The Hop Pocket - Shepway

Owing to the long term owner selling the freehold the pub is in new ownership and is now closed at present until they have completed their refurb. This pub has had a few ups and downs like most pubs these days but i am hopeful that once established will become the local asset again. Their website was down as a result of the change.

We visited the Hop Pocket whilst staying at a nearby Airbnb as our host recommended it, and ended up going back twice over the weekend. The owners and barmaid are very friendly and welcoming, the landlady gave us recommendations for the local area, and the pub itself is very cosy and well decorated. The food exceeded expectations, we both had steak there on our first evening, which it was perfectly cooked, I also tried the lemon posset and it was delicious. The pub is also home to the landlady's two dogs Daisy and Poppy, (an added bonus given we're dog lovers) who greet you when you arrive and are very sweet and friendly. All in all, a lovely place for a meal or just a relaxing drink if you're in the area.

We unexpectedly had a night without kids and decided to try the food at The Hop Pocket. The homemade scotch egg was delicious, and the crispy belly pork with creamy mash was very satisfying. We will definitely be returning soon!

Couldn't be faulted, friendly service, great food at reasonable cost and in one of the prettiest villages in the garden of England.

The management needs to improve their friendliness as it seems like they believe they are doing customers a favor by allowing them into the pub. I have visited twice in the past few weeks and the second time, I chose to leave and go to a more welcoming local pub instead.