Bistro at Salomons Estate in Tonbridge and Malling - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

The Mother's Day Afternoon Tea was absolutely brilliant. Food was excellent especially the selection of cakes. The staff met all our dietary requirements and the service and surroundings were faultless. It was a fantastic day, we had a look round the museum as well and that was very interesting. Although raining on the day we have visited before in better weather and the grounds are gorgeous.

Needed a venue for a family reunion and Salomans couldn't have been more helpful. The events team were so obliging nothing I asked for was too much trouble. We were given the gold room to eat and the Leighton room to meet brilliant! We were able to select our food and wine choices prior to the event which was perfect. I delivered the decorations etc the day before and was thrilled that it was laid out exactly as I requested. Erin from the events team was outstanding as were all staff. Nothing was too much trouble. Food was excellent (trust me I have real 'foodies ' in my family. Well done Salomons!

We were here for the evening meal and festivities after a wedding. This was our first visit to the Pub and Dining Room at Salomons Estate (but it won't be our last). The service was very good and the food was tasty and well presented. My wife is Gluten Free but options were available which meant that her diet was not compromised. As I have said, we will be back on our home another occasion.

We came here on the last day of lockdown and the weather was atrocious-wild winds and hammering rain. We were seated in a marquee and the staff supplied us with a blanket for warmth. Despite all this we had a wonderful meal. The food itself was superb and better than you would expect at many top class London restaurants but the real delight was the exceptional service. All the staff did their very best in difficult circumstances. We will definitely return now that lockdown has been lifted.

Had a birthday present that was a three course Sunday lunch for two and went along and it was brilliant, extremely easy to call and book and very friendly on arrival, we were early but seated straight away Beautiful setting and grounds and the food was great, starters and Desserts were smaller portions but looked and tasted great and the main roast was huge, lots of Sirloin of beef, Yorkshire, stuffing and a large pig in blanket as well. Served by Terry who was fabulously attentive throughout as were all the staff who collected plates.

We have eaten here many times over many years including family weddings. This was the first time that we have experienced their afternoon tea which was a gift to us. The conservatory is a pleasant place to eat especially on a bright afternoon and we were very lucky it being February. We were initially served our drinks of tea and coffee. However there was a delay before the food arrived which meant that I had already drunk my coffee and my husband his tea. Our very helpful waiter (Terry) offered me more coffee and my husband requested another teabag (it was not loose tea as is often served with afternoon tea) as the tea was very weak. The finger sandwiches were ok, four fillings but a little dry around the edges. The scones were absolutely delicious, slightly warm and just a little crunchy - perfect. The jam and cream provided was just about the right quantity. The cakes arrived separately on a slate after the cake stand was removed. These were a real treat and quite different to what one would make at home. We were given a box to take home the ones we couldn't manage to eat at the time. It was a pleasurable experience only to be improved by perhaps a better arrangement with the tea and a pot of coffee. Only coffee from the machine was available. We subsequenly spent a short time in the Memento Room next to Reception before our departure.

We came to Salomons with a large group of friends and family & all the kids for Christmas with Santa. We have been here before for Sunday lunch and had been throughly impressed. It did not disappoint again. The food and service was excellent and Santa provided lots of fun for the children. Would 100% recommend for a high quality Sunday lunch in unique and beautiful surroundings. A special mention for our waiter Terry who was very patient, attentive and professional with dealing with our large group. We will be back again soon - thanks!

Thoroughly enjoyed a two course Sunday lunch here. Highly recommend the ham hock terrine as a starter. The roast beef is a real joy. Kudos to anyone that can finish the roast and still have room for dessert. A terrific meal in a stunning setting.

Had a delightful afternoon tea at this establishment. The waitress who was new to the role as manager was very attentive & happy to chat & welcome us. The food was lovely but we thought it was odd that we only had sandwiches & scone - although these were gorgeous. But as we were getting ready to leave, a plate of scrummy petit-fours arrived. Sadly we’d run out of tea at this point but would thoroughly recommend just the same. Thank you.

I recently had the trout salad from Salomons pub and dining room and it was perfect, I would highly recommend this to anyone!

