Lieven & Lydia
9 Sept 2026
These are the pubs we actually go to for Sunday lunch around Yalding, from traditional local roasts to a few places further afield that we think are worth the drive.
We love a good Sunday roast, and these are the pubs we actually go to for Sunday lunch around Yalding.
Some are very local to Woodlands, while a couple are a little further afield, but we think they are worth the drive. Whether we are after a traditional pub roast, a proper carvery or something a little more refined, these are the places we keep coming back to.
1. The Woolpack Inn, Benover
The Woolpack is probably our most local proper country-pub Sunday lunch.
It is an old, characterful Kentish pub with low ceilings, exposed beams and fires burning in winter, and it feels exactly right for a Sunday roast. Classic pub food. It is also close enough to Woodlands to combine with a countryside walk around Benover and Yalding.
2. The Tickled Trout, West Farleigh
The Tickled Trout feels a tad more polished, but is still very relaxed and works particularly well for families with a garden where Kids can easily run around. It is walkable from the cottages, but takes a good hour. Splendid walk with amazing views. Ask us how to get there. The pub is part of the Balfour winery estate.
3. The Bull, Linton
The Bull at Linton is a good choice when what you really want is a proper Sunday carvery.
The pub itself has plenty of old Kentish character and makes a good stop after exploring the countryside around Linton. Amazing far reaching views, and we love coming here with the kids as we can get served quickly, which especially when they were younger was always a bonus!
4. The Hopbine, Matfield
The Hopbine is a little further from Woodlands, but it is one we think is well worth the drive.
Their cooking is centred around fire and wood, and the Sunday menu usually includes a selection of locally sourced meats with proper roast potatoes, They are known for their exceptional cauliflour cheese.. Food is definately a bit more polished but still pub-ish if that makes sense.
5. The Stile Bridge, Marden
The Stile Bridge is the one we choose when we fancy a more fine-dining take on a Sunday roast. When we want to impress family or friends.
Rather than everything arriving piled onto one plate, the roast is much more refined and almost deconstructed, with just as much attention given to the sauces, vegetables and presentation as the meat itself. This restaurant is Michelin recommended.
6. The Kentish Rifleman, Dunk's Green
The Kentish Rifleman is another one that requires a slightly longer drive, but it is exactly the sort of traditional Kentish country pub we like.
It is a lovely old pub with low oak beams and open fires in winter, and Sundays are very much focused on traditional roasts. The food is homemade and they make a point of sourcing much of their produce locally. The classic roast, done very well.
There are some lovely walks around Dunk's Green, Plaxtol and Shipbourne too, so it is an easy one to turn into a Sunday afternoon out.
Final word
We are always happy to suggest somewhere depending on whether you want a traditional village pub, a proper carvery, somewhere particularly good with children, or a more refined Sunday lunch...and always book as all these places above are very very popular. Enjoy!