The Malt Shovel in Sevenoaks

Food excellent, glassware sparkling, clean modern toilets. Staff polite and efficient. If they smiled and were more friendly the visit would have been perfect.

Our first visit to this tidy, spacious establishment. For those of a certain age there are some comfort food items on the menu including liver and bacon, steak and kidney pud and spotted dick - other tastes are catered for. Mrs B. is addicted to fish and chips. Too many chips on the plate - a common practice and such a waste. They scored 8/10 though. The fish’s batter was thin and crispy. Gone are the days when I could manage steak and kidney pud followed by spotted dick, so I plumped for swordfish steak. It was a meaty generous portion with tasty new potatoes, accompanied by buttered cabbage, sugar snaps and chantenay carrots - all tasty and al dente. Pity about the soggy nuked broccoli. ‘Twas not the spotted dick of my “yoof” (when I would have had cream, ice cream AND custard with it), it was a lighter version, a smaller dick and not as spotty, with a hint of spice, That did not detract from my enjoyment ( just ice cream and custard, if you are wondering). All reasonably priced. And joy of joys - no service charge. Can’t wait to go back.

Visited here today for Sunday lunch.All five of us had a different starter.Each one was lovely.Three roast dinners,a salmon dish and a burger.We all enjoyed our main dishes and three of us made room for puddings.All of which were delicious.My only minor gripe and it is minor,as the food was enjoyed by all,would be a bit more veg to go with the three roasts.As i say it is minor but my personal choice.Have to say,it was a very late inquiry to try and get a slot,but they managed to fit us in which we were all grateful for.The service was was polite and friendly.My third visit here over a couple of years and will return. I would definitely recommend this pub if your passing and fancy a pint or a snack.Or both.

The pub looks lovely with all the beautiful hanging baskets. We sat inside to eat, nice variety on the menu, decent prices, and good size portions of well cooked food. It was pretty busy so I'm guessing popular with the locals. Afterwards we had a look at the outdoor seating area, we would have sat there if we'd known about it. The toilets must have had a recent refurbishment, they look great. Only negative, my friend had the seafood tagliatelle and the prawns were in their tail shells. She had a mouthful of shell.

I feel well qualified to review this pub as I’m a Londoner but its not my local and I’ve been here many times over twenty years or so. You will find a couple of bad reviews here from the masses who find a beauty spot on uTube, jump in the car on a busy summer day and then expect England to be like it was before the internet told the masses about it. Visited many times with my elderly mum, with my wife and with walking and running friends and always find it to be great warm local pub with good pub grub. This weeks lunch was no exception. Good beer, large portions of hearty food and relaxed atmosphere. The Thai food nights are a popular choice aswell. So if you found Farningham, Eynsford and the lovely Darent valley on an internet search be prepared to book ahead, slow down and maybe come by train.

My partner and I visited The Malt Shovel today (06.08.23) for lunch. My partner had the steak (which she likes 'cremated') - she commented to members of staff there that the chef had done this beautifully. My partner also loved the thick chips and the peppercorn sauce (which she requested two pots of). I had the Sunday Lunch - the meat (i.e. lamb) was nice and tender with no fat whatsoever and to top it off the Chocolate Fudge Cake with Ice Cream was delightful - nice and light.

Great little pub which we visited for drinks after a trip to Castle Farm. The bar staff were really friendly and welcoming, parking is easy in a dedicated car park across the road and you can sit outside on the main road and literally watch the world go by.

Excellent pub , brilliant menu and staff are above excellent in customer services and prices reasonable 👍 Swim Tim

Lunch visit- Nice food and friendly staff. Not fine dining- good pub grub... Light and bright inside.. Great parking. Worth a try I'd say.

Was quite pleasantly surprised visiting this establishment at first, the village setting & quirky appearance was appealing & alcoholic choices were good however I soon learned that a certain member of staff, who turns out to be the apparent owner was an absolute disgrace. Quietly tucking into my drink minding my own business I was disturbed by a rapturous noise coming from behind the scenes. The male ‘owner’ seemingly balling at someone, who I guessed must have been an employee stating ‘you’re taking the piss’. At first, I thought this might have been the employee having made a mistake or done something wrong, however this was quickly followed by a barrage of further insults. I overheard the same ‘man’ further go into insults about pulling your weight and again repeating ‘you’re taking the piss’. Now, the fact this is a quiet village establishment, the service was brilliant & the staff were extremely friendly and couldn’t do enough for me is one thing, but hearing such a barrage of verbal diarrhoea coming from behind the scenes from the ‘owner’ really puts this place into perspective. I may not know what the apparent abundance of expletives was about, but what I do know is that it is totally unacceptable and not the place for such ‘discussions’. This has totally turned my review of this establishment, but if an apparent ‘owner’ can blatantly show this sort of behaviour inside their own venue then that is all I need to see. As stated, I do not know what happened behind the scene, but if I were the owner I’d be ashamed of my actions. He also left shortly afterwards like nothing had happened. We visited this pub randomly when passing by as it looked really quirky & different, however we will NOT be doing so again. If you’d like a quiet drink I wouldn’t recommend visiting here. A quiet ‘pit stop’ turned wrong and a very disappointing experience led by one sole party. If you can’t treat your staff with dignity & respect, then how can you treat your customers in the same degree?

