Good food, good ales and good times

From crackling log fires and comforting classics, to impressive specials and slick service, The Little Brown Jug shows exactly why this much-loved country pub continues to set the benchmark for glorious gastro dining says Eileen Leahy

When it comes to charming local gastro country pubs The Little Brown Jug in Chiddingstone Causeway practically wrote the template.

For years it’s been a much-loved go-to for pints, hearty lunches and cosy dinners. The secret of its success? Quite simply it ticks all those quality hospitality boxes: a hugely welcoming atmosphere, fantastic food and great beers. It also offers the added bonus of being a great destination to drink or dine all year round.

During the winter you’ll find the popular pub’s open fires crackling away and its numerous nooks the ideal place to sit, sip and savour. While over the summer months the fancy external dining pods really come into their own – I have to admit that on a few occasions a lunch with friends has drifted into early evening sundowners, such is The Little Brown Jug’s charming appeal.

It’s a place where we as a family have had numerous birthday celebrations, a quick drink and bite to eat after a long stomp around the surrounding countryside and somewhere to take the kids for a treat tea if they’d done well at school. Being practically empty nesters now it had been a while since we’d last been, so finding ourselves at a loose end one Saturday evening earlier this month we decided to pay it an overdue visit.

On dashing from our car into the main bar area it was great to see the counter cluttered with plenty of customers taking respite from the inclement weather outside. Smelling the aromatic smoke of the logs on the fire we instantly forgot about the driving wind and rain that we’d battled to get here.

We were greeted by a super friendly waiter Steven who looked after us admirably all night – despite being run off his feet with a busy Saturday night crowd.

He showed us to our table, located in one of the period pub’s intimate snugs, and handed us our menus. One of the things we love so much about coming here is that the pub – which has been owned by hospitality guru Brian Whiting of Whiting & Hammond Pubs for many years – knows exactly what its loyal customers want. There are no fickle revamps of the décor and although the team may host different themed events such as the recent Oktoberfest, they know that what visitors want is delicious food that suits every palate and pocket.

One glance at the menu proves that point perfectly as it offers everything from classic moules mariniere and seasonal soup (tonight it’s roast carrot and swede) to burgers, bangers and mash, crayfish sandwiches and award-winning homemade ravioli. And a number of these classic gourmet pub dishes are available in smaller sizes for children too.

There’s a decent selection of cocktails you can chose for your aperitif including a very seasonal Whisky Mac ( a blend of smoky Scotch whisky and a fiery kick of green ginger wine) and the wine list is extensive – something that will please any oenophile.

Yet despite the impressive choice, my husband goes for a pint of Larkins, which hails from nearby Edenbridge, while I opt for a  glass of Spanish Rioja.  To whet our appetite we order a bowl of chilli and garlic glossy green olives (£5.95) and start to peruse the menu.

There’s a special offer on for Steak & Wine for two, priced at a reasonable £59.95. You get two 9oz British sirloin steaks, sides and sauces and a bottle of house red or white. Being steak lovers we’re tempted but then we read it’s only available Monday to Thursday so it’s back to scanning the varied menu.

All the food is sourced locally where possible Steven tells us, using suppliers within the immediate area. Provenance, he adds is an important ingredient to this establishment’s ongoing success.

The restaurant, with its walls covered in vintage prints and shelves stacked with books and board games, is filling up nicely with guests ranging from couples like ourselves to families out for a celebratory dinner. The bar is getting busier too with groups of friends happily chatting away and adding to the overall convivial ambiance. 

After much deliberation my husband and I are ready to order. It’s been a bit of a tussle between opting for traditional dishes such as the Butchers Old English Sausages which come served with creamed mash, buttered seasonal greens and rich, caramelised onion gravy (£15.95) and the pub’s award-winning Larkins beer battered fish and chips (£18.95) but we have vowed to be adventurous.

 To start we order the baked Camembert (£11.95) to share. It is a triumph, oozing freely as we tap into it with shards of toasted ciabatta. It’s creamy and indulgent yet not too overpowering thanks to the hints of honey and rosemary spiked through it. And the seasonal spiced apple chutney that accompanies elevates it further. To be honest you could just eat this one dish and be perfectly sated.

But on we go to the second course. By now I am pleased to have ordered the daily special of pork tacos (£10.00) but when it arrives it’s actually a generous portion. The BBQ pork shoulder has been slowly braised and tastes sweet and smoky. Each taco is accompanied with a dollop of fresh guacamole and a sprinkling of chilli, spring onion and lime – plush a dash of Tabasco from me for a little extra heat. I have to say that it’s one of the best dishes I’ve enjoyed in a very long time. In fact I am still thinking about it…

For his main course my husband goes for The Little Brown Jug’s classic homemade Gourmet Burger (£17.95). Using only the finest cuts of British chuck, rib and brisket steak it’s a superior take on the humble hamburger and comes served with slices of gherkin, beef tomato in a seeded brioche bun with burger sauce, fries and homemade slaw. Just like everything we have savoured so far it’s totally delicious and gets another 10 out of 10.

By now I’m full to the brim but our brilliant waiter Steven convinces my brownie-loving husband to try the pub’s version of this classic American dessert (£8.95). Dropping a small teaspoon just by my side as he serves this sticky indulgent delight Steven knows I won’t be able to resist having a bite – and he’s right. Made with dark chocolate and served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream you can see why the chefs have named it the Best Ever Chocolate Brownie.

With food of this quality, fantastic service and such a warm welcome it’s little wonder that Brian and his team have stayed at the top of their gastro game for so long.

TO BOOK A TABLE VISIT:

www.thelittlebrownjug.co.uk