15TH CENTURY FREE HOUSE

Celebrating the bounty of the land, the rhythm of the seasons and the joy of barley and hops.

Our menu

Gorgeous though the pub is, it’s the food that really sets us apart. Under the guidance and meticulous eye of chef Gary Jarvis, the kitchen puts out some of the finest pub food imaginable table, including vegetarian and vegan options. With a deep belief in the importance of sustainability, all dishes are prepared using locally sourced, home-grown and foraged seasonal ingredients.

Favourite dishes include the homemade Shortcrust Steak Pie and truffle-poached chicken. Fish lovers can choose from their famous beer-battered fish and chips or delight in the flavours of the fillet of stone bass served with a mussel beurre blanc, while their vegetarian and vegan dishes will tempt even the most hardened carnivores – the roast cauliflower steak in a coconut broth and beetroot tricolour salad are a must-try.

As well as the a la carte menu, on Sundays we also cook four different kinds of roast with all the traditional trimmings.

Take a sneaky peak

The Bottle house is a beautiful Kentish treasure in the heart of ancient English countryside, surrounded by castles and beautiful country walks.

Inside our historic 15th century building there are plenty of cosy nooks and curiosities… a copper topped bar, art and antiques, real fires and a fantastic ‘Captain’s Cabin’ themed private room.

Have a look around, we look forward to welcoming you.

This iconic building in Penshurst village is not to be missed when you next visit. 

The Old Guild house, sometimes called The Church House, is one of only two left standing in England. Every parish used to have one to house spits, crocks and other utensils for preparing food and drink. 

At the Bottle House, we have our own kitchen utensils to serve you the very best food and drink so make yourself comfy, what can we get you? 

The Bottle House Inn, since 1492. 

#thebottlehouse #penshurst #villagepub
One of the best things about the British summertime is Eton Mess. 

With strawberries from our very own kitchen garden, a hint of elderflower and three different types of meringue, we think you will very much enjoy this delicious dessert 🍓
A starter with a difference; smoked mozzarella served with Peas, Broad beans radish and salsa Verde

Made with fresh and local produce it’s a perfect summer dish 🍴
Chatting to you from within the walled kitchen garden over at the Highfields Estate, our head chef Gary Jarvis shows what produce he has been foraging and how he is going to incorporate it to our seasonal menu.
Sometimes you can’t beat a cold, crisp g&t. 

Whether you like to add juniper berries or dried strawberries from the kitchen garden, you tell us how you like it and we will provide! 

#ginandtonic #its6pmsomewhere #ginoclock #ginoftheweek #mermaidgin #kentpubs
Come and enjoy the sunshine sat in our patio garden with the roses. 

And behind the bar, we have the award winning sparkling rosé from @simpsonswine 

Their Great British Classic Method Rosé is the epitome of English taste and luxury and is created from exclusively estate-grown Pinot Noir grapes hand-picked from their vineyards situated on the iconic chalk slopes of the North Downs of Kent. 

#englishwineweek #simpsonswine #englishwine #englishrose #britishwine #britishvineyard
Meet our assistant manager Frank Hanna, an excellent member of our front-of-house team. 🍻 

If he’s not on duty he’s growing rare and specialist flowers, which he will happily chat to you about whilst serving up your tipple of choice! 

#meettheteamfriday #frontofhouse
Have you tried the Beef short rib croquettes with a celeriac, grain mustard remoulade and a Madeira jus. It really is a beautiful starter 👌🏻

Made with award winning beef from the Highfields estate, only two miles from The Bottle House, we are very proud to have this on our seasonal menu.

#seasonalmenu #soiltoplate #localproduce
It’s #englishwineweek and to celebrate we are popping brilliant bottles of British bubbly from the Simpsons Estate in Canterbury…🍾

This award winning Chalklands Classic Cuvée is truly delicious!! 🥂

#englishwine #englishwinemovement #localvineyard #awardwinningwines #simpsonswine #britishwine #britishvineyards #kentwine
Our kitchen garden in bursting with Rhubarb so Chef Jarvis has whipped up this Trifle with Almond Sponge Vanilla & White Chocolate and it is very popular with our customers. 

