Hooden Smokehouse & Cellar in Ashford

Our last visit to the hooden ditch. It's plain to see that the owners of the Hooden horse only care about profit and not customer satisfaction. My wife and I went for a meal on Monday 17/3 and it was evident that the company only buy the cheapest of the cheap food from their suppliers. I had the Monterey jack burger that was flavourless and disappointing and the chips had been double fried. My wife was really looking forward to the full monty mixed grill but, again, left wanting. The chicken was dry, the sausages were tasteless and we couldn't even cut the steak it was so fatty. Even the waitress could see me struggling to cut it for my wife. The only good thing was that the waitress offered to replace it ( I think she was probably a manager, as she seemed the only person to actually care )Thank you for offering to replace it. I should of known it was going to be another bad experience when I went to get the cutlery only to find it was grubby and smeary. Obviously too cheap to polish. We won't be returning as we want to spend our hard earned money on something we will actually enjoy. Now let's get ready for the generic unfelt response.

A really fabulous place. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. Excellent ribs! Big shout out to Jess. Staff were cheerful, friendly and attentive without being pushy. When I find myself back in the area I will definitely return.

absolutely lovely place. came to the area to go to port lympne and needed a bite to eat for the evening. even though it was busy the lovely staff made time for us. one guy in particular (alex) was lovely and gave us recommendations for the food. i am gluten free and i found that although there weren’t lots of options, the options given to me were gorgeous. thank u for having us ! 🙌🏻

We had a delicious meal here! Even though it was a Saturday evening and we hadn’t booked, they found a table for us. Alex was attentive, friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. The HFC burger was divine and my husband thoroughly enjoyed the ribs. We would 100% return here, if in the area. I would highly recommend this bar/grill - we had a lush evening !

Fantastic. Was staying in Ashford for the weekend meeting up with family, the food was amazing, service was amazing the whole evening was elevated by the atmosphere and friendliness of all staff. This may sound ott to some but honestly it was some of the best food I've eaten. A big thank you to all, we will be returning all the way from Devon. Honestly can't praise you enough 6☆

Lovely lunch with colleagues. Food took a while as we did overwhelm them a little with a large group on a weekday lunchtime, but it tasted good and the service was excellent.

Returned to eat as previously had some great food and evenings. Slightly underwhelmed on this trip. Food was cooked ok. Menu has reduced and some items out of stock. Chicken fajitas needed more chicken, chicken and gammon pie seems to be straight from brake bros but I guess was acceptable. Onion rings needed to see onions. Biggest asset is the staff that were 5 star. Note to the owner to make improvements on the menu and if that means a slight increase in cost that would be a cost worth paying

We have just got back from a fabulous meal, my family took me out for my bday. Our food was really lovely, and the barman serving us was friendly and very informative over the offers available on different days. We will definitely return in the future. Thank u 😀

We have eaten at The Hooden a few times now and it never disappoints. Delicious food and lovely kind staff!

What a great find. Absolutely amazing food, couldn't fault it, lovely welcoming atmosphere. Great service. Thank you Howard and Luke. We will be back!

Phenomenal food! Extremely good value for money, top quality staff, very friendly and passionate, lovely environment with a great vibe would thoroughly recommend to anyone. Get involved, you heard it hear first.

Excellent bar tender and amazing deal on the steak. Great atmosphere and service was outstanding due to tender giving great advice on the menu and answering all questions with upmost professionalism.

Total nice suprize!! it's literally a cellar pub restaurant which also has a sizable outdoor rear beer garden for summer days. Upon our 'newbee' 1st arrival we intially wondered if we were at the location as its totally hidden from aside there small car park. Its has steps and a barrel slope ( so wheel chair access to the entrance, I'd say only possible if you get some help if yr alone, weaker or elderly your need to well control the decent / much tougher accent etc ). The steps lead down left side of car park towards Entrance (hence the cellar name). We did get parked in there car park ( abeit a very small one, so park wisely, So you can get back out! Without hailing the pub or a fuss - Maybe park along the Street). Our initial newbee concerns were soothed once we stepped inside , wow - how lovely is this - went through my mind. We Unbeknowingly had simply beat the mid week lunch crowd, as others soon piled in, and yes a couple that were their / left before us, got there car blocked in car pk 🙄 We visited during winter, so brrr staying inside inside the cosy fireplace bar area . Its a little PUB but with wonderful character! Just what we like, a Little hidden gem !! from road side as Entrance Between row of normal looking street houses. The Restaurant food was super the lunch 3 course menu was varied, we had the 3 course deal, it was very nice adequately filling etc. Our choice being the haddock meals and the chicken and gammon pie meal. All were really nice an hot very tasty too. Bar has variety of drinks on tap.

