GastroRanking-logo
Score
OpinionsNoteTripAdvisor363.0

comment_iconOpinions

Fantastic pub, friendly staff, warm atmosphere, definitely come back again. Landlord was helpful from start to finish.

site_logo

Gio . 2024-03-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We had a fabulous day at the Joiners it was a really nice atmosphere . We booked a night in the Hotel it was a lovely room we loved the bath in the room. Lovely decor we will be returning

site_logo

Sharon W . 2024-03-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Terrible place Barman serving and cooking the food. Expensive. Dirty plates no cutlery or napkins on the table. Awful customer service. Don't go, definitely nit going back.

site_logo

HHusey . 2024-02-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Me and 5 girl friends popped in for a lunch - greeted by a grumpy landlord behind the bar. Sat down and made our choices - ordered at bar - drinks took ages - he had to go buy lime from somewhere then disappeared into kitchen to cook - popped out from time to time to check he had no customers at bar! Couldn’t believe there was just 1 person doing everything. I asked for extra plates and was presented with 3 dirty plates and the food was awful - £13.95 for a panini and chips. Very very very very overpriced . Will never go back again.

site_logo

smite030 . 2024-02-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Stayed Friday-Sunday at the joiners arms and had a great weekend. Lovely , cozy and clean rooms with a spotless bathrooms. Amazing food ,lush atmosphere, good music, big drinks selection and lovely staff. Definitely would return 100%

site_logo

flossiebee . 2023-12-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Me and my partner stayed here this weekend and what a great pub! The singer was amazing and the landlord was lovely. Definitely worth a visit and amazing atmosphere.

site_logo

Jane E . 2023-12-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

"What a lovely place! On my arrival, I was surprised with the activity it was a busy night which I didn’t mind at all Despite the rush, I was promptly attended to, which I truly appreciated. One aspect that particularly appealed to me was its family-friendly environment, catering well to both adults and children. My room was personally guided by a gentleman named Pete, whose exceptional hospitality extended to arranging a thoughtful drink for me, considering my solo visit. Exploring the town, I heeded their recommendation to dine at 'The Swan, which I would definitely recommend ! Returning to 'The Joiner Arms' for a nightcap, I was graciously served by two wonderful ladies, Hayley and Jodi, who demonstrated exceptional kindness, noticing my solo presence. The overall atmosphere exuded warmth and positivity, creating an environment where I felt completely secure and content, devoid of any unwelcome distractions. Moreover, the accommodation itself was nothing short of excellent clean, cozy, and inviting. It was an absolute pleasure to experience such genuine hospitality and a sense of safety throughout my stay." I would and will be staying again! Thank you Best wishes Antonia !

site_logo

98billier . 2023-12-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Went for lunch and stayed fir the music in the Friday evenings. The DJ was very good it was really good to hear live music in a proper pub again

site_logo

Sharon W . 2023-10-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Only go here if you want a awful atmosphere of drunk and drugged up people cocaine use on display even by the so called landlord disgusting he is not fit to be a landlord at all never again will I step foot in here I had many good nights when a lady was behind the bar running it I forget her name but known in west mallimg because of tattoos and being lovely and always made you feel like a good friend This place now should be avoided

site_logo

Sarah P . 2023-09-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Really lovely pub in West Malling, amazing food & friendly staff. Always love coming here! Highly recommend. The hotel rooms are gorgeous too.

site_logo

Marie G . 2023-07-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

On the last 6 visits to the 'pub' there was no real ale in Kents oldest brewers pub. Plenty of lager....

site_logo

150royk . 2021-08-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Just popped in for a quick pint. with a friend. the young Indian waitress seems to have a serious attitude problem. And for some reason thinks it's ok to call everyone the c-word. she also likes to get drunk with the customers. This I think is the heart of the massive problem this pub has. a drunken nasty foul-mouthed waitress there are plenty of nice places in west malling for food and drinks .this is one to avoid. I will not be going back

site_logo

Christian G . 2021-04-24

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Land land was welcoming and pleasant. We ordered food well if you like egg shell in your egg eat here. Food not great but friendly place.

site_logo

Hoppyjt1967 . 2019-11-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The Joiners has top shelf service from the owners and staff. Friendly service, good food and drinks.

site_logo

Jmgathg . 2019-06-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Went in for a mid week drink with friends and wished we hadn’t bothered. Bar staff not particularly friendly and some of the customers were rough and made you feel uncomfortable. Such a shame as a good location & could be really nice but two big TVs and only catering for football fans and young crowds who have no manners or consideration for anyone else.

site_logo

Shelleyfm . 2019-04-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Been in the Joiners on a few occasions recently. Good atmosphere and good music. Left a purse and phone on the table. We were followed out the pub with aforesaid items. Refreshing change. Recommended this establishment.

