Bowleys at The Plough in Tonbridge and Malling

We loved our visit! We were greeted by a friendly barman who created delicious cocktails for us. Once seated, the menus were explained by friendly and knowledgable staff. The sommelier recommended the perfect wine to accompany our food choices and the food itself was superb. The menu was cleverly put together with delicious breads, homemade butter and freshly foraged wild garlic tartlets brought to the table before our meal arrived. Our mains were cooked to perfection and sweet treats were served to finish the meal even though we hadn’t ordered a dessert.

Food absolutely amazing. The staff are accommodating and friendly. Great ambience. They catered for my mothers 95th birthday which included 4 generations

We visited Bowleys to celebrate our wedding anniversary and were blown away by the standard of the food and wine pairing, when you combine this with the excellent service, you have a gem of a restaurant that prides itself in utilising local produce, including down to the old vines to smoke their homemade butter. We were served by both the sommelier/front of house and the chef who were great, it was lovely to see their pride, knowledge and enthusiasm in their produce. The attention to detail was excellent, even down to them brining out extra petit fours for our daughter and niece when they came to collect us. Would definitely recommend and we will be returning in the future.

An amazing gastronomic experience - each mouthful took us on another journey into the realms of exquisite culinary genius. The breads to start were amazing but, the single skin filo tart filled with a light welsh rarebit and topped chives was an unexpected portent of what was to come. I have to mention the risotto - OMG!!! Simply divine with complex flavours and beautiful textures. The slightly crisp vegetable - what on earth was it to taste so good? I later found out it was celery pickled in apple juice. Who even thinks up stuff like that? My mind is blown and my pallet dancing. I can't wait to return.

Meeting up with friends Sunday lunch , great food and service , very attentive server Linda , and Becky making sure everything was ok , , children were very happy with there food , will recommend and return

We had a wonderful lunch which was a gift from our son. He got us a tasting lunch with wines. The food was outstanding ,the paired wines were fabulous chosen by Brian their wine guy and the hostess Grace was very charming . We looked at their other menus and they all look very good , so much so we will be going back with our vegan son ,son time soon

This lovely restaurant/pub was recommended to me by a golfing buddy of mind. Unfortunately, they had a few technical problems going on behind the scenes that meant some delays in receiving our various courses. In addition the set lunch (reasonably priced) had Guinea Fowl as a main course choice which three of us went for. Some time later we were told that they no longer had any more Guinea Fowl and we accepted lamb as an alternative which was very nice especially the confit potatoes, which were outstanding. My wife opted for a vegetarian dish which a somewhat disappointing parsnip dish. We chose a lovely reasonably priced Rioja from Lograno which was absolutely delicious. The sommelier, because of the issues we had, very kindly offered us the dessert for free. This was nice although how can you serve rice pudding cold (schoolboy error). Anyway, it would have certainly been a somewhat disappointing lunch but for the fact that the owner (chef) came to our table having understood the issues and was extremely kind and honourable is opting to wave our bill completely. This was far more that we were expecting and good for him as we will now definitely go back again.

For those who’d like to eat in a restaurant with the cooking skills to enhance local food products, Bowleys is an excellent choice. We had a three course lunch with every course being beautifully prepared and cooked plus an unexpected bread and amuse-bouche tray and delightful home made chocolates with our coffee. A tremendous range of flavours and textures with everything delicious. Friendly service, comfortable surroundings. Excellent overall

Amazing meal and such welcoming staff. This is one of many visits to one of our favourite restaurants. New Year’s Eve (afternoon). The food as always was excellent, and the service was without fault. We visited with family and friends which was their first time at Bowleys and they too were delighted with the experience. Many thanks and hope to see you soon.

We had the tasters meal, the chef (Alex) came out and explained how our meal would include 99 per cent locally sourced food which we thought was a great idea. One thing Alex, David (business manager), Grace (restaurant manager) and the waiter (sorry name forgotten) all said was for us to take our time. Sound advice as there were seven courses. At each course one of the above mentioned would come and explain about the dish being served. We had delightful food including, oysters, duck, venison, resotto, and cheese. Each course was served in an unique way with amazing serving (dishes)?. We finally understand what fine dining means, the experience was truly amazing, so many restaurants use the term "expeience" so lightly. This was an experience and we realised that this experience would have been cheap at 200 a head, never mind 95. So glad i have indulged at least once in my life, charming pub, full of friendly people, packed so would advise booking. Well done all concerned, it was obvious that all staff took emense pride in their dishes and i feel sure you will see Alex becoming famous at some stage

We visited for lunch today, set menu was varied and every dish was well presented and full of favour. Bread & amuse buche were really superb. A hidden gem, hope to return soon

This is an excellent addition to the local scene. The service was outstanding. Calm, assured and friendly. The food was delightful. We went for lunch and stayed on the fixed menu. The portions generous and not overbearing. But what made it stand out was the quality of the food. And how it was cooked. The flavours and combinations were excellent. Well done everyone - great experience. And look forward to returning soon.