The restraunt, the food and the service (Clara) were all first class. Could not recommend enough.

The garlic mushrooms are something else. Good beer. Place is warm in the winter, but comes I to it's own in the summer with the massive outside space(s).

Lovely service, beef ribs was phenomenal 👌.

Welcoming and cosy with the log burner going. Delicious food too- can recommend the chicken and gammon pie and crumble and custard. Brilliant pub lunch after a winter walk. Definitely recommend!

Popped in for lunch without a reservation which was no problem at all, we had our dog with us and he was welcomed too. We were sat by a lovely wood burner and both ordered the fajitas which were lovely. We were served by Clara who was really attentive, even offered water for the dog. The menu is smokehouse so something different, really sweet outdoor space as well. Would really recommend a visit to this pub!

If you queue at the side of the bar you get ignored by the bar staff.

Needed to have roast as takeaway and they did it for us. It still tasted amazing when we got it home 😁 will definitely be having more roasts here.

My glass was dirty with pink lipstick left on it. After asking for a new glass, I still ended up with a cold sores on my lip the next day. Very sad as the pub is looking very lovely

Out for a meal with my wife. Haven't been in there for years, oddly, as we live nearby. Food and service was spot on. We will be back soon.

cold can of drink in a bag of hot food not smartest idea

Amazing food and great service Great service from the blonde girl, couldn’t remember her name! She made us feel very welcome! Pours a great Guinness too!

A great place for our Christmas Dinner. Food was top notch and decent price. Staff were super helpful and welcoming. The decor is really nice and it's warm and cosy. Definitely worth stopping in for a drink or some food.

We had a fabulous evening here last night. We were a group of 12 celebrating Christmas with the set two or three course meal. I have been here many times before and the team have never let me down The food was excellent (mine was Baked Camembert to start, perfectly gooey and warm. Duck breast, perfectly cooked and with a delicious cheesy potato side) Alex was a brilliant host, perfectly pandering to the wants of a group of 'ladies of a certain age' 😂 , making sure our contrary needs were catered for perfectly. Service was timely, not rushed at all and the welcome was as warm as it always is. And value for money? Outstanding!

My sewing club and I had our Christmas meal at The Hooden. Alex was such a wonderful host to my group or friends; we were quite a difficult group of menopausal women who were hot/cold and quite demanding, He was gracious, funny, kind and helpful. The food was lovely and we had such a great time Thank you very much

I recently visited with a friend for their steak night and we weren't disappointed! Service was great (we were served by Jess and a gentleman), food was excellent and so well priced! We came for steak night on another occasion and it was the same! The carvery on a Sunday was also so good! Defo recommend for a cosy welcoming pub!

delivery guy went to take our food out of the bag and it just fell straight onto the floor... bags were ripped to shreds and soaked food leaked everywhere and now all on the floor

Let’s me start by saying incredible food! Worth the wait. Not saying it took long but I think we’re all use to fast food places arriving within the next 10 mins. I waited abit longer but not complaining as the food was so nice still very warm/hot decent portion sizes for one. Thank you

Fantastic restaurant with the best wings and ribs in Ashford, no contest!! Would absolutely recommend the hooden bar and grill. The staff are brilliant and friendly

Not a clean table, old bones on floor, starter come out and was freezing cold, blond bar made/waitress was more bothered about stacking coasters, and talking to her friend in the corner more then table service waited after our table was cleared and waited for the bill 20 minutes before it came only came once she realised we was looking more interested in local punters more then a half full restaurant, been here a few times but by far the worse service and food this time round 09/11/24

Food was stone cold. Meat was cold and dry, Ordered 3 lots of fajitas got no wraps at all not very helpful.

Excellent food and service.All the staff were friendly and helpful.I would definitely visit again.

Visited here for the first time with a friend. We were both truly impressed with our evening. The staff were welcoming and attentive throughout. The menu choice was great, and the daily deals are a fab idea. We had the Burger Deal and it did not dissapoint. Starters and desserts were tasty too, and well priced. The decor had a comfortable and upmarket feel. We will definitely be visiting again soon!

we had a amazing time tonight , we booked for my friends birthday , fab food we had the buy one get on free fatiatas , brillant service by Ali and the hooden never lets us down with the tasty food , the chefs ryan and luke are amazing their food never ever disappoints , deffo will be visiting again , food 10/10 service 10/10 ,

Been a regular customer for a while. I bring my dad once a week. The staff are always friendly and fantastic. One stands out; Ryan. My dad had a stroke and was absent for a few weeks. Upon our return Ryan made my dad feel so welcomed and special it made a very difficult time so much easier. God bless Ryan.

