Goudhurst Inn — Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

If I could leave zero stars I would.||||The Goudhurst inn left me in danger of losing my life. Yes, It sounds ridiculously dramatic but it is the truth. On the 11th December East Sussex and Kent was covered in very deep snow in a very short amount of time. I was travelling from London to my home in St Leonards on Sea and my SatNav diverted me off the A21 and in to Horsemonden. Unfortunately my car couldn't make it any further and I had to abandon it at the bottom of a hill in a very rural part of Kent. An area I really don't know. Realising that this could be me for the night, I decided to go on to Booking.com and find somewhere to stay. The Goudhurst Inn was selected having just one room left and so I booked it quickly noting that it was 3.5 miles away and taking the punt that I would be able to walk that far. My SatNav said it was possible in 1 1/2 hours. I received an email confirming my booking and explaining that they were looking forward to welcoming me and if I wanted to book a table for dinner. Immediately visions of warmth, wine and comfort engulfed me and I started my trek.||||Obviously in those conditions, the walk was going to take much longer. After a good 50 mins I was picked up by an SUV driver doing good deeds for people stranded and rescuing them. They gave me a lift the rest of the way to the Inn. (Very Kind). The windows were very steamed up so no visibility for me to see where we were going, I was just looking forward to thawing out. I eventually arrived feeling freezing and exhausted and hugely relieved. Only to be told in a rude, cold manner by Olly that he doesn't have a booking in my name and on looking at my confirmation, he had given my room away to another family. He then told me I had to leave because he and his staff had to get home.||||The Inn was warm and they were all comfortable and could clearly see my distress. But nonetheless they turfed me out in to the Ice and snow not knowing where I was or what to do next. Its so rural that I started to panic. I cried whilst trying to get my bearings looking for the direction that my car was in. By this time I had no phone (the torch had used all the batteries) and I was terrified.||||This post could have been a really positive post. Even if they had given my room away to another family in need, I would have been fine with that, if they had just done the human thing and allowed me in to the Bar to get warm, rest and recoup. If it had been my business and I was the manager, I would have made sure that my guests were at the very least safe from a very scary night. I would have stoked the fire and got blankets for people to use and written the night off as an exercise in human kindness.||||Olly was only interested in getting me out of the premises and getting home himself. That's not hospitality, that is abuse.||||Luckily, another very caring couple drove by me whilst trying to find my way back to my car (3.5 miles away) and could see I was in distress. They picked me up and took me to their house (which took 4 hours to get through the roads) and gave me their granddaughters bed for the night. This is kindness. Thanks god for the wonderful couple that helped me. I was in a huge amount of trouble and I didn't quite know what to do. All because of the selfishness of The Goushurst Arms.||||On speaking to Booking.com, the Goudhurst Arms should have contacted them and explained the situation for me but of course, Olly had to get home!||||He really couldn't care||||Shame on this establishment. This could have ended very...

COVID disaster. Formerly one of our favourite pubs! Saw the statement on their website about social distancing measures, party size limits, and that all guests would be required to remain seated at their tables for the safety of all guests. Reality was another story entirely. We were seated indoors next to a group consisting of 8 or more adults and maybe 10 children between them (no way that was 2 households). The parents wandered around constantly, and the children were left to their own devices, literally running around the restaurant, between tables and even showing up at our table and the table behind us, oblivious to social distancing concepts (as children will be when unparented). No one called their kids back or apologised, and management was turning a blind eye to all of this. Servers didn't wear masks when serving us, and when my daughter's pizza came to the table missing half its ingredients, they didn't remake the pizza, they stuck it back in the oven with the missing ingredients added. The result was a rock hard crust that was almost inedible. This was supposed to be a special birthday dinner for my daughter and so we put on a brave face, but it was a huge disappointment from start to finish. The other party's reservation was in clear violation of government guidelines and should never have been taken. Both the other guests and management need a visit from somebody to explain that pandemics aren't conquered by wishful thinking and denial. We're all in this together. Except when we're not. We won't be back until this...

The Goudhurst Inn is a renowned local pub in the heart of Goudhurst, a must go place if you are visiting the local area.

A very bespoke and fine dining aspect with respectful service and food selection. Fresh and local produce which seemed very traditional and seasonal with a modern garnish presentation where the meal will definitely fill you up for the price point. Average pricing range for a ‘standard’ Resturant in the South East. Typically ideal for a tourist or out of town diner to experience a taste of local and Kentish cuisine with British countryside produce and designs.

However, selection of beverages was rather limited for a ‘pub’ Resturant environment and pricing was relatively high. Which could be a suggestion factor which could be considered.

Music was also rather loud and also would like to see more live music events. With the recent collaboration between Bethany School’s sixth form student band performance that was great night and experience.

Toilets could be cleaner and better maintained however they are toilets.

I have to rate the overall restaurant as 4 stars

Reputation was highly commended Standards were set Customer satisfaction Food was decent Atmosphere...