What an awesome experience! Polite, attentive staff. Excellent food and service. Worth every penny, will absolutely, be back!

100/10 One of the best dining experiences I have ever had, food amazing, we had the tasting menu and our waiter brian recommended the matching wines with his amazing knowledge, shared his thoughts and explained why he has chosen them, the chef bought out our meals and they were explained to us and where they come from, everything was exceptional. This was for my partners birthday and Brian had wrote a birthday card for when we got there, lovely touch and was really appreciated. The food was so cleverly thought out and the wine was matched extremely well. Some of the wine tasted like it was actually in the recipe and was very impressive how the tastes had been matched together. For anyone thinking the tasting menu isn’t enough food, you will be proven wrong, it was incredible and so filling by the end of it. Will be recommending to everyone and definitely coming back.

If you want great service , fantastic food , beautifully presented this is The place. We have honestly eaten in some great eateries around Kent and Surrey and this is in the top 1% club you will not be disappointed. The care and attention to detail is exceptional. All the staff are super knowledgeable about the foods and wines. It’s impossible to name all the staff who made our experience so special but our particular thanks goes to Grace, Brian, Alex, Robyn, David and Calumn.

Why would you chose anywhere else for Sunday lunch? Perfect from the moment you are greeted to the time you have to leave - you have had the best experience- who knew that white wine tasted sweet ! Brian paired each course with the perfect wine … Grace and Callum were attentive and knowledgeable- our fourth time here … definitely will be back the beef was sublime — oh and the apple mousse desert…. Incredible

Another excellent lunch at Bowleys. This is our go to place for celebration meals and if never fails to “hit the mark”. The food is exceptional, locally sourced ingredients which are cooked to enhance flavours and presented well. The set lunch menu is excellent value for money. This is a family and community run pub and restaurant, their dedication and commitment is second to none and it shows through on all levels. Highly Recommend .

Lovely restaurant with a good tasting menu ...service was amazing especially Brian ...the sommelier... the prize point is just right..... we are looking forward to visiting again ... thank you for a fabulous evening

Lovely young couple who run the restaurant backed by the local community. The chef helps serve as well..

Went to the restaurant a few days ago and things didn't go anywhere near as well as in the past. Head chef was devastated and invited us back. We visited today and thank god sanity has been restored, despite my multiple michelin experiences, this remains...

Having recently eaten Sunday lunch at The Poet and been disappointed with the service - we thought we would return to Bowleys - and we are not disappointed!! Everyone needs a Brian!! The maitre d remembered us from eight months ago!! And boy does he...

The quality of the food at Bowleys is exceptional and every dish is clearly created with love, care and attention. Flavour combinations are often surprising … nettle risotto is a first for me … but work perfectly. The lamb was incredible and dessert included a...

Our first time at Bowleys and a bit of a first for them too, as a power cut wiped out the whole village's electricity supply while we settled into our fantastic, and expertly mixed, pre-dinner gin fizzes. No problem as the entire team quietly set...

I said I would try it again and I have . Food very pretty , but taste nothing to write home about . Price has gone up considerably . £179 for 2 of us 1 bottle of Prosecco and starter and main , plus 2...

Four weary campers arrived at this wonderful pub/restaurant, looking for refreshment (beer) after a long hike from Badgells Wood campsite. We were met with a merry welcome from the landlord, saying we were in the right place for a alcoholic beverage (pub-side, rather than the...

Absolutely amazing!!! Food was sensational. We had tasting menu & was superb. Alex deserves a special mention, he explained every course with passion & enthusiasm. All waiting staff were attentive & honest when they were unsure of anything. We absolutely loved it, fine dining but...

What a fabulous restaurant. It’s not cheap but well worth the money. Food, service and wines/ cocktails were superb. Staff were all wonderful - polite , informative and nothing was too much trouble. They made our evening very special as noticed it was my sons...

We had heard good things about the food here and had been in for drinks and snacks previously, so we decided to go for Valentine's lunch and Mother's Day Sunday lunch. The quality of the food is excellent and the service is impeccable. It is...

Popped in for Sunday lunch made to fell very welcome by all the staff. As always Alex with a smile on his face and a noticeable passion in his eyes to please. Out the window went the Sunday lunch, Smoked Halibut and another starter of...