#kitchengarden #soiltoplate #seasonalmenu #rhubarbseason #farmtotable #seasonalproduce #homegrown
We hate to play favourites with our menu BUT this Beetroot & walnut puff pastry tart with goats cheese, watercress and jersey royals is really, really good. 

Come and see for yourself 🍽️ 

#letslunch #kentfoodie #publunch #kentmums #sussexfoodie #seasonalmenus #seasonalproduce #soiltoplate
We love dining al fresco, and the chicken Caesar salad is one of our go to orders for when the sun is shining. 

Paired with a crisp white wine, what more could you ask for on a sunny day? 

#alfrescodinner #healthymenu #dinealfresco #seasonalmenu #chickencaesarsalad #kentdining
Every Friday evening we have live music from 7pm, sourcing local talent to provide you with some amazing entertainment whilst you enjoy cocktails and food from our mouth watering menu.
Call us to book a table on 01893 870306

#localandlive #livemusickent #whatsontunbridgewells #sussexevents #pubentertainment
In the churchyard at St John’s, you will find one of the few remaining dole tables. 

A dole table was used once a year to distribute money, clothes and food to the needy of the village - there are only three dole tables left in England. 

Thankfully we have plenty of tables at the Bottle House so come and join us for lunch after you have finished exploring the historic village. 

#villagehistory #penshurst #historicvillage #kentpub #villagepubs #bottlehousehistory
We have a new starter on the menu, baba ganoush with coriander, served with lemon and rosemary flatbreads. 

It is absolutely delicious but don’t just take our word for it, come in and try it for yourself. 

#startermenu #pubmenu #kentpub #penshurst #kentfoodiesguide #kentfoodie
Seasonal rosé wine recommendation…

Soupir, Château Oumsiyat, Bekaa Valley - 2023

A refreshing and delicious copper coloured, aromatic rosé from a multi-award-winning Lebanese vineyard.
It has notes of anise, herbs and strawberry fruit, rich, stylish and spicy… Just like you!

#seasonalwine #roséseason #soupir #lebanesewine #roséwine #penshurst #chateau_oumsiyat

What our customers say about us

WOW - I cannot praise this beautiful establishment enough. Possibly the best destination restaurant within a 15 mile radius. This is fine dining without the pomposity of Michelin star oppressiveness. Beautifully appointed and a lovely environment to spend a relaxing afternoon. The food was the very best I’ve had in the area. The wine list is really well priced with some great brands on offer. Cannot wait to return.

Had a fantastic lunch here! Food was amazing. The staff were friendly, welcoming and professional. Without doubt, the best pub in the area!

Lovingly made Sunday roast with lots of different menu options. Atmosphere relaxed and mixed crowds, kids and dog friendly. Located in beautiful hilly Kent countryside with lots of footpaths around the area. Definitely coming back!!!

A MUST. What a wonderful place! Fabulous food in a characterful pub dating back to 1492. The Larkin Ale, brewed just down the road was exceptional. Delightful service and atmosphere!

Upcoming Events

Friday Night Live – Clea Rose

Clea Rose is a singer-songwriter & guitarist from Kent. She plays soulful renditions of songs from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, and Stevie Wonder alongside her own original compositions. Walk-ins are welcome to pull up a chair and enjoy the show or to book your spot by calling 01892 870306.

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Friday Night Live – Clea Rose

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Friday Night Live – Jonny Gray

Local singer songwriter Jonny Gray performers Americana infused rock & pop music. Inspired by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Walk-ins are welcome to pull up a bench and enjoy the show or to book your spot call 01892 870306.

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Friday Night Live – Jonny Gray

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Friday Night Live – The Violet Jive’s Steve Spall

A cocktail of sounds including Swing, Latin, Salsa, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Movie themes (including tracks from ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Jungle Book’) and far beyond! Walk-ins are welcome to pull up a chair and enjoy the show or to book your spot by calling 01892 870306.

Learn More

Friday Night Live – The Violet Jive’s Steve Spall

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Bottle News

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