Having been bought Afternoon Tea for my birthday, I was looking forward to an afternoon with my wife away from the kids, sadly Salomons turned out to be a disappointment. On arrival, there was no warm welcome nor smiles from the receptionist who merely asked for our name and directed us to the "pub area" where someone would seat us. First impressions really are important, although perhaps not to Salomons! Having been seated in the conservatory, (with no option for inside), we had to wait a full 20 minutes before our tea to arrive, at which point they arrived in plastic tea pots! Another 10 minutes and our sandwiches arrived along with the scones. The venue had been advised that my wife has an allergy to tomatoes, to which they catered by providing her with ALL egg and cress sandwiches, which really does show a complete lack of though and imagination. Cheese and pickle? Ham and mustard? Salmon and soft cheese? Obviously not available which really was quite poor. At the same time, we were left quite clueless as to whether we were actually going to receive any cakes, and it would have been nice to have been advised that cakes were to follow after the sandwiches. The staff, although pleasant, were not aware of their customers and rather than checking up on things with us, or even hovering around - just in case, they were rarely to be seen unless they were bringing out food, otherwise they couldn't be found. When I did eventually flag down our waitress, I had to ask for some more tea (which really should have been noticed), to which I was advised - no problem, I will bring you some hot water. Astonished to say the least! I mean really, does a handful of tea leaves cost that much. The scones and and cakes were quite pleasant, but that doesn't detract from the above faux pas. After all an afternoon tea should have a sense of occasion and as a traditional British affair things should be done right and in a certain way - we are not walking into a pub and ordering a burger and fries! Finally, before leaving I used the gentleman's cloakroom, which was a throwback to my school days with cheap lino flooring and cheaper cubicles. I short I would not recommend.

Dined last night at the Pub and Dining Room. Despite hosting a huge function in another part of the hotel, the dining room staff were attentive, well mannered and incredibly friendly. The young man that served us was just a pleasure to deal with. Visiting from Australia, this has well and truly set the bar very high for the rest of my gastronomic experiences in the UK. Do your tastebuds a favour and order the Sidecar cocktail! Together with as many courses as you can squeeze in! Truly wonderful - thank you all 🥰

This was the second afternoon tea I’ve had at David Salomons and it was just as lovely as the first. The sandwiches are good, the scones are awesome (fresh and also warm) and then just when you think you are finished they bring out a tray of cakes and Panna cotta shots. The staff are friendly and helpful too and the surroundings are very pretty. Thoroughly recommend it.

I stayed 2 nights- this is my dining review- accommodation review separate. Breakfast was served in the main building, so a fair walk down steep stairs & a road from accommodation block. Breakfast was a buffet with hams, cheese, yogurts, breads, juice, fruit & hot options like sausages, bacon, beans etc. A reasonable selection, but things ran out so had to wait to be replenished, despite it being quiet. It was all self-serve which is fine, just not clear initially when the only girl working there mumbled something at us. You can sit on the balcony too which is lovely. Note that breakfast is only served till 9:30 weekends & 9:00 weekdays, so you won't have much time to sleep in if you have attended a late event here! They had a special food/drink credit with the room which was great value. We visited the bar at 5pm for happy hour. The young guy serving asked us what Happy hour meant, & told us they don't have it! We pointed to the sign above the bar, explained what happy hour was, & he had to check with someone else! The restaurant is pub style food- salads, burgers, fish/chips, ham/eggs etc- not an enormous choice, but sufficient & good prices. No room service, but food is take-away if staying onsite. Cutlery, napkins & multiple sachet condiments were available which was great. Unfortunately, back at our room we realised the burger was burnt & dried out and fish/chips soggy. There was a great barman/manager in the evening from Croatia who was professional, helpful & really made our visit special. Otherwise, the food and other staff were a let down.

