioned pub/restaurant just outside of Maidstone,Kent. I parked in their large free car park. Note that there are no parking restrictions. The pub is an old building with large oak beams, watch you don't bump your head in some areas. There are plenty of tables and I would imagine the area around the lovely open fire is rarely empty during the cold months. There is also a large outside seating area which is patio styled with plenty of wooden tables. The pub is run by Greene King and is more upmarket than usual and this is reflected in the menu and the pricing. I had some nachos which was a large portion and the tortilla chips were home made ( see pic ) very nice but at £9.75 the most I've paid in a Greene King pub. I saw various meals come to tables and all looked good and it's not all chips,chips,chips. They have the two meals deal but it's set at £14.99 hear which again is on the higher side but portions are generous. They still have some great offers on drinks with cocktails and spritzers at just £5.99. All staff I came into contact with were polite and friendly. This would be a great place for special occasions as the surroundings are lovely. Visited on 10/12/24 and was a little disappointed..trying to run everything with just one member of staff simply did not work. Tables were left with plates and glasses and there were times when no one was at the...