Pub of the Week: The Chequers, Lamberhurst

Enjoy an authentic Italian experience at riverside inn The Chequers, situated in the picturesque village of Lamberhurst near Tunbridge Wells.

Originally built in 1137 as a manor house, The Chequers has been an inn since 1414, currently boasting five en suite guest bedrooms, and retains many original features, such as its oak beams and inglenook fireplaces.

It was taken over by Italian father-and-son team Egidio and Giandonato Rosa last year, and they have introduced a menu of delicious dishes from their homeland, along with a delicatessen serving Italian cheese, meat, olives, vegetables and breads, which customers can sample in special platters or take home.

Customers can dine at the pub from 12 noon to 3pm and 5pm to 9.30pm, Monday to Sunday. In addition to the main á la carte menu, there is a special lunchtime pasta bar menu, offering two courses for a set price.

An Italian food market is also held in the pub’s historic barn every Saturday and Sunday, selling produce including pasta, wine, sauces, fruit, cake, biscuits and preserves.

For customers just wishing to enjoy a drink, The Chequers has two spacious bars, one of which is dog friendly, and there is a large garden boasting views of the River Teise running alongside it.

The Chequers serves a wide selection of spirits and wines, with a focus on Italian wines to match the new menu. Italian lager Birra Moretti is also being poured, along with Whitstable Pale Ale, Spitfire Amber Kentish Ale, Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager and Spitfire Lager. Guinness and Shepherd Neame’s own Orchard View cider are also available.

For more information visit the pub's website or call 01892 890260.