The Compasses — Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

We went for Sunday roast and to be honest we weren't expecting much from a Green King: we only went because a relative brought us a voucher.

Bar service was poor with no bar order established by the staff. When we ordered food, we weren't told there would be a wait, but expected to wait for around 20 minutes. 45 minutes later I asked where our food was and was told it was being plated. 10 minutes later I checked in and was told that a fresh pork belly was being cooked and I would have to wait another 10 minutes.

When the food turned up, the pork belly was tough and had no crackling. The hispi cabbage was too tough to eat and the 'roasted' carrots were just burnt on one side. The yorkshire puddings were clearly frozen and the tiny portion of cauliflower cheese was dry and flavourless. We ate a fair amount, but only because we had been waiting over an hour at this point.

Several other tables got their food around the same time, and it looked much more fresh, so our plates had clearly been sat on the pass waiting to be finished. At one point, the chef was in the restaurant arguing with the bar staff about the 'thousands of tickets'. There were max 10 tables in the pub at that point.

The Compasses are clearly suffering from a lack of communication within their team. The bar staff were very polite and clearly used to apologising to customers. We were given a free round of drinks after asking where our food was for the 2nd time, and that's great, but I would have preferred some clear communication, even if that meant a longer wait.

The bar staff are the only reason that this review is not 1 star. They were very polite and clearly stressed as the kitchen was not properly communicating with them. The only reason I didn't make this complaint in person is that the bar staff already seemed stressed enough. I won't be rushing back to the...

The Compasses is nestled in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, Kent- Tucked away along little Mount Sion, just a stone’s throw from the High Street and the tranquil Grove Park, The Compasses stands as a proud testament to centuries of hospitality. Widely regarded as the oldest public house in Tunbridge Wells, this historic pub has been welcoming locals and Travellers alike since the 17th century—offering comfort, camaraderie, and character in equal measure.

Compasses is just a Classic British Pub Experience - as you step inside, you’ll find a warm, relaxed atmosphere where tradition meets modern comfort. Whether you're popping in for a quick pint or settling down for a hearty meal, the Compasses delivers with charm and consistency. Their legacy of great food, fine drinks, and genuine hospitality is evident in every detail, from the friendly staff to the crackling fireplace that anchors the space.

The menu is filled with crowd-pleasers, which includes but not limited to Golden beer-battered cod, Rich and satisfying homemade pies, Smoky BBQ chicken wings with a kick. Tender pan-seared steak cooked to perfection and that’s just the beginning—there’s something for every palate, with seasonal specials and vegetarian options also available.

Then for Entertainment & Atmosphere- On a good day where there are many guests, they will typically enjoy their meal accompanied by live music, football screenings, and a friendly game of darts. The ambiance is elevated by the glow of a real fireplace, making it the perfect spot to unwind, catch up, or celebrate.

The Compasses is proudly family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, with free WiFi to keep you connected. Whether you're a local regular or a curious visitor, you’ll feel...

I recently visited this pub a few times since summer, and I must say that it's a bit of a mixed bag. The atmosphere, the food, and the bar staff all have their own unique charm, but the manager's attitude left a bit to be desired.

Positives: the moment I walked into the compasses, I was struck by the cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The dimly lit, rustic interior, paired with comfortable seating, instantly put me at ease. It's the kind of place where you can sink into a corner booth, forget about the outside world, and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends or even on your own. The food is another highlight. The menu offers a variety of mouthwatering options, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and presentation of the dishes. The bar staff were an absolute delight. They were friendly, attentive, and went out of their way to make our visit enjoyable. Whether it was recommending a craft beer or just striking up a casual conversation, they were the shining stars of the evening.

Negatives: Unfortunately, the one major drawback at the compasses is the manager's behavior. I witnessed firsthand a few confrontations that left a sour taste in my mouth. The manager seemed quick to anger and had no qualms about engaging in arguments with patrons. This unpleasant behavior undoubtedly had a dampening effect on the otherwise pleasant atmosphere. It's a shame that a few unpleasant interactions could mar the overall experience.

In conclusion, the compasses is a place that could easily become a regular haunt if the management improves their people skills. Until then, consider it a mixed bag where you might want to visit for the ambiance and food but brace yourself for the occasional turbulence with...