Bush Blackbird and Thrush in Tonbridge and Malling

Stumbled over this lovely pub just outside of East Peckham. A couple of drinks with cheesey chips and a brie and cranberry sandwich, absolutely perfect. We will be back again soon!

once again a great homecooked roast and plenty of it, went for mothers date late booking but managed to fit us in the bar, great atmosphere and friendly staff couldnt do enough to help

We had the pleasure of spending valentines evening here. From the moment we entered we felt a warm welcome. The food was exceptional, served on hot plates and with a smile from the lovely waitress. I can honestly say the dishes were full of flavour and well presented, This place is a little gem and we will 100% return to sample a Sunday roast which I’m sure won’t disappoint Thank you for making our visit so lovely

Can’t thank Harry, Marit (excuse the spelling if incorrect) and the wider BB&T staff enough for making my daughter’s 18th Birthday, Sunday meal a very special occasion. There was 18 family and friends for dinner and the set up to cater for us all was perfect. The food was superb the service exceptional. We can’t recommend this place enough. Thank you guys. Phil and Carla

The food was over cooked i.e. fish and chips that were very brown very crunchy and just not very nice. My wife had a pasta dish that was very salty .

We are local to the area and love coming to the Bush for a few drinks and/or food. Great atmosphere and always very welcoming to people and animals. Our pup loves going there and loves Harry and Maritt. I would highly recommend a visit.

Went with my daughters for lunch. I had a gorgeous fish finger sandwich. The girls has sausage sandwich. Lovey bread. Around delicious. Staff very attentive.

Came to meet family for Sunday roast. Food was delicious. Roast potatoes, crackling, gravy and meat, all of it was cooked to perfection. Warm welcome and lovely staff.

Had booked the restaurant a week before for a family birthday celebration. However, ended being put on a table in the bar area which was disappointing. A large party then came in which had not booked and were put on a large table next to us which meant we got no service from the waitresses from then on. On the plus side, the food was absolutely excellent. Starters of tasty pate and soup, followed by delicious Sunday roasts and rounded off with scrumptious apple pie. What’s not to like!

We were a walking group of 16 who had not preordered although we had booked a table foor 12 to 15. In spite of the variety of food ordered you served it quickly and cheerfully. Everybody seemed very happy with you. Thank you

This pub was re commended and did not disappoint. We had the Sunday roast which was plentiful and well cooked. Service was brisk and friendly. Although the dining room lacked atmosphere the Bush etc will be a regular destination.

Went with my family, and we had a fantastic roast dinner, so much meat on the plate. You have a choice of beef, pork turkey or you can have all 3. Definitely will be going back

The food was edible just. Everything was over cooked and burnt. Have you ever had a steak and kidney pie where the pie was a square of puff pastry sitting on top of the filling so the filling was dry. Shall never return. Appalling

Friendly staff, lovely beer garden nice little find, the pub isn’t overlooked so sitting out the front gives you lovely countryside view. FOOD: My chips came out cold and the bread was not fresh, slightly crispy. The portion size for my client too much ham and he normally eats everything, However he did enjoyed his lunch. I’m a chef so I’m a little more observant than the average Joe😀 TIPS: Always bring out salt pepper with meals. Add slice of lemon when serving any type of fish Shred the salad thinly to add to sandwiches Serve only fresh bread🙂

We stayed here for two nights in our motorhome as they advertise in the 'Brit Stops'. We were made to feel extremely welcome from the minute we arrived. The barmaid even sorted out our wifi connection which was alien to us! We had two fabulous evening meals at a very reasonable cost. The chef came out both evenings to check whether we had enjoyed our meals and was extremely friendly to all of the guests. Can't rate it highly enough. Next time we are in the area we will definitly stay there again. Well done to all of the staff. Thank you

Great food Great atmosphere Great pub Well done to Maarit and her team What a difference you have made

Yesterday the Bush Blackbird and Thrush hosted my father’s wake. So impressed with the good food and fantastic service, nothing was too much trouble. Thank you Maarit and her team for all their help including disabled access for a member of the family. We will...

At last our local pub has new management who really care about there customers. We have eaten here a few times now and the food is good. The ales are well kept and a good selection of drinks. The classic car show is now getting...

