The Hook & Hatchet Inn has been standing proud in Hucking for the past 100 years, beautifully situated high on Kent’s North Downs and neighbouring 600 acres of Woodland Trust parkland. This charming inn boasts a huge south-facing garden with heated terrace, perfect for alfresco dining and drinking, and was recently granted a licence to erect a marquee in the grounds – they are looking forward to hosting weddings and other special functions. The menu here is wide-ranging, with an emphasis on using fresh local produce to create delicious home-cooked dishes. Daily fish specials offer a chance to try something different, and there are plenty of hearty traditional pub favourites – the Hook’s homemade suet puddings have proved so popular that they are now cooked fresh every day to keep up with demand. A set lunch menu offers two courses for £7.95 from Monday to Friday, and with three courses for £12.50 on Mondays and Tuesdays, there’s plenty to suit all pockets as well as tastes at the Hook & Hatchet.

The pub hosts live music each Wednesday evening, with anything from blues to jazz, Celtic, swing and classic covers. An open mic night hosted by Ben Jones, from local band The Lovedays, is also a big hit and occurs on the first Thursday of every month. Alongside the warm hospitality of the pub, the Hook & Hatchet also offers an outside catering and bar service for any event that requires a touch of traditional charm.