Woolpack

The only remaining pub in the town centre since the conversion of the Victoria at the other end of the High Street to a pizza restaurant, the Woolpack is a brick and tile building with a cluster of large umbrellas at the front, masking the main entrance. Inside is a single bar with a lounge and restaurant area to the left and an open area with a glass-fronted log burner to the right. Terrestrially televised sporting events are occasionally shown on TV. Formerly a Barclay Perkins house, it was latterly Courage for many years becoming a Spirit pub when they were taken over by Scottish & Newcastle. The pub was then sold to Punch and in May 2009 it was sold again, this time to Shepherd Neame, its current owners. Excellent home made food is available all day until 9pm (7pm Sun), featuring daily specials plus roasts on Sunday. Monday night is quiz night and there are sometimes live bands at weekends. The guest beers may either be Shepherd Neame beers or from a list of about 16 breweries which are from the south east and feature a large number of local breweries. An annual beer festival is held over the August bank holiday. Children are only allowed in the pub when eating as a family away from the bar. It was named Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year in 2011. There is a patio at the front and a lawned garden at the back, both with umbrellas for smokers and dogs are welcome in the pub on leads except in the restaurant. Free WiFi is available. There are disabled parking spaces and a ramp from the side entrance.