What a lovely evening! We visited here for the first time last night. The menu was perfectly balanced with a range of dishes that would suit most tastes. Our party had steak tatare, garlic risotto and 2 haddock. All of which were excellent. Main courses...

My husband and I visited for our wedding anniversary and start to finish, we had such an amazing experience. The two gentleman that greeted us were both brilliant and were happy for us to have a drink in the bar before we sat down at...

We visited midweek with 4 friends and had, as usual, an excellent evening. First class food, wine and hospitality. The menu is always thoughtful, local and beautifully presented. The place is a real gem and absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area....

Had an amazing lunch here yesterday with my parents. The service was spot on - friendly, relaxed whilst being attentive and knowledgeable of the food. I mentioned I don't eat gluten so Alex, the chef, came out to talk through the menu. It appeared to...

We enjoyed a family visit to Bowleys at the Plough, to celebrate our joint 80th Birthdays. It was so great to meet all the staff there, especially of course head chef Alex, and to enjoy the taster menu in all its variety and glory. All...

A mouthwatering meal. Choice of dishes for a vegan and personal recommendations from the chef. Service was friendly and very attentive. This place is a gem. Puddings were absolutely delicious.

Another visit to a restaurant that goes so far beyond the local Gastro pub! The food is beautifully presented, great flavours and superb balance to give you a superb gastronomic experience. Chef is very engaged in his craft and loves to get feedback on his...

Had another fabulous lunch for my husbands birthday. The welcome and fabulous service was 2nd to none..and wow the food was totally delicious. I could have eaten a tub of the Aioli..and my cod dish was fantastic. My son and husband had the Muntjac starter...

I have been to Bowleys at The Plough before and it never disappoints. Today I took 5 friends for Brunch to celebrate 2 birthdays. We were made so welcome by the Manager and the food was delicious. Nothing was too much trouble and my friends...

Went on a Sunday family lunch and was very impressed. Good choice of drinks and very sociable, polite and knowledgeable waiting staff. Not a great choice on menu, but enough to choose from.

I'm so glad that we chose to experience the tasting menu at Bowley's as it proved to be a really nice, well balanced meal that showed off the local produce that is available in Kent even in the depths of Winter. The food was delicious...

We visited for Sunday lunch and it did not disappoint. The story behind the restaurant and pub is very interesting and a nice change from modern chain restaurants. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was exemplary. All of the staff were so friendly...

We had the tasting menu to celebrate a birthday. The food was incredible and everything about the setting was wonderful. The restaurant staff were so lovely, we had a sommelier giving us the wine descriptions, the chef even came to check that everything we had...

As ever wonderful food. The set lunch is excellent value and the starter was superb. It was large portions and excellent wine. It is a lovely place for a good meal and fine dining. We have been several times and would recommend. Service is attentive.

I had a wonderful dinner here. The tasting menu was impeccable. Alex (head chef) came out and explained the courses which was a lovely touch. Good variety for drinks (including draught beer). Thank you for a wonderful evening!

We’ve now been a couple of times to this lovely little restaurant, and cannot fault it. The food is amazing, and if you’re after seriously good and we’ll-presented food at a high end restaurant level then that’s what you get - and the set menu...

We've eaten twice here, once for Brunch and once for Sunday lunch. Couldn't rave enough about the food and the value for money too. Absolutely fabulous and will go again and again!

Recommend if you're looking for something a bit more special than the regular offerings. Food was amazing and just enough to feel full without being stuffed. Atmosphere was cosy and the chairs were the most comfortable I've known in a restaurant.

Excellent service, the chef was really knowledgeable and gave recommendations. The Sunday roast was superb - our beef was cooked perfectly! Will definitely return to try some other parts of the menu.

took 6 of us for lunch last Sunday. Excellent food and very good service. Even provided a cake as it. was my wife's 80 th birthday.

This time it was a game evening. They were very kind, as I don’t eat rabbit I was presented with a pigeon dish that was delicious. A great series of courses all featuring game. One of the desserts was a huge risk, as lemon possett...

We had a superb Saturday lunch in a very comfortable and friendly environment, enjoying the family theme throughout. The freshly made focaccia bread with dips, seasoned butter and amuse bouche started what proved to be an excellent meal with rabbit superbly butchered and cooked to...

Mixed feelings. Really nice atmosphere and the hosts were welcoming. Think the food shows the immaturity of the chefs. We both chose the tasting menu. The amuse bouche was the stand out with amazing lamb tartlets, red pepper and paprika cones and an amazing garlic...

What an amazing discovery! My wife booked a table here for my birthday recently, and as we parked in the car park, I thought to myself “please don’t be disappointment!” Well it most definitely wasn’t that! Despite arriving nearly 45 minutes early, we were greeted...