What a lovely friendly place. Great food, Ryan is a superstar, kind, friendly and so helpful.

"I had a wonderful experience at hooden horse thanks to our waitress, ryan. He was incredibly attentive and friendly, making sure our drinks were always full and checking in on us regularly without being intrusive. He recommendations for the menu were spot on, and he really made us feel welcomed. Overall, his excellent service contributed to a fantastic dining experience. I would definitely return and hope to be served by ryan again!"

I come every week with my son and his wife. All the staff are really friendly. A member of staff called Ryan is especially friendly. Making me feel incredibly welcome. I recently had a stroke. Ryan has gone above and beyond to help me when I visit.

Very welcoming. Prompt service. Excellent carvery Sunday lunch.

Just returned from the Hooden after a delicious Sunday Carvery. The Beef melted in your mouth and all the vegetables were freshly made. They do lots of mid week food offers and tasty cocktails too! A lovely family friendly, traditional British pub!

Excellent food and drinks, even got to sample their Halloween cocktail menu, well worth a visit!! Would definitely recommend

Had a Fantastic evening. The food was spot on, we got served really nice & quickly the atmosphere was great . The guys at the Hooden really looked after as and made it a night to remember. I would 100% recommendation whether you are going with friends or family.

Disappointing and overpriced compared with other local pubs

Haven’t been to the hooden for years but decided to book here as an early birthday meal for my hubby .. we both had the ribs & chicken wings combo.. oh my god so yummy & totally stuffed ..great atmosphere & the best service for Clara our waitress thank you for being so lovely

Unreal food! Deffo worth the vist!

Order said a time but kept being pushed back. Ordered 2 pizzas- they weren’t particularly nice. The pulled pork one wasn’t pulled pork and I asked for a specialist order but notes were ignored and wrong pizza delivered. Overall very unimpressed and won’t be ordering from there again.

Fantastic food at really reasonable prices. Special nights too. Highly recommended. Staff as super friendly and helpful too.

Fantastic food at really reasonable prices. Special nights too. Highly recommended. Staff as super friendly and helpful too.

Food and atmosphere is excellent here. Only a small place but I really like it

Food and atmosphere is excellent here. Only a small place but I really like it

For some reason delivery drivers do not frequent Hooden, or atleast this is what they state. Food was ready quick and due to late delivery, it wasn't as hot and very soggy. Chips were dry, stale and inedible. Wings were tough but flavor was decent. Won't order again.

We have been here a few times and every visit has been exceptional. The service from Alex and Jess has been amazing. What a talented chef the food is divine. We will definitely be going again and recommending this place.

Fantastic little pub! Wanted to try out somewhere local and found this little gem online! Very warm and welcoming inside, service and food excellent. Had the 2 for one cocktails and the burger and chicken burger. Cooked to perfection! The garden and outside drinking area looked great wished we come a bit earlier to enjoy a drink there before. Will definitely be back 😊

Had a great evening catching up with friends in this lovely pub. Wonderful food and drinks served by great hosts Alex and Josh. Great recommendations of dishes to try. A gem

Delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. We had drinks in he garden before the meal and enjoyed the late sunshine. Our server Jess was very attentive and knowledgeable. 5 stars!

Came as a group of 6. Indoors is spacious but with a cozy atmosphere, and the garden around the back has plenty of seats. Drinks selection from the bar covers a wide range - I especially enjoyed the craft ciders they had for £2 a pint! Food came out hot and was delicious (the steak and the pork belly were stound-outs). All the staff were super polite and attentive, especially our server Jess! Will definitely be back when we're next down visiting family.

Wow fantastic pub I can’t shout about the pub enough a must see for yourself food was amazing.