Surprise evening out, soon turned to despair! Table booked for 8pm and upon arriving, we were informed by the staff who were lovely, that the steaks were off. We looked through the menu only to discover that the options were Cod and chips, Ham and chips or Burger in a bun but a ‘specials board’ was mentioned... sadly the specials board was just promoting Easter that had just passed. So we cut our losses and found somewhere else to eat.

lovely setting, polite helpful staff, food very good. setting set in the countryside with fantastic views from the concervatory, plenty of choice on the menu but we only went for the afternoon tea, well worth a visit

We visited Salomon's for a Monday afternoon tea for a mother's day treat. What a lovely afternoon it was. We got to have our tea in the conservatory where we were served a delicious selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, teas & coffee. Our compliments to the chef as everything looked & tasted amazing. After tea we had a walk around the grounds & were lucky enough to enjoy the sunshine & meet a man taking his bird of prey out for a flight, which was truly wonderful. We would definitely return to Salomon's based on this experience.

We visited this beautiful place for Afternoon Tea with my daughter and two teenage grandchildren. The tea was very good, we had ordered a cheese platter as an alternative to the 'all sweet' fare, the cheeses were very good and suitably 'ready to eat'. The scones were excellent, perhaps not enough cream & jam, and the limited choice of tea and/or coffee could have been wider. The staff were attentive and helpful, the gardens were beautiful and the 'hawk' flew! Also good value for £££.

Impressive Estate in Kent. We sat in the conservatory overlooking part of the grounds which is a lovely view.

Very friendly and staff. Initially had a problem due to allergies, but this was rectified with immediate effect,. Lovely food, very beautiful setting. We were in the conservatory with beautiful views of the lake. Well worth the money.

My wife and I visited Salomons Estate for afternoon tea on a Groupon deal. Salomons is a large, impressive estate and the dining room has superb views over the lake. The highlight of our visit was a couple exercising Milo, their Harris Hawk, in the grounds.

Booked a 3 course Sunday lunch with Groupon, the food was lovely, roast sirloin of beef, very tender, came with roast pototes, broccoli, cauliflower, swede, carrots, Yorkshire pudding and pigs in blanket. We had a lovely walk in the grounds after, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was when we arrived and went into the restaurant we were waiting until someone came over. This happened to various customers whilst we were eating. We would return to this venue may be for afternoon tea.

Went to Salomons for afternoon tea for two in the conservatory. The food was delicious and well presented on a cake stand. There was no fruit cake, but there were scones with a choice of jams and clotted cream, and a choice of small cakes served on a mirror and dusted with icing sugar. Would be very happy to go again.

This was our first visit to Salomans Estate and what a delightful experience it turned out to be set in wonderful surroundings. The staff were attentive without being 'over the top' and very professional. Our Sunday roast was cooked to perfection and the portions generous. It is certainly great value for money and we have already booked to go with friends in the next few weeks. There is also a most informative museum in the reception area which is well worth a visit. Salomans Estate is a truly wonderful find!

Arrived at the venue with high expectation of enjoying an afternoon tea in grand surroundings. Rather disappointed to be shown to a table for 2 at the side of a door leading to a very busy bar area. Asked the Waiter if he had a table (perhaps in the Conservatory with the splendid views of the gardens), sadly not. We sat at our assigned table which did little to enhance our experience and quite honestly had as much ambience as a cafe on a railway platform. The sandwiches were served too cold, directly from a fridge and the cakes were somewhat underwhelming. The scones were ok but let down by the lack of butter (I enjoy my scones without jam & cream) which when it did arrive was 3 pieces of stone cold solid foil wrapped butter pieces. Overall, extremely disappointing and would not recommend at all. Sadly, this was an Anniversary gift which had it not been paid for in advance, we would have left before tea began!!!

We booked a family afternoon tea to celebrate a special anniversary. Initial reaction was to see the tea set out in the bar on a long table with no white tablecloths and chunky teacups. Although 3.30 pm, dinners were still being served along with accompanying roast dinner smell. This did not sit well with sandwiches, scones and cake.The sandwiches were dry on one side and had obviously not been covered up beforehand. The house is set in beautiful grounds and the service at the table was good but in our view improvements could be made to match the cost of the tea and to make it more of a special occasion.

on sunday John and I went for a pre Christmas meal with some of the family to salomons,we were all very impressed,the food was excellent,the staff were friendly,polite and very attentive,father Christmas came and spent time with all the children and the younger ones were given a lovely present each,we can not recommend this place highly enough. Thank you all at Salomons.