Was treated to a birthday dinner by my lovely partner at this upbeat, but quaint village pub. The service was amazing, the waiter was very knowledgeable about the pairing of wine to the foods we chose. The main courses were delicious, and the desserts were...

I was really looking forward to trying this restaurant as I had read all the reviews which looked amazing. I like ‘fine dining’ restaurants which to me mean quality not quantity. I was I am afraid rather disappointed. The male member of staff was who...

The whole expeience at The Plough was a delight on a Satuday lunchtime. Staff were all very attentive without intruding, and all our dishes were perfect. A genuine fine dining experience in the atmosphere of a lovely historic bulding.

We visited for the first time last Saturday for lunch having been recommended to by friends. We were warmly greeted and made to feel most welcome throughout our lunch, by all the staff. The food was delicious and exquisitely presented. The amuse - bouche and...

Enjoyed a wonderful lunch with friends. Everything was delicious and the service excellent. I can highly recommend the set 3 course lunch. The scallop starter, chicken main course and chocolate dessert were all extremely tasty and beautifully presented.

We attended on Saturday night and found the staff to be very friendly and charming. The food was amazing!! Highly recommend.

This was our first visit and we had our 7 year old daughter with us for a late Sunday lunch. Staff were really welcoming and attentive and the atmosphere was very pleasant. We were seated by the window and had some lovely natural light. My...

Lovely reception from the barman That was it !!!!! the starter was so small it wouldn’t feed a sparrow , the main was ok but our friend couldn’t even calve his meat and gave up , everything felt like it was a effort from the...

Food and service was absolutely exquisite at the restaurant. The entree with smoked butter was amazing, the main courses were delicious and the portions were the perfect size. The service was on point and we weren’t disturbed during the meal, my only minor complaint is...

What a superb restaurant in Trottiscliffe. The service from Brian and his team was superb. The attention to detail and attentiveness was just right. It's relaxed fine dining. No stuffiness but utter professionalism and knowledge especially by Brian. The menu is a work of art....

Went for my mums birthday and it did not disappoint. Lovely ambience with only a small number of tables meaning it felt relaxed but special. The food was superb , I will definitely come back and highly recommend.

Absolutely fantastic value set lunch. The food is top draw and the presentation was lovely. One of the best meals we've had at any price but remarkable value at the price it is.

We have just had an anniversary meal at Bowleys and being fortunate enough to eat at many good restaurants, we can honestly say that the food was first class and for a tasting menu, very good value. The waiting staff were friendly and attentive without...

Am writing after a lunch here and have booked to return for dinner too. So glad to have this absolute gem close by. The flavours and attention to detail are amazing. The atmosphere perfect, we were made to feel valued clientele by Tony, front of...

Found this hidden purely by chance and booked to visit for Saturday lunch. We had 2 courses each and every mouthful was a taste explosion. The dishes served were extremely well presented. We enjoyed the rabbit and red hill grape and wild garlic risotto for...

Really great vegan food. Would highly recommend this little gem of a pub. Really friendly welcome and great great service. Lovely atmosphere and really cozy. Keep up the good work. I will be recommend to all.

First time customers, had tasting menu which comparing to London restaurants was quite expensive for what we received.Dishes lacked refinement and were served on normal plates no artistry. Had wine paring but was never shown the bottle from which the wine came from.On booking was...

Looking for a midway point for families to meet between Sussex and Essex, and having heard good reviews, we decided to visit Bowleys at The Plough. As a party of six who rarely get the chance to all be together, we were looking for a...

Bowley's at The Plough is one of our favourite restaurants to visit. The draft beer from the Kent brewery is always fantastic and the wine list is great, we love the Redhill Estate wine which is local to the area. We have been for Sunday...

Initially you might feel this is quite expensive for a taster menu, but you need to bear two things in mind:- 1. The ingredients aren’t cheap. 2. The portion size isn’t the normal tiny ons. The courses were beautifully crafted from the bread with garlic...

We visited here for a Sunday birthday lunch, The service was amazing, the food was high level and reasonably priced. For starters I had the roasted cauliflower soup and my partner had monkfish cerviche, we both went for the beef for our roast and dessert...

My wife and I have just returned home from a delightful lunch at this pub. The food was faultless, classy and delicious. The staff were pleasant and I would highly recommend this place. Deserves a Michelin recommendation.

Just returned from an excellent afternoon at Bowleys. Great food, service, value and atmosphere! Looking forward to the next visit.

We started with drinks in the bar, in front of a roaring log fire, before moving into the attractive beamed restaurant, the walls adorned with photos, tracing the family’s history in the food and drink industry. Every course we had was delightful, but the two...