Seven of us turned up to this busy place without a booking and the guys couldn't do enough for us. Service was a little slow for our mains, but they were well worth the wait. Most of us had the ribs and wings platter....these were enormous portions and they ribs were smoky and delicious, as were the wings. Would definitely come back again!

tried two of the speciality meats between us, both dry and chewy. disappointing for the price

Visited on Sunday for lunch. Food was nice and no problem with the service. There is no roast so check the menu if that's what your looking for

Visited this lovely bar and grill on a whim on the way to the Cliffs Of Dover. Did not regret that decision for a second, this Bar/Grill has a beautiful traditional interior with modern amenities, the staff are welcoming and attentive, our drinks, a lemonade and a Gin and Tonic were brought to our table so quickly and perfectly chilled with generous measurements. We ordered the HFC burger and a Bacon and Brie toasted Ciabatta with a side of onion rings. The burger had a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken and a delicious hash brown, the perfect amount of Buffalo sauce and garlic mayo and was a great size. The Bacon and Brie Ciabatta had fantastically cooked smoked bacon a large portion of Brie and delicious caramelised onion. The onion rings were light with crispy batter and not greasy at all as onion rings so often can be. The true highlight were the chicken salt fries which were skin on, cooked to perfection and seasoned with chicken salt which were absolutely amazing. We enjoyed this so much that we had to find out about desserts, we ordered the cheesecake of the week which was vanilla and chocolate with ice cream on the side and a traditional Banoffee Pie, again both of these were a great size and beautifully made, enjoyed both thoroughly. We finished off with a tea and coffee, perfect end to a lovely meal. The dining area was clean, tidy and welcoming, tables and dining wear was spotless. We adored our visit start to finish and would give this wonderful place and massive recommendation.

Visited this lovely bar and grill on a whim on the way to the Cliffs Of Dover. Did not regret that decision for a second, this Bar/Grill has a beautiful traditional interior with modern amenities, the staff are welcoming and attentive, our drinks, a lemonade and a Gin and Tonic were brought to our table so quickly and perfectly chilled with generous measurements. We ordered the HFC burger and a Bacon and Brie toasted Ciabatta with a side of onion rings. The burger had a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken and a delicious hash brown, the perfect amount of Buffalo sauce and garlic mayo and was a great size. The Bacon and Brie Ciabatta had fantastically cooked smoked bacon a large portion of Brie and delicious caramelised onion. The onion rings were light with crispy batter and not greasy at all as onion rings so often can be. The true highlight were the chicken salt fries which were skin on, cooked to perfection and seasoned with chicken salt which were absolutely amazing. We enjoyed this so much that we had to find out about desserts, we ordered the cheesecake of the week which was vanilla and chocolate with ice cream on the side and a traditional Banoffee Pie, again both of these were a great size and beautifully made, enjoyed both thoroughly. We finished off with a tea and coffee, perfect end to a lovely meal. The dining area was clean, tidy and welcoming, tables and dining wear was spotless. We adored our visit start to finish and would give this wonderful place and massive recommendation.

No sense of client service.... Ok. Mistakes can happen, so when they happen it is how you respond that shows your quality. Our main course order took 90+ minutes to arrive. No explanation, no apology and no commercial gesture to compensate. Even once it was clear we'd been forgotten, the team didn't try to let us know how much longer we'd have to wait. The food was good, but I would never go back given their total lack of effort to redress the error. Very poor indeed.

Lovely, traditional pub. Looks really tiny from the front but go down the steps and inside or into the fantastic outdoor seating area and garden and you'll find this place is an absolute TARDIS! Staff are very friendly and always meet you with a warm welcome. If you pay a return visit, they'll inevitably remember you and treat you like a great friend. Food here has always been nice but over the years, they've just nailed down what they're good at and the Hooden burger is a great example and the chicken salt fries are just too good. Music events, beer festivals, great people. What more could you want from a pub?

Lovely food! Didn’t know what I wanted. Needed up ordering the hotdogs. An what a good choice that was very filling & chips was nice and hot 10/10

Waiting staff were good and attentive let down by slow service from the kitchen, and it wasn’t really busy but 2 of us had plates with chipped plates , how does a chef let that happen when he is plating up ? No , we said nothing at the time as it was a birthday dinner and we didn’t want to upset the birthday girl by complaining but it’s not something that should happen . Food was ok but not as great as we expected , the steaks were good , main courses were good but the starters were very small , we weren’t allowed to eat the birthday cake we had bought with us ( I understand why ) but they did bring it to the table with the candles lit which was appreciated.

Absolutely amazing food, proper little hidden gem.

Great service and superb food. Polite and friendly staff made our Monday evening meal out a real pleasure. The Haddock and Chips was particularly good with its light but crispy batter and beautifully flakey fish within. Highly recommend.

Excellent food and service. Highly recommend the food here. The ribs and wings stater dish was one of my favourites.

Very lovely food. Quite delivery. Food still hot.