Estoy totalmente en vivo de Salomon y comer aquí un par de veces al mes. . Me toman el Tastecard significa que pueden ir con más frecuencia. El Bistro en sí podría ser más atmosférico, pero el personal es absolutamente encantador y la comida es buena.

Took my mother for an afternoon champagne tea for her birthday.We were greeted warmly and hot drinks arrived swiftly then the sandwiches and cakes arrived my mother has a nut allergy so they brought here different cakes that were safe for her.Everything was delicious and all staff were friendly and dressed smart and the champers was good quality.Also we visited the museum of the house and also walked around the lovely grounds which is vast recommend a visit.

Teníamos una habitación para nosotros solos, Prosecco de cortesía y la comida era increíble, todo el mundo estaba encantado y uno de los mejores bistecs que he tenido!

the food at this hotel restaurant is really amazing. Fantastic choice on all three courses and absolutely delicious. I ate with my husband and me had the homemade cheese burger with chips and I had the confit duck with bubble & squeak with added bacon and red wine jus. Gorgeous but the piece de resisance was the dessert we shared a creme brulee rice pudding and a date and banana sticky pudding with toffee sauce and custard - I can honestly say these were the best desserts we have ever tasted and they took my taste card which meant that it 2-4-1.

Me alojé en este hotel (hotel) Comentario aparte para casi dos semanas y cada noche, excepto cuando había una gran fiesta de boda, comí en el Bistro. Al final de mi estancia tenía prácticamente funcionaba mi camino a través de los menús. Así el personal de leer esto, sabrá inmediatamente que soy, los chicos de alta!

Myself and my family, 4 in total visited yesterday evening for the advertised steak night I pre booked via email which was very efficient I had confirmation back very quickly we arrived on time and were seated by very friendly and efficient staff whom took our drinks and food orders we all had fillet steak cooked to our individual requests, the starters were really fast in coming and were fantastic quality the steaks followed and were cooked to perfection and very well presented the meals were also piping hot the steaks were really good quality, the deserts came and again I can't fault them very well presented and of good quality, so to summarise the service was great and the food was of great quality we will be returning.

Un amigo y yo nos quedamos aquí para la cena en la tarde del martes.

Encantadora cena con un amigo. El servicio fue estupendo y el camarero nos aseguró que no sabíamos lo que la sopa del día era y nos registramos en la mesa. Pedí la hamburguesa y la comida era deliciosa y bien presentada. El pastel era también muy bien presentado y mi amigo me gustó mucho.

Estoy escribiendo este comentario mucho más tarde de lo que me hubiera gustado, pero bueno, yo hice té de la tarde para mi madre y yo en su 70 cumpleaños. Tuvimos el té de Prosecco, que era £17,50 cada uno. Bien vale la pena el dinero. Yo sólo viven localmente y a descubrir esta joya en mi puerta es increíble. Los sándwiches, pasteles y té con pastas nos sirvieron fue exquisita. Era fresco y muy sabroso. Nos sentamos en el conservatorio y el paisaje es fabuloso. La única crítica es que el servicio era un poco lento. Aparte de eso, me gustaría llevar mi suegra!

Our visit to celebrate a birthday on Sunday 25 October with afternoon tea was ruined by poor service, dreadful food and now after my letter of complain they have ignored me -?dint go -!stunning place but that's it - appalling

Nos alojamos aquí para una boda familiar (no en el lugar) y, a la vez que no estaba bien, comimos en el restaurante la noche antes de la boda en vez de unirse a mi grupo en otro lugar. Había otra boda sucediendo en este lugar en esa noche, pero la comida, el servicio y la amabilidad del personal se aseguró de que yo también disfruté de mi noche. Muchas Gracias, Gabi. en recepción, por todo lo que hicieron por mí y mi otra mitad. Gracias, también, una delicia, experto camarero cuyo nombre he olvidado por sus esfuerzos para asegurarse de que estaba cómodo y bien cuidado cenar solos. No dudaría en recomendar este restaurante a cualquiera - encantador, bonita experiencia. El desayuno era bastante impresionante!!

