Set in the village of Chillenden, deep in the Kent countryside, the ancient Griffin’s Head is an impressive half-timbered Wealden hall house, parts of which date back to 1286. Slabs of wattle and
daub can still be viewed in one of the three rustic rooms, and the interior also boasts a huge double-sided inglenook, as well as the obligatory quota of flagstone floors, exposed brick walls,
standing timbers, beams, old scrubbed pine tables and church pews. To drink, the full complement of cask-conditioned Shepherd Neame ales is backed up by an excellent list of wines and a splendid
choice of Champagnes. A blackboard menu delivers good-quality pub food of the old school, along the lines of lasagne, rump of lamb and steaks.