Daisie was the friendliest waitress ever - such good service and the food was DELICIOUS 🤤 Definitely give the Banoffee a go if you get a chance! 🤭

Burger was dry and overcooked and burnt and a weird taste pizza had done a somersault somewhere as it was just one big ball all mushed together

Another great order !! Food was delicious.

Definitely recommend, came here with my partner and whilst it was quiet, we got the most out of our experience, amazing bar staff (Kate and Josh) so friendly and down to earth, will be coming back soon!

Really great service from Alex and Alanna. Best burgers I’ve had in UK. Really relaxing atmosphere and reasonably priced goods.

Food is really great and atmosphere of the place is even better. Staff is really friendly and will make sure you get the most out of the dish you ordered.

5* Food cannot fault that. Definitely coming back again.

Wonderful experience from entering the premises, the staff were so attentive, nothing was too much trouble, food was excellent done to perfection, drinks were good value too. All in all a lovely place to dine.

Something for everyone and cooked well. It was busy so I recommend booking in advance .

We really enjoyed our takeaway yesterday and I couldn't resist ordering again today. I am very fussy where burgers are concerned but on both occasions, I couldn't fault them. Not only do they look like burgers( not too thin, squashed, fresh ingredients) but they really taste great... and we love the packaging too !! The other highlight was the onion rings !! Just amazing !! Will definitely order again !!

poor, food cold no bun on top of burger never again

I HAVEN'T ACTUALLY BEEN LATELY BUT LAST TIME I GOT GREAT EVERYTHING

The food was very good and the service was exceptional.

Amazing service. Food 9/10 the brisket was a bit dry but it was late. Staff get a 10/10 Update in March 2024- had a bar snack of wings and loaded dirty fries. Thenfood wait was far too long over 20 minutes and they came out cold. Which was a shame. The fries tasted good but the wings were nothing I'd buy again. Service as always was very good, warm and friendly.

Very nice food served in small traditional and beautiful old pub. Waitress very pleasant and helpful, however chef turned out to be less than flexible when request made to amend side from mash to baked potato. Good menu with plenty of choice. Short Ribs very tasty and Chicken Fajitas also good. Would return.

We went for my boys 16th and was made to feel very uncomftable I have a illness and was made to feel really bad the food took for agease

Took my 86yr old mother for a Sunday roast, food was nice, service could have been better, unfortunately staff not very attentive. The worst experience was a table full of local louts swearing loudly, so not a place I’ll visit again anytime soon

Always love a trip to the Hooden, the staff are always friendly and can’t do enough for you, food is tasty and priced fairly. We just wish it was closer!

Eaten in the pub twice over the past 2 months. Once on a Saturday Lunchtime and the second time on Sunday for their roasts. Both times the food has been delicious. We waited slightly longer for our food on the Sunday but luckily we were happy chatting amongst ourselves. And you have to talk to each other as there is no phone signal. Very dog friendly also. Great pub and would be fab in the summer with their back garden.

First visit here and would highly recommend it. Lovely atmosphere and great food. We'll be returning!

Nice place, made a quick stop from the Eurotunnel, I had the pulled pork which was nice. Kids had chicken burger which she demolished and fish for the other one and the middle one had a hotdog. All and all a nice pub with nice people in a (as far as I could tell) small town next to the motorway.

We went to the Hooden tonight for a family dinner and OMG it didn’t disappoint in any way. The staff where super friendly and helpful throughout our visit. The food came out in good time and was absolutely delicious and we all left with very full bellies with only a starter and main. The facilities where easily accessible,very clean and the whole place was family friendly. Can’t recommend this place enough and we will definitely be returning.

Lovely sunday roast had by us all.very reasonable prices.lovely cosy fire.

Popped in on Friday night.. portion size on the pan seared chicken was unbelievable, very small.. Bar staff and their friends ruined a nice atmosphere with their antics at the bar

Vaping allowed inside the pub, not great.

Food was very nice, will definitely go back again Thanks

Really liked the atmosphere here and I liked overall aesthetic of the business! Personally I think it's good that there is a automatic fee for the waiter/waitress as it is more fair for them and I understand that not everyone has as much cash on them (as they used to). Only downside is the parking is rubbish and when we came back to the car, our car was blocked in so slight effort/shimmey to get out out! But we managed it in the end. Overall I loved our experience here and the food that was recommended to us was lovely. (+ a refreshing cocktail 🍹) I would 1000% be back to eat here again. Ta x

Food was ok.lovely outdoor space