Revisited after Saturdays great day, had the roast and what a great home cooked meal it was all freshly cooked and loads of it, would highly recommend, great pub and great atmosphere well done to the management and their team

Wow what a great pub, stopped for a quick pint yesterday to find a singer in the garden , ended up staying for a couple atmosphere was great staff really friendly and couldn’t do enough to help big thanks to guy in baseball cap,the best...

Had a wonderful Father’s Day lunch here. The roast was amazing. Catered also for my vegetarian daughter. Will definitely return as the new landlords so friendly

Lovely pub great staff really friendly. Food was lovely. New mangers are great very welcoming. Sat outside in the garden great atmosphere.

Brilliant place fantastic food and service went above and beyond to cater for my gluten free needs. Chilli was the best I have ever had

A good all round lunch with good service and good range of beer plus a large garden polite staff dog friendly nice surroundings

This month finally there is new management. Ignore everything positive or more important negative prior to this review. Went for a Friday lunch drink with a friend and first impressions were very good. Have lived in village for 10 years and this pub has never...

I emailed to book but nothing was down when I arrived. There was no one in the pub (which meant we could eat anywhere luckily) but the poor lady behind the bar felt ill so we had to eat and dash. It’s a shame we...

Food was mediocre. Vegetarian roast rate bland. Large portions. Nachos were good. Nice atmosphere and busy for Sunday lunch.

We received a warm and friendly welcome from all the staff when our walking group stopped by for lunch. Having initially booked for 6 we found ourselves in a group of 13 plus dog but nothing was too much trouble for John and Jessie. Our...

We have just had a lovely Sunday Lunch, great food and friendly efficient service and our dog was made very welcome. We will definitely be visiting again 👍

Very disappointed with buffet. Poor quality products used. Nothing tasted homemade. Poor selection of snacks. So much left over.

The meal was delicious compliments to the chef. A beautiful clean traditional pub with friendly staff, a perfect location for our business lunch in perfect weather.

Was here last Sunday for some lunch was worried they wouldn’t allow my dogs but we sat in the garden dogs were welcomed plenty of water available they even got some treats from the staff who made a fuss of them Really had a nice...

Drove from Essex to meet some family at the Blackbird and Bush - had a lovely family reunion welcoming staff lovely food and atmosphere, gran children loved playing in the garden really made it a nice day out for us all - would highly recommend...

We went as a large family party. Waited forever with young children for the food, which was unappetising, uncooked veg, roast dinner swimming in gravy and generally a ready meal would have been much more enjoyable! One of the children in our group went to...

Brownies are that small I order a second and my friend ordered 2 as you can see from the photo provided

We went to this pub for a Sunday lunch, the car park is large and the pub was busy. We ordered our drinks and eventually managed to order our food, we all ordered roasts. After 1.5 hours waiting for our our food, we asked where...

Couldn’t fault a thing. Thank you! Food and service excellent! Friendly staff, very attentive. Great atmosphere.

Glad I walked there as I was able to enjoy a Long Island Ice Tea cocktail! Outside area is lovely and if you have the children with you there is a large field for them to run and play, plus climbing frames. Not many pubs...

Visited this pub on a little family outing we had last weekend and was greeted with positive and happy staff who accommodated our last minute arrival. Being an ex chef in a popular Essex restaurant, I can be quite picky at times when it comes...

We visited last night, had a wonderful meal burgers were full of flavour and the posh cottage pie was unreal! The BEEF was to die for 🤤 Staff are so welcoming and friendly will definitely be returning.

Thought we'd try the restaurant for dinner tonight. The menu in the pub differed from that on the website, and has less choice, especially if you're vegetarian. I ordered the 'Posh Cottage Pie' which described itself as coming with vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes. So good...

Found this pub by accident very nice people the meal was also very good. I must mention the ladies toilet which was exceptionally clean and decorated

A very, very big thank you to the owner and the staff of the Bush for all their patience and efforts last Saturday which made our 50th Wedding Anniversary lunch with family and friends such wonderfully successful occasion. The food was absolutely delicious and the...

Took the parents out for a spot of lunch. Have been here before and the food was very good then. Well it’s still very good. Excellent selection. Staff very friendly. Will definitely be back again

Sunday lunch was great. Had the super roast wish is a mixture of meats. My daughter had a chicken and bacon salad which was delighted with. Good service. Friendly and attentive. Will come back and try the sea food basket as that looked good too....