Good home made food at reasonable prices, friendly staff and excellent beer looked after very well by Alan the owner.

The food was good, even if the pub itself smelt like school dinners. Didn't go in their at first because the grey exterior wasn't very welcoming, neither was the grey interior. It was totally soulless but the food was good if you're passing and hungry.

We live in the village and love The Malt Shovel. So friendly and welcoming, great food wether it be lunch or dinner.

Came in for a spot of lunch had the cheese and bacon burger which was amazing so juicy and tasty chips were cooked perfectly I will be definitely coming back and telling anyone that comes to this area Staff were really welcoming and friendly 😊😊

First visit was very impressed with the food . My beouf borginon with creamy mash and vegetables was absolutely delicious. The others had burgers the fat chip’s amazing. It was a rainy chilly night so would have been warmer with the log fire going but we will return. Thanks

We turned up without a reservation on a Sunday and they made space for us. We ordered a variety of dishes and they were really good sizes and well priced. The staff brought over paper and pens when they saw my children attempting to play...

The food is not bad but over priced for the quality, its a nice clean pub and Alan does an excellent job keeping his beer spot on.

Very disappointed overall. abrupt service not made to feel welcome at all in fact felt like we were an inconvenience. Food is mediocre at best and for what we paid not good value. When food was commented upon host very defensive and argumentative. Brandy sauce...

What a fantastic pub/restaurant. Eaten here a few times and can honestly say we have had wonderful and service every time . Best Ham egg 🥚 and chips . Brilliant Sunday roast. Such quality food and very reasonable prices. Have to say special call out...

We had dinner in the pub and it was excellent. It was a Friday and we had the fish and chips. I think it was one of the best fish and chips I’ve ever had! The portion was huge, so bring a big appetite! Washed...

I had rung them a bit earlier and booked a table for 2 at 6pm after noting it was closed 3pm-6pm. We got there around 4:30. The car park is opposite the pub. I thought it was the food part closed 3pm-6pm, it turns out...

Husband and I decided to visit Eynesford. We had a miserable time trying to find any place to eat. Fortunately we were able to get in here which we were very grateful. However we were treated like a complete inconvenience. It became apparent that if...

Based on the information on their website I got off the train at Eynsford and walked to the establishment thinking that I could have dinner up to 11pm on a Sunday. Only to find it closed. I hope they understand that having the correct opening...

We were two hungry and thirsty walkers who had just done the (4 mile?) walk along the Darenth from Shoreham in the summer heat, laden with produce from a farm shop on the way. To put it bluntly, we were beat! Somehow we didn't fancy...

Belong to a walking club and after the long walk some of us finish off with a drink and meal. About 20 of use stopped at the Malt Shovel and got our drinks individually and sat in the back garden on long tables. We then...

We were a group of 7 friends from London visiting Eynsford on a Saturday for the lavender fields they have nearby. After the lavender walks we decided to go for a pub but everywhere was fully booked. The Malt Shovel was the only one which...

Have been coming to the Malt Shovel for many years, also receive a warm welcome from the owner and the staff. The food is always good.

We visited as a group of 4 with our dog - we were told the dog could be in either the front or back garden but not inside the pub which was fine as it was a sunny day. The staff were very hit and...

We booked a table here as the Plough Inn was fully booked, but what a mistake that was. The female server was pleasant, but the old man who owns the pub was completely rude. Most of the dishes we ordered were mediocre and not worth...

The food is standard nothing worth coming back for which is understandable for an old pub but the miserable bar man was so rude, he made comments to my family member which ruined our meal/day. He made us feel so unwelcome. Such a shame as...

Unfriendly staff, food not great either. Had fish and chips which was all batter and not much fish and the cod was tasteless (even more so than cod usually is). Food expensive for what it is. Drinks OK.

Had an evening meal. It was superb. It was so good that when I finished my food I started tucking in to my wifes.