We visited Salomon's Estate for afternoon tea with the family and it did not disappoint. Having had afternoon tea at the Ritz and the Dorchester I can honestly say it is up there with the best. Well done to the chef and kitchen staff for delicious food and superb presentation. A special mention to Elliot who served us that afternoon, so polite, friendly and attentive nothing was too much trouble. Great food, impeccable service and a top waiter ....well worth a visit. Thanks very much.

If you wish to eat at the Salomons Estate bistro, I suggest you try to visit on a warm and sunny day, when you can eat outside on the Burrswood Terrace. The terrace’s 10 tables offer a stunning panorama of the estate, including a delightful view down into a small valley, where a classical-style folly sits on an island in a small lake. We had not actually intended to eat here but are so pleased that we did. Our plan had been to visit the Salomons Museum as soon as it opened at 9am and then move on elsewhere for lunch. However, an unplanned hospital visit delayed our arrival. By the time we had finished touring the fascinating museum, inspecting the Victorian “science theatre” and viewing the tower, the historic garages and the huge stable block, it was noon and we were ready for a light lunch. We dropped into the bistro to see what food was available and found that the main menu included more than a dozen “lighter bites” (available from noon to 5pm only), with prices starting at only £4, as well as a fair choice of more substantial dishes. (Separate menus cover breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and Sunday roast). I chose the Tuna Melt Baguette and my vegetarian wife ordered the Tomato and Baby Mozzarella Salad. Our food was delivered to our terrace table promptly. The portions were larger than one might expect for “lighter bites”, and both dishes were excellent. The staff who took our orders and served our food were friendly, helpful and efficient. After finishing our meals we were reluctant to leave because it was so nice to be sitting in the spring sunshine, soaking up the gorgeous scenery and listening to the soothing birdsong.

Regularly visit salomons for lunch. Menu has changed. New staff and chefs. New staff need more training with menu and service. Was noticed that they were new. Food not quite up to scratch had to send a dessert back, guessed correctly that they mush have new chefs.If it wasn't for the fact our charming regular waiter came and saved the day Nick we was considering lunching elsewhere.

A very nice location with stunning views and a very good menu but the service was not the best. We were a party of 30 but this is no different to a full sitting. Service was not the best and very hap-hazard. We pre-ordered our meals but still had wrong numbers of main courses. The food, the wine and the presentation were all 1st class just a shame it couldn't be served with a smile.

a scrumptious lunch at Salomon's after a lovely walk around the grounds and woodlands. The food was superb, works of art but still very filling with generous servings; the service was slick, friendly and welcoming. The décor is elegant through out, with a roaring fire in the lounge matched with comfortable seating for a cheeky slice of cake and coffee after lunch. Before we left we had a nose around and found a museum filled with all the history of the estate which was really interesting and beautifully put together. I will defiantly be coming back to this perfect venue

We looked at what was on offer for a light lunch at the Bistro in the hotel . Staff fine but the meal was average, bread rather dry and could have done with more filling..Nothing special food wise .Nice view outside but could not be seen from the room we ate in which was heavily panelled and dark. Probably fine if you are at a conference but not if you are looking for a light lunch and chat with a friend,

Thought this was going to be a restaurant. Not really a bistro,or a restaurant, outside seating for the Summer, very dismaldining room - no character and dark and not a very attractive conservatory.

food here was truly lovely, had the pork terrine and wife had a butternut squash salad with prosciutto ham. main meals had lamb rump and a fillet of red snapper followed by a chocolate brownie and the classic cheese and biscuits. Wine was very nice and reasonably priced, perfect evening. The building and grounds are picturesque, will return for a nice afternoon lunch to see how that goes. Looking forward to going back. Yummy

We've known about the hotel for years, but never thought to try out the restaurant. The list of hot food choices isn't great, but what we had was very good. They also serve great sandwiches which are huge, and also afternoon tea. Instead of a dessert after my meal I tried one of their cakes, and was almost beaten by a large slice of coffee cake. After our meal we were invited to stroll around their excellent grounds, and to explore the late Victorian/Edwardian theatre, as well as a small but very interesting museum. Every member of staff we met was professional, helpful and friendly. The prices are set for pampering days, but well worth paying considering the quality, service and surroundings. What started out as a quick lunch at a new venue for us, turned into a special afternoon that we look forward to repeating.