Whilst travelling home to West Kent, we decided to drop into the BBT for a quick lunch. It was fairly busy but we had a choice of table and the drinks and meal service was friendly and efficient. The menu changes regularly and the choice is good but not overpoweringly large. The food was excellent. The chef must take pride in their presentations which are hunger-curing in size.

We dropped by for something to eat and drink on Tuesday evening and wanted to say how much we enjoyed the food, drinks, ambience and hospitality. We were waited on by Kate, who was so warm and welcoming throughout. We had a Bacon & Cheeseburger with delicious fries and salad as well as Pie of the day (Chicken) with roast potatoes and very fresh veg.The cheese that the Chef use in the Bacon & Cheeseburger, adds amazing flavour.Lovely setting and the warm summer evening was just delightful. Service was so welcoming and friendly throughout and we will definitely return soon.

Have visited this pub under the previous ownership and have to say I think John and his team have upped the bar considerably. Food of good quality and nice to see that the whole place has had a long overdue upgrade. We were made to feel most welcome and are looking forward to our next visit. Keep up the good work you are doing great. The Imrie’s from Welling

Having moved in to the area last January 2021, one of the many contributing factors of buying our new home was the "local". My wife and I visited the pub several times before we moved in and thoroughly impressed. The Bush has very friendly staff and customers alike, a real refreshing change!The menu choice is perfect, wine excellent and service very attentive. Thank you so much! We cannot keep away! :)

Ordered a pizza and fries and a burger and fries for delivery through just eat. Unfortunately when it arrived it was all luke warm at best. If they advertise delivery then they should make arrangements to keep the food hot. We have had food delivered to paddock wood from other people in east peckham and never had cold food before. Maybe we were a way down the delivery slot, I dont know. Shame really because there was nothing wrong with the food, but when you spend £30 you expect a bit more.

Five of us came for Sunday lunch. The food was very good. The setting is wonderful, it looks like everybody’s idea of a perfect country pub. The roast dinners were generous with Yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese, beans etc. The beer comes from the barrel, and it excellent. We all had puddings though we were full, but we had seen them served to other tables and they looked good. Recommended.

We went as a family of four for Sunday lunch. The food was amazing. We choose our meals from both the traditional Sunday lunch menu and normal menu, which had a great choice. The service from the bar staff and waiting staff was first class, adhering to the new covid measures. A fabulous atmosphere, extremely clean in both the bar area and toilets. There is a very large garden and a pleasant covered terrace if you want to sit outside. The pub is now under new management that have given it a total transformation with the make over and it looks great. Would highly recommend a visit to anyone, and we will definitely become regular visitors.

Visited today for lunch and will definitely be back. Spotless with lovely old beams and beautifully decorated. Friendly, polite service. The food was excellent. I had ham, egg and chips which was delicious. Will definitely recommend to friends and family. Thankyou for your warm welcome.

Have visited this pub on numerous occasions and have visited twice since change of management. The inside has been redecorated and the environment is now more welcoming as a result. Had Sunday lunch which was extremely good, portion management much better than before and prices around about the same. Even do cocktails now which is an unexpected bonus. Good luck to the new team, hopefully you get the support you deserve

Have visited The Bush frequently over the years. It has recently been nicely refurbished under new management. Drinks are on the pricey side, but that's common around Kent. With limited pub options in the village, The Bush is one of the better ones, they host a great Vinyl Night on sundays, and classic car meets in the huge back garden. Situated in a beautiful area too.

Tried the new menu for the first time. Had the homemade cheeseburger and it was really tasty and enjoyable.

Hadn't eaten here for over a year and welcome the changes. The decor is fresh, there is a more limited menu of pub classics and it is more reasonably priced. Great service with a smile, what is there not to like.Tried a sandwich at lunchtime and we enjoyed it, so my partner went back with a group of friends and they all had a good time and are looking at returning.

Best cocktail I have had in England and brilliant service. Brilliant scampi and chips. The new owner has completely changed the pub and improved the service!

