The Compasses Inn, Sole Street, Crundale, CANTERBURY, CT4 7ES [Map]
01227 700300 
12-15, 18:30-23 MO-SA; 12-15, 19-22:30 SU
Car Park, Evening Meals, Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals

The Compasses Inn, July 1997

A great 15th century pub tucked away in the East Kent countryside fairly near to Petham and within a few miles of Chilham and Godmersham. You'll have to root around for your Ordnance Survey map to be sure to find it if you're in the area.

Visited once in the dead of winter a couple of years ago with my friend Ben. We trudged a couple of miles across muddy fields and along flooded narrow lanes and after an hour or so, just as we thought that we really were walking around in circles, the pub appeared before us. A cosy, friendly atmosphere inside with someone playing a few tunes on the piano. The interior of the pub consists of a long, narrow-beamed bar at the front with an interesting small flagstone floored room at the back with a big brick bread oven!

Recently saved from closure this pub is now owned by Shepherd Neame and their range of beers are now available. The landlord, a previous staff member, is friendly and has a real passion for the place and much of the pub has been renovated though it still maintains its historic character. If the weather is good pop out into the back beer garden and you'll soon see what I mean. There's plenty of seating in the well-tended beer garden. Excellent food is available both at lunchtime and during the evenings.