site_logo

Lyndsay1990 . 2018-12-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Visited on Sunday gone with my finance and his parents after having been to the farmers market. It was the first visit for all of us and we called in mid afternoon for lunch. The atmosphere of the place was lovely as was the jazz music playing in the background which gave a very therapeutic feel to the place making us all feel instantly relaxed and at home. The decor of the place was particularly nice. I must admit I couldn't help but notice the restaurant seemed rather short staffed. Although we didn't wait an unreasonable length of time for our food etc there were periods that there was no one manning the bar area. We even over heard the lady who seemed to be in charge mention to customers that she had no staff in. Other than her there was a man who was dealing with the food. It was obvious they were rushed off their feet. That said the customer service we received was very good. We recieved a warm welcome on arrival and staff were attentive. When the food arrived they seemed to bring three of the four out with a small wait for the last meal - would have been nicer if they all could have been brought out a little more in sync. The food however was beautiful and well presented. I ordered the chicken ceasar wrap and throughly enjoyed it. I must note however that although the food is lovely it is a little on the expensive wrap at £10 for a wrap, chips and small side salad. All in all lovely place. Will return in the summer on a nice day to sit in the beer garden.

site_logo

AmyMarieMoody . 2018-03-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We were looking for a cosy pub to enjoy a nice coffee on a cold, miserable day. This pub was absolutely not that. The decor was tired, the seat was broken, coffee small and not very hot and the general feel of this pub uninviting. Other nearby coffee establishments and pubs were either closed (NYE) or very busy. It's a spit and sawdust pub really with only a few punters on that particular day.

site_logo

Treats999 . 2018-01-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Called in here on Monday 25 September, took a look at the menu and decided to have lunch. We won't bother again! There was one couple halfway through their meal, a man who was finishing his drink and reading the paper, and 3 or 4 people engrossed in a rather loud conversation with the barmaid, who was sitting with them on the 'customer' side of the bar. The point is, it was not busy. We ordered our drinks and meals and paid upfront for both. If we hadn't done so, we would have walked out. This used to be a 'spit and sawdust' type pub, or 'working men's' as such establishments used to be called. A few years ago they had a makeover, 'shabby chic' style and renamed it. It is merely only 'shabby' now, assuming it had ever been 'chic' (which I doubt). The paint is peeling off all the surfaces; the ladies loo, although the pan and basin were clean, was in a very poor state; for one thing, it is crying out for a new toilet seat as the one they have there its badly stained cheap plastic. The general area was grubby and in need of a good scrub. The original lock had clearly been vandalised (which says something about the type of clientele who frequent this place) and removed, and replaced by a bolt. Someone had also tried to chisel away a huge chunk of skirting board - classy! We waited and waited for our food: a sausage sandwich and a chicken caesar wrap. The couple and the man left, leaving only the barmaid and her friends still talking loudly and animatedly about their apparent upcoming flights to somewhere or other (we really were trying to ignore them, but they were so loud). The barmaid came over and asked us to "remind" her what food we'd ordered and we told her. She said "oh, yes, that's right" and that she'd chase up the kitchen. Thirty seconds (or less!) later she was back asking us - again - what we'd ordered, before writing it down and presumably telling the kitchen, before resuming her conversation. Again we waited. How long does it take to make a couple of sandwiches? The hot sausage sandwich eventually arrived on a slate board with accompanying salad; there was just about room for it. The chicken caesar wrap then followed, on a wooden board which was too small, not least because the wrap wasn't actually wrapped; it was stuffed with extremely hot chicken (yes, HOT chicken!) and the hot, runny caesar dressing was oozing out everywhere. The lettuce was cooked; it had gone limp and yellow inside the wrap on account of the chicken being piping hot! The barmaid didn't even apologise to us for the delay, she was too interested in chatting with her friends. There's no way we'll be going back!

site_logo

Sue W . 2017-09-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Popped in here for lunch whilst we were in West Malling. Okay pint for me & hot chocolate for the other half. Very basic - hot chocolate, no sprinkles or cream offered or available on menu. Just heat the kettle and mix maybe? I opted for a Cheddar Ploughmans at around £10 and my wife a mushroom omelette & fries for around the same price. Ploughmans consisted of: Large lump of Cheddar - mild Cheddar - absolutely tasteless Slimy, bright yellow margarine-like substance in a small ramekin - revolting Pickle - spoonful of Branston (I think) in a small ramekin Picallili - spoonful from a jar in a small ramekin Small baguette - warmed and cut into 2 Pile of greenery & slivers of sliced red onion A pickled onion - best bit of the meal Mushroom omelette & fries which consisted of: Sprinkling of greenery Small ramekin of tomato sauce An egg and mushroom offering that purported to be a mushroom omelette - it's the grey thing between the 'fries' & tomato sauce - wet, slimy, grey - looked like something you'd avoid stepping in Handful of 'fries' that weren't 'fries' but very chunky chips So, a lunch bill of £26 including drinks. Not worth a fraction of that. Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't totally inedible but the cheddar had all the flavour of the most flavourless thing you can imagine - completely bland, the omelette was unlike any we've ever come across, 'fries' that could easily double up as door stops and overall totally failed to meet reasonable expectations. Over-priced and under-cooked, I can't imagine us revisiting this pub any time soon after such a let-down.