We visited Bowleys at the Plough last night as a party of 6 and chose the tasting menu, the food was exceptionally good, a wonderfull variety of flavours served by friendly attentive waiters. We will be back soon

The food at this pub restaurant is incredible. This was our second visit, and we will be back again. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable without being intrusive. We’ve heard the chef is a young man, and what a talent he is. I chose the...

Apparently father David (ex Balls Brothers in the City) and son Alex Yates (ex The Goring Hotel) moved into this community owned pub in mid 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Thereafter it was a stop/start operation like so many others in the struggling...

My wife and I had another fabulous dinner at this lovely small restaurant. The gorgeous food is imaginative and very tasty. Each course and dish was mouth watering with the infusion of different flavours working perfectly. A real treat we look forward to visiting again.

As a bit of a veteran reviewer, I saw the recommendation in the weekly good food guide newsletter and as it’s very near my partners house we went for lunch. It’s quite a small and ld venue, but beautifully maintained and presented, car park isn’t...

Visited Bowleys after hearing great reviews. Very cosy, small but not without an atmosphere. The food was excellent, great selection of options and the cooking of our venison and pork loin was perfect. Service was fantastic, very knowledgeable sommelier who helped with course choices too....

We enjoyed a lovely evening at Bowleys a couple of weeks before Christmas. We had the tasting menu but as I don't eat rabbit one of my courses came from the vegetarian menu. Small portions but we were really full when we left the restaurant,...

We were surprised as we thought we were having tasting menu but told not being served at lunch time, so this needs clarifying for people. The a la carte was very good. The rabbit and citrus stone bass starters were exceptional. The mains were delicious,...

Dined at Bowleys last night with extended family. All food and service was excellent. My husband has the Venison and said it was great. I had the roasted Cod as a main dish which was exceptional, one of those dishes you could have eat over...

Fabulous festive lunch. Great value in lovely welcoming pub restaurant. The food was superb. Might have to go again next week!!

A hidden gem. The service is homely yet professional, serious but also willing to have some banter! Our second visit, this time we had the tasting menu and we are glad we did, the food keeps on coming until we literally rolled out the door...

Totally fantastic lunch, the Plough has had a sad history in recent years, Bowley’s deserves to survive and greatly enhances the food options in the local area. Based on our visit I’d rate it up every with The Fordwich Arms and The Sportsman, but without...

2nd visit here and again the service was outstanding, food was absolutely amazing and delicious, attentive, informative staff made for another memorable evening. I’m almost grudgingly reviewing as I want to keep this place a secret lest I cannot get a table at my leisure!...

Went here for Sunday lunch after hearing great things, and left very impressed. Food was outstanding - local, well cooked, and frankly underpriced Sunday lunch. A concise food menu with beautiful roast dinners and very good wine menu. Staff are great fun and incredibly friendly....

A real special experience. The cuisine was first rate with the chef's talents really shining through and fantastic front of house team. Lovely village setting and can't wait to return. HIGHLY recommended!

An exceptionally good meal. We went with a la carte and wood pigeon starter was excellent but standout was the halibut main, an exceptional dish. The bread and amuse bouche were nice touches. Wine was very reasonably priced. Whole meal was also reasonable. Only quibble...

Fantastic front of house, staff were attentive and informed, muse bouché was amazing,we ordered the wood pigeon, ravioli and burrata starter all absolutely delicious moving on to the duck and beef mains again delicious, each course had a surprise and were most happily received. Only...

My family and I have frequented Bowleys at The Plough a few times recently and have never been disappointed. All the staff are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble . We particularly like the little sociable exchanges all the staff offer during our...

Fantastic food and service and definitely one of the best restaurants in Kent if not the south east. We had the taster menu which was stunning and very good value. Enormous care taken to source local quality foods and depth of taste and attention to...

Think this was our fifth trip and could go weekly to this outstanding place. Food was (as always) superb and service excellent. Inventive menu and food cooked with attention to detail. Highly recommend.

The food itself was pretty good; it was well presented and quite tasty, however the taste was soured by the staff. It was a bizarre situation where there seemed to be far more staff than needed, but none of them were able to do anything...

Went on Saturday night with my wife, was given a table by the window and had the tasting menu with wine. The service was excellent, the staff incredibly friendly, the food superb and also wonderfully presented. We booked a taxi for our return home and...

Good weather so we ate outside on the covered terrace. Started with a tasty amuse bouche. Crab started was very tasty as was the buratta. Mains of Pork Loin- tasty and succulent and same for Dexter Beef, then we shared a good cheese board -...