REVIEW: The Carpenters Arms, Eastling, Faversham
A sun trap with an equally warm atmosphere was on offer when we showed up for lunch
Some countryside pubs are just so worth the journey. The Carpenters Arms (@carpentersarmseastling) in Eastling on the outskirts of Faversham is one of those.
A classic red-brick Shepherd Neame pub in the stunning North Downs, its interiors have all the features that you’d love to find, from the stone floor to exposed wooden beams, central bar and fireplace. But in summer the courtyard garden is the place to be. A sun trap with an equally warm atmosphere was on offer when we showed up for lunch.
Having heard great things about the food and the events - like the Caribbean food and music nights, local game nights and fish suppers - we had to see for ourselves.
From the lunch menu, we had the crispy Korean chicken wings (£10) in the accompanying sweet and spicy sauce. Beautiful, succulent and topped with sesame seeds, the wings were excellent and topped off with a tasty Asian slaw on the side.
We also had the perfectly grilled sardines (£10) on a bed of zinging rocket and spicy tomato and red pepper salsa, and drizzled over with a light and fresh sauce vierge - a stunning dish.
For a main course, we went classic again, with the beer-battered fish and chips (£19.50). Sprinkled in rock salt, with crispy batter the fish was divine, while we were able to dip crisp chips into the sharp and plentiful tartare sauce - the dish was complete with the buttered garden peas… perfect.
There’s plenty more on the menu and lots of changing specials to try out - and we will. It’s gastro-pub grub done brilliantly. Make the trip.