Sunday night vinyl night who came up with this idea needs a medal me and my wife came up for a early evening meal and ended up staying to listen some brilliant tunes. I’m on the understanding you can bring your own records to be played. Great atmosphere and we will be back

Im a resident in the village and popped in for some food at the weekend with my family, i must say the pub looks amazing from the make over, very needed! the new landlords are very very friendly and welcoming. We sat down and had a lovely family meal - food was lovely, not over priced at all! (not sure what others reviewing are on about must have had their eyes closed). we will 100% be returning to this lovely pub :)

returned for first time after a while to be blown away by the service, food and feeling of the place. Will return again in the future!

Took the family out for dinner at the weekend, been to the pub a couple of times in the past but have been impressed with the new decor and really enjoyed our meal. Highly recommed trip to this pub in a lovely location, nice to go somewhere that is very comfortable and easy for a nice family get together.

Me and my family visited for a Sunday roast and I must say it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. The staff were lovely and very accommodating. I will most definitely be recommending my friends and family here.

The pub has been very well re-furbished, with lovely seating both inside and outside. Beer is good, staff are very friendly. I understand they have plans for events once the restrictions are lifted. That will be great. Ideal venue.

Wow, delicious meal in a stunning location. The menu is varied with something for everyone. Our meals were so fresh and we were even more delighted to hear it is all home cooked and locally sourced where possible. The staff were welcoming and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. This pub is kid friendly & dog friendly with plenty of space for both to run free, lovely spacious garden for all to enjoy. So lovely to find this little treasure of a pub to enjoy summer nights watching the sun go down, we will be back!

The service here is really good the staff are very friendly. The food and drinks are fantastic. The best cocktail I have ever had.

I visited the pub with my family when traveling through the area and it was the perfect place to stop with the kids. food and service was top notch and also had a lovely atmosphere. I would highly recommend a visit.

I visited with my family having loved the pub under it's old management.Unfortunately it has really gone down hill in every respect. Portions were stingy, food greasy and not tasty. Food was clearly pre cooked and just heated up to serve with very little effort going into the preparation or presentation. Despite this the prices were very dear costing just under 40 quid for a starter and main for two, with only one drink.The atmosphere has completely gone and clearly a cost saving regime has dragged down every thing that made this pub a once great place to visit.I won't be back and I'm very disappointed.

Being back old landlord and their chef! Had dinner here and sorry to say we won’t be rushing to return for food. We are local (live in the village and walk here) and used to go at least once a month if not more. This was always our go to for a good hearty meal. As local we support local, and I so wanted this to be good... but it just wasnt, and I’m slightly gutted about this! Food was edible... but more like a beefeater... all processed, frozen rubbish and probably comes from bookers! Menu choice is poor and seriously lacking variety and inspiration (thought this maybe due to Covid so willing to over look). But No chicken, one fish dish, one steak, a vegan tart, a Greek salad (as a main???) burger and some scampi. Really poor quality yet really pricey. I had steak as all I would eat and it was 21.95. Pretty average price for a steak now but for a pretty small uninspiring meal. The sauce was nice, steak was ok, lack of vegetables was very very noticeable. Stated it comes with green beans. .... Well gone are the days of the old chef with plentiful portions or everything and especially veg.... This was about 3 green beans max chopped into 4 pieces each to look like more (or maybe the frozen green bean pieces you can buy!!!! . I thought another dish was going to come out with veg but nope! Also no children’s menu at all.... no sides (so can’t just order chips) no extras... just poor! The food came very quickly which again shows that it isn’t freshly made and probably just reheated (deep fried/frozen). Don’t get me wrong it was “nice”... but that was it... just nice! I won’t be rushing back and will be travelling out of the village if I want to eat out now. Please Don’t bother with puddings, 6.95 for a small (tiny actually) slice of a processed tart similar to that which can be easily brought in tesco for 2 quid with double cream poured over. It was bland and boring. Nothing here is inspiring or homemade. Not one single thing! There was 5 of us eating and out of them 3 drinking beer, 6pints between them (others on soft drinks)... we all had 2 courses and the bill was over 150quid!!!!! Approx 30 pound a head. I pay this at other local places that serve decent homemade lovely food, but I just felt robbed here as processed and small portions. Didn’t even get a bill presented. Just did it on a hand held so couldn’t seem to check bill!!!! Didn’t know any of the staff which is a shame as they would all have known us, so hoping they haven’t all left!!!! It didn’t feel homely, it didn’t feel friendly and I’m gutted to say I won’t be rushing back for more than a Coke and letting the kids play on the grass.Oh also all the kids toys have gone (again that might be Covid) and the playground is now just one slide... it’s dire. I really wanted someone to take that space and make it special (other local nearby pubs have great gardens) and bring some great food in (great chef) and make its mark. But overall it’s processed, it’s boring and just feels Manufactured. Such a shame as someone with vision could have really made a mark especially with the food. Almost feel bad writing this but if you have been to the Bush before lockdown and loved it... don’t go now, especially for food, as you will feel so disappointed and cheated. Really hoping this is just teething issues but when you begin by serving poor/average food... you are only ever going to be poor/average unless you get a chef with vision, or who likes to actually cook, not stick chips in a fryer! Last but not least... NO PIE (those that know... know!!!!)