site_logo

Mark K . 2017-08-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I found the joiners arms Welcoming service was very good beer was well kept if a little pricey The food was ok but chips a little under cooked for me meal looked like it had come out of the microwave but represented good value.

site_logo

andrew2498 . 2017-07-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I have stayed twice now at the Joiners and have enjoyed both stays, and plan to stay again. The rooms are comfortable and interesting, and the food is delicious. The owners and staff treat you like family and make you feel very welcome.

site_logo

Jmgathg . 2017-05-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

£50 for two bottles of Proseco that you can get in Aldi for £3.99..... not again! Kids in the bar until very late with very drunk parents. Not the best look!

site_logo

Claire B . 2017-03-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

En este pub llamado a probarlo como acabamos de mudar a la zona.

site_logo

john r . 2016-12-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Lovely place- we had food and drinks here with friends that live near by. We all had pies which were delicious and home made! The staff were also very warm and welcoming. Would definitely go back!

site_logo

Asioul . 2016-01-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Un buen pub antiguo que no recuerdo ahora no estoy seguro de qué es lo que es. Lo bueno es la barperson cambiado nuestra cerveza antes pregunté - no hay problema, simplemente final de barril. Esperamos 20 minutos por un sandwich. Tienda compramos pan, no costra/locales como me esperaba. ensalada fría directamente desde nevera? plato hubiera preferido, y no a una pizarra.

site_logo

Keith P . 2015-05-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Nos alojamos aquí un sábado por la noche. El personal es encantador, amable y servicial. Llegamos temprano, pero nos llevaron a la habitación ya estaba listo. Nos alojamos en Amelia. Es una habitación espaciosa, uno de los cuatro existentes. Tiene un baño permanente gratuito en la habitación, y una ducha en el baño. La ropa de cama es de gran calidad hilos hilos, los artículos de tocador son White Company, hay una máquina para preparar café, muelle de Ipod y batas. Teníamos unos cócteles en el bar, que tiene un ambiente muy acogedor. Tomamos el desayuno a la mañana siguiente, que estaba recién preparado a la orden y productos de primera calidad. La pareja que lleva el pub hacen un buen equipo, que trabajan duro y claramente les encanta lo que hacen.hacen todo lo posible para que se sienta como en casa. A pesar de estar por encima del pub no oímos ruido real, y volvería a alojarme felizmente.

site_logo

Jacqueline A . 2015-05-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Just popped in for a drink here the other evening while waiting for a table elsewhere and wished we were eating here. Looked really nice and the whole place had a great atmosphere. will revisit soon for food.

site_logo

Peej66 . 2015-03-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Almorzamos hoy aquí y nos dieron una cálida bienvenida. El pub tiene buen ambiente acogedor con una chimenea. Ambos tuvimos las tartas caseras, que eran frescos, caliente y sabrosa, con patatas y verduras. El pub está en una buena posición en la High Street con aparcamiento gratuito. Nos gustaría volver otra vez.

site_logo

732kent2 . 2015-02-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Our day wasn't great as we had had an unpleasant experience at the Nevill Bull in WM for my husbands birthday from which we promptly left after just having main courses. We had two birthday cakes and didn't feel it would go down well at the NB - our daughters were very disappointed. We went in to the Joiners Arms to be met with the very friendly landlady who promptly brought chairs over for us and made us welcome. What a contrast!! They happily served up our birthday cakes with lit candles and half the party had delicious hot chocolates with all the trimmings!! Everyone sung happy birthday to my red faced husband but the children loved it. The young gentlemen who served us were extremely polite and friendly and offered to take pictures, too. Although we didn't have a meal and only coffees etc, we will most definitely go back to this inviting pub.

site_logo

Helen M . 2015-02-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We popped into West Malling for a light Sunday lunch and visited the Joiners. I haven't been here for years and was impressed with the decor. Both my wife and I chose the jacket potato with chilli which was very tasty.

