Business Details
Award-Winning Free House in Kent
The Bowl Inn is a family-run free house established in the 1740s, nestled within the Wye Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We specialise in serving locally sourced Kentish ales, fine wines, and spirits, alongside homemade sandwiches and ploughmans lunches. Recognised by CAMRA's Good Beer Guide annually from 2007 to 2024, we have won Ashford, Folkestone & Romney Marsh CAMRA Pub of the Year multiple times.Our historic premises, lovingly restored in 2004, feature a traditional beer garden and roaring fires, offering a warm welcome year-round. We host popular events like our annual Beer Festival and maintain a commitment to quality, community, and hospitality. Our team takes pride in preserving the pub's heritage while ensuring a friendly, inclusive atmosphere for all guests.
Services
Local Kentish Ales
Fine Wines
Homemade Sandwiches
Seasonal Events
Beer Garden Hire
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run pub with over 280 years of heritage in Hastingleigh.
- Our local Kentish ales are sourced from award-winning breweries in the region.
- We have won CAMRA Pub of the Year five times since 2012.
- Our traditional beer garden hosts popular annual events like the Beer Festival.
- We maintain a 24/7 commitment to hospitality and community engagement.
Associations and certifications
- CAMRA
- Scores on the Doors
What people say
Excellent customer service
Roaring fires
Beautiful garden
Award-winning ales
Homemade food
Services
Local Kentish Ales
We serve a curated selection of local Kentish ales from breweries like Hopfuzz and Gadds', ensuring freshness and regional authenticity. Our commitment to quality has earned CAMRA recognition for over 15 years. Perfect for ale enthusiasts seeking traditional British flavours.
Seasonal Events
Our annual Beer Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday showcases local brews and live entertainment. The beer garden hosts summer events, while winter brings roaring fires and festive gatherings. These events celebrate Kentish culture and community spirit year-round.
Homemade Food
We offer homemade sandwiches and ploughmans lunches daily, using locally sourced ingredients. Our menu caters to families and visitors seeking hearty, traditional British fare. Available all day Saturday with seasonal variations.
Beer Garden
Our beautifully maintained beer garden provides a scenic setting for drinks and meals. Surrounded by the North Downs' natural beauty, it features seasonal decor and event spaces. Ideal for relaxed gatherings or quiet countryside views.
Wine Selection
Our wine list includes carefully selected whites, reds, and sparkling wines by the glass or bottle. We prioritise quality and variety to complement meals or enjoy independently. Local and international options available.
People
Annie
Landlady
Annie has managed The Bowl Inn since 2004, restoring the historic building with her late husband Ron. She continues their legacy of excellence, maintaining CAMRA awards and community ties while ensuring traditional hospitality standards.
Annie
Co-Manager
Annie, daughter of longtime landlady Annie, now co-runs the pub. She upholds family traditions while embracing modern hospitality practices. Her dedication ensures the pub remains a vibrant village hub with award-winning service.
Questions
What are The Bowl Inn's opening hours?
We are open Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday midday-11pm, and Sunday midday-10pm. Closed Monday-Wednesday.
Do you accept card payments?
Yes, we accept both cash and card payments for all services and purchases.
Can I bring my dog to The Bowl Inn?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our beer garden area but not permitted inside the pub.
What food options are available?
We serve homemade sandwiches, ploughmans lunches, and seasonal dishes daily, with full meals available Saturday and Sunday.
Are there events at The Bowl Inn?
Yes, we host annual events like our Beer Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday and regular seasonal gatherings in our beer garden.
What awards has The Bowl Inn won?
We've won Ashford, Folkestone & Romney Marsh CAMRA Pub of the Year five times (2012, 2017-2019, 2022) and been runners-up three times since 2016.