Food was amazing. Perfect place for a family meal in a rural setting. Very large garden. Service was on point as well.

Under new management so we thought we would pay it a visit. Sunday roast was exceptional and filled the larger eaters with us. Highly recommend the beef and the chicken. Friendly staff willing with a prompt arrival of our food. Going to try the evening menu next.

Made very welcome. We were treated within a group of 15 of us for a 70th Celebration, meals were excellent. Catered very well for food intolerance with advance notice. Would definitely recommend

Came here for lunch with friends & had an excellent cheese ploughmans. We had come on a Sunday & my companions both had Sunday roasts.

Every Sunday the vinyl record club meet at the pub 6 o’clock till 9 o’clock. We try and get down most sundays there is always a great selection of music been played. You can even take your own records to be played. Always a good atmosphere and a good way to end the weekend.

Very good beer and excellent food with friendly staff, would recommend to an older visitor who want an old style pub.

Stopped off for quick meal on the way home. Warm welcome from the Landlord, fire burning and great beer.

If you like good cask ale, this is a pub to visit. The food is good , but the beer is excellent. Very friendly service. We came here on a late summer Sunday and it was like every pub you have seen in a 50s film. Perfect.

Visited this pub for the first time this evening for a meal and drink after a friends recommendation.The food was good with large portion sizes although the menu was very plain with typical pub classic dishes. I had Gammon and chips, which was perfectly ok but nothing special.Drinks seem expensive compared to similar places in the area at between £4-5 for a pint of beer. At almost £19 for Gammon and chips plus a pint it felt expensive for what you got.

The pub has a vinyl night every Sunday between 6 & 8, when they play a complete mix of music. Their DJ’s are quite happy for visitors to bring their own music, or even do a guest appearance at the turntables. Really cracking evening

Been here on a few occasions and had very good food and good service. The menu is well priced and it is a pleasant place

Gentleman was older and rude serving. Ordered a ploughman's cheese with some ham. Made a huge deal about one or the other. Said it's not something they would do here blah blah so I said fine.. picked a sandwichOther half orders orange juice and fizzy water... Couldn't grasp the concept. Dark dingy and smelled. Will not be back again. Only live down the road and need a modern local now!!!

Had a family lunch here, bar/food staff were nice and clearly family run. Food was very good, fresh and really quick service (our starters were with us in 5-10 mins). Could do with table service and we would have happily left a healthy tip if so, as we don't have cash on us didn't want to send to the owner.

Just a short stroll across the fields for something to eat, and we were not disappointed when we got there. Food was amazing, service friendly and a lovely atmosphere in the pub. Will definitely try again

Such a fun evening. For the last 3 months the pub has been doing Vinyl Night from 6-9pm. You can take your own records to be played as well as enjoying the vast selection from the ‘vintage’ Dj. . It’s such fun and draws a great crowd including some families whose small children were dancing to everything. Music is diverse and brings back memories which is always fantastic.

Really enjoy going to this pub, been coming her regularly for a few years. Very friendly staff, a fantastic atmosphere and great food.

We decided to round off the weekend and go down the bush and blackbird for a few drinks and stumbled across the Sunday night vinyl club. Well what a blast I can’t remember the last time I heard a record been played and was blown away by the quality and sound great selection of music been played. The resident DJ,s done a fantastic job. I shall be dusting off my old vinyl collection and joining them.