site_logo

darylroots . 2014-12-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Myself and a friend bought this from groupon, it was £12 for a class that took 1.5 hours. We were told to arrive ready for the class to start at 7, we arrived just before and went to sit in a separate room in which there were 2 tables 6 places set out on each table. We waited about 20 minutes for our welcome drink to be bought over. And by that time the class still hadn't started. We were promised canapés as noted on the description and at about 7.40 we got cheese, wouldn't really call that a canapé to be honest, (and I don't like cheese) crackers and dip followed ten minutes later however by that point the cheese had been eaten!! Our class finally started at 8pm. There was 1 instructor between 12 people bearing in mind we were on two separate tables, so there was an awful lot of waiting around. There wasn't enough equipment either so we had to wait for it to go round both tables till we got a go. The first cocktail we made was a piña colada, very nice. The second was a mojito, bland and tasteless and really not worth it. The last problem was we were in a separate room which had a bar in the corner but there were customers standing at the bar so it was extremely hard to hear the instructor over the bar noise, you would think running a class they would have asked them to move to the main bar. It was pretty clear corners had been cut with regard to the people who bought the groupon deal. I wouldn't go back and I wouldn't recommend them.

site_logo

Kerry M . 2014-11-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

If unsure of which meat, try the 3 meat option, very tasty and lots of meat, just the right amount of veg ( not too many-like some ) Friendly environment and good beer.

site_logo

Mickybed . 2014-10-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Loved this place. Everyone was really accommodating, its really nice inside and has a very friendly vibe. Great food too. It was 5 of us and we liked everything. Really big portions and very well cooked food. Will be going back for sure!

site_logo

oneyear . 2013-11-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The Joiners Arms is in the centre of West Malling, and surrounded by restaurants. Yet it thrives on a basis of bar meals, Shepherd Neame beer and the recent provision of four boutique bedrooms.I stopped in for a quick snack lunch, and ordered a Stilton Ploughman's washed down with a pint of Kent's Best.When it arrived in the hands of the chef, the bread roll was piping hot, fresh from the oven. There was a good helping of ripe stilton, three pats of butter, mayonnaise, pickle, pickled onion, and a mountain of salad that included rocket, onions and radishes. It was delivious.The pub is close to the bus stop for the West Malling station service and the one to Maidstone.It is an old pub with a small front bar and a quiet, dimly lit but pleasant back bar.I'll be back again: it is too long since my last visit.

site_logo

gl8246 . 2013-07-11

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Similary restaurants in South East

restaurant_img
3.3

299 Opinions

location-icon1 Queen Street
Other cuisines
outdoor_seating_200077takeaway_200077delivery_200077

Great service, friendly and helpful staff.

restaurant_img
3.5

260 Opinions

location-iconLeigh Road
Other cuisines
outdoor_seating_168097takeaway_168097delivery_168097

Myself and a group of friends decided to do a circular walk starting in this pretty village and ending with a pub lunch. Unusually we had not read the pub reviews in advance. What a wonderful surprise! Although we had not booked were were immediately made very welcome and accommodated in the atmospheric dining part of the pub. The very extensive menu including all the favourites alongside many specials made it difficult to choose but we were all very happy with the quality and portions of our varying options . Of particular note were the home made nachos . The pudding choice was also great ,. Huge portions , good prices and home made. The meringue and the banana waffle were the favourites. The fantastic food was surpassed by the wonderful service. Nothing was too much trouble. we were addressed by name and really put at our ease. Furthermore we mentioned we were celebrating a friends birthday and a beautiful home made mini Victoria spinge complete with candle was presented Thank you all sooo much for a really exceptional experience all round Jacqui carol ( birthday girl), David, Rob judy , Ann and Julia

restaurant_img
3.5

358 Opinions

location-iconLondon Road
Other cuisines
outdoor_seating_190516takeaway_190516delivery_190516

Tooooo crowded! They need far away more and more qualified staff. They have grown to much !

restaurant_img
3.5

78 Opinions

location-iconThe Friars
Other cuisines
outdoor_seating_138885takeaway_138885delivery_138885

I have visited the Friars many times over the years, very rarely do I use the tea room as years ago I had an awful experience with the staff being rude to us there. After what must be 7 years I thought we would try again. Sadly the staff were still rude and disinterested. The food is basic and good, the environment is of course wonderful so it’s such a shame that the staff can’t make that little bit of effort to make someone’s day. This is a place with many visitors after all. Of a team of 4 that I could see, 3 were looking in their phones and the lady that served us could just about be bothered to talk to us. I’ll give it a go in another 7 years maybe 👎🏼

restaurant_img
3.5

377 Opinions

location-iconCannon Lane
Other cuisines
outdoor_seating_201270takeaway_201270delivery_201270

I've been in and ate 3 or 4 times now and it's the only Costa I go to were the staff don't seem very happy or friendly. They don't go that extra mile which is disappointing. They never seem to have the full range and they gave me a dirty spoon last time I went in which was Monday 25th of November. Drinks and food very nice, service not so great.