The Castle Inn, Chiddingstone

It was such a shame to see Nigel go. My wife and I hadn�t been able to bring ourselves to return until recently when we finally decided to visit The Castle Inn under its new management.

It was an absolute pleasure to see Chris who, as ever, was lovely and bent over backwards to accommodate us in every way possible.

The food was fine but unfortunately the wine list was worse than dreadful, the choice is limited and limited, it would seem, to the bad stuff. Having eaten our meal and left most of a bottle of overpriced vinegar we were introduced to the new owner John, a perfectly pleasant chap but thoroughly charmless and uncharismatic. I had always considered the prices at The Castle Inn included a premium for the good company of the staff, family included, and the other diners; that being said they can hardly justify those prices any longer.

The Service we received from all but Chris was abysmal, the waitresses seemed clueless and forgetful and the young man behind the bar was obviously made in the same mould.

It is with great regret I say that after more than forty years patronage we will not be visiting the Castle Inn again. If I didn�t think that it was such a well deserved retirement, I would recommend the new owner handed the keys back to Nigel!

20 Aug 2010 00:34