A lunch time get together with friends,we all had something different which was nicely cooked and presented, we were not rushed in fact a pleasant lunch time.

Visited this pub on a day out, really friendly staff, good honest food, will definitely be going back, lovely menu with a great specials board, really nice experience.

A group of five of us ordered various baguettes with hot fillings. In the middle of ordering the person serving us stopped to take a telephone call without so much as an apology. She then proceeded to bark at us as to who was going to pay for the two remaining unpaid ones, well it was the person who had patiently waited for her to finish the phone call and was holding a twenty pound note in front of her! At this stage we were not told to collect our own cutlery from by the door! The food was served, the last plate delivered, we had all waited to start assuming the cutlery was coming.,but no. 'Could we have some cutlery please?' one of us asked. 'It's by the door on the right (or she may have said left we were so shocked we can't remember) She walked off. There was also no 'would you like any sauces, is there anything I can get for you, enjoy your meals as would be the usual custom when serving food. Shocked and not wanting our food to get any colder we ate the rather underwhelming food with our fingers. One would expect at those prices much better all round. Maybe if the Wetherspoons business model is to be adopted then prices could be less, food better, staff let you know where the cutlery is when you order and also staff be welcoming and provide a good standard of service.

This is no Gastro Pub, but a proper 'all welcoming' good old fashioned pub, with a friendly welcome, good food and according to my husband, good beer. Beams and a fire, lovely view over farmland, parking and space between the tables. The locals drinking there are friendly too. I had Sea Bream and Mediterranean Potato Salad, really delicious, others had the Scampi and Chips. Finished off with Spotted Dick and Custard/Cream and Ice Cream. Heaven!

The first Sunday of the month is the car rally and there is always a good turn out of classic cars scooters and motorcycles. A very well organised event with two absolutely charming gentlemen who help park the cars and keep things running smoothly are always a pleasure to talk too. The food here is always good and the ales are straight from the barrel. The staff are friendly and work very hard. All in all highly recommend

Went for Sunday lunch with big family group. Excellent food, and plenty of it. Good service considering the number of people on our table (15). Would certainly recommend this good country pub

What a lovely old Kentish country pub. We went there last night as part of three couples ( my wife and I for the first time ) and had a smashing time with great food. The staff were friendly and, OK, not the cheapest we've had, but the food was certainly plentiful and delicious so no problems. The atmosphere was great. I good place to remember for another visit me-thinks.

Friendly staff, lovely food and very busy. Booking a table would be wise rather than just turning up, especially on a Sunday. Real ales served straight from the cask with regular guest beers. Plenty of seating outdoors with an enormous garden area. They have a classic car rally one Sunday a month with various other functions as well. Bat and trap is played here in the summer months

Bangers and Mash WoW! superb. top pub great ales on tap friendly service, nice range of foods on offer can't get better than the Black Bird Bush & Thrush for good beers and excellent food.

We used to frequent this pub regularly for food but the drinks got dearer and dearer to the point where we have more or less stopped going. It's a great shame as the food is very good and reasonably priced. We don't mind paying a little more but when you get to the point you feel your having your trousers pulled down you stop. Monty seems a hot topic on these reviews; all I can add is that he is actually a really good chap who runs a good pub but needs to review his drinks prices!

Had Dinnre, just two courses, food was good, staff ok too. Just not sure about the Boss, think his name was Monty ? Seemed aloof, not rude or uninterested, but his mind seemed elsewhere ! Apart from that very enjoyable. Will go back soon to see if the boss has changed ……………….

Brilliant atmosphere on a Sunday night bring your own vinyl records from 6 to 8pm. We popped in for a few drinks on a Sunday. And the locals were having a vinyl record night apparently this is every Sunday there was a wide range of music been played. I shall be digging out my old record collection and joining them.

Went there for evening meal on Saturday night. The pub was not very busy. A good selection of specials on the board. Meals were tasty, average sized portions.

Popped in for a spontaneous pint and we were not disappointed. Very friendly pub, full of charm and lovely to see locals enjoying a vinyl night! Will certainly be back as good family pubs are becoming few and far between.