Been here twice this month .and it always delivered on great food and lovely service. Sunday roast really good . Fish and chips amazing. O and the liver and bacon wow . Also young lady that serves us is always warm /friendly and funny. Spot...

Surprisingly good food for a pub, efficient friendly staff, busy, buzzy , happy place. Excellent value, larger portions, deserved top rating for Eynsford. We will return. You will need to book at peak times.

I took a family party of 12 to this pub on the 19th February. Absolutely excellent quality, generous portions, great presentation and very competitively priced. They came from Nottingham, Bisley, Westerham and Cowden and were all really pleased. And 2 were vegans who were also...

I took a family of seven for lunch last Saturday. The new menu is very interesting and that, along with the specials board coped with all dietary requirements. Vegan, veggie, fish and meat eaters along with an egg allergy. The portions are generous and having...

Foods are tasty and of good quality. Nice atmosphere and lovely place. We will come back there again. thank you so much.

Went in for a drink as part of a Christmas ‘nice thing’ to do, we thought! Barman treated us with such disdain. No welcome and irritated and was just told ‘ Don't sit there. You can sit there or there! ‘ (pointing ) like an...

Had Sunday lunch here with the family a few weeks ago. There is a big carpark just across the road. The pub is beautifully decorated, it looks recently done up, and the tables are well spaced apart. The toilets are amazing! Other reviewers have mentioned...

Have to say a huge thank you 😊 to all the staff and Chief 👏. For a gorgeous Christmas meal Friday night 🌙. This is how to cater for 28 people. Brilliant service as always. Fantastic food 😋 and wonderful atmosphere. Like to wish you...

Had lunch here and the food and staff were lovely. There is parking across the road for customers. What more can you ask for. Would thoroughly recommend a visit.

Super friendly staff, atmosphere very nice and welcoming. Food was amazing- handmade vegetarian burger. Loved it and highly reccomend anyone who is in the area to go for a nice meal! You will enjoy it 100%!

Super delicious lunch yesterday. Beef (in the curry, and pie) just melted in the mouth, hearty shepherd’s pie, and wonderful desserts. Perfect drinks. Altogether a lovely meal. Staff were helpful and friendly.

Don't need a hundred characters to tell everyone what a great place this is. Went in today and for a Monday it was pleasantly busy. Friendly landlord who knows how to run a clean and comfortable pub, pleasant pub grub (tip - check the specials...

Managed to fit us in even though we hadn't booked. Quick service. Lovely food, generous portions. Friendly staff

We said we would have to come back and sample other things on the menu. We had steak pie, sausage and mash plus fish and chips. Very tasty and large portions. Only 3 of us managed a dessert and they were lovely. It is great...

Been here a few times now and have to say we all have never had a bad meal in fact it’s always brilliant food at reasonable prices when many pubs are starting to price them self’s out of business.. this restaurant/ pub does a wonderful...

We popped into this pub for a spot of lunch, the food was excellent, unfortunately the older barman came across very grumpy, maybe he had, had a bad morning!!

Went to this venue on the off chance after a late booking. Excellent find as Beef dinner was great and apple and blackberry crumble to finish.

Visited this gem of a pub today for the first time. Lovely choice of beers.the food was excellent and the bar staff were very friendly

A traditional pub with just about the right touches added to the decor to give a modern feel while maintaining the authentic pub character. A wide choice of international dishes on the menu and simply delicious. Service good and friendly. I hope to go back...

Been coming here since we moved about 1 year . Ago and every time we have been the food is excellent. And the young lady serving is very pleasant and friendly cant recommended this pub highly enough. Well done guys . I had liver and...

Coffee perfect. Our egg and bacon sandwiches were very tasty. The accompanied salad and dressing was delicious. Seating adequate. Inside and in the garden. Staff helpful . Toilets clean and luxurious. Will definitely recommend. A lovely Brook nearby for paddling.

Lovely food and quick service but was expecting the wow factor by the reviews. We walked here from lullingstone country park and on arrival went outside to the garden to find a table but they were all taken. We had booked but hadn’t specified where...

I was with a group of friends who booked lunch here. We all thought that the food was godd and well cooked, with the portion sizes being very generous. I had calves liver and bacon and was very impressed with the meal.

We were looking for somewhere to eat in Eynsford and we ended up in this pub. It’s a traditional little pub, very simple but cozy, clean and tidy. It was a lovely surprise and the food was absolutely delicious. We ordered a gammon steak with...

6 of us were doing a charity walk in the area and popped in for food. The menu is very 70's and simple, which is fine if done well. Unfortunately it was very average at best. We all had different choices but all agreed it...

The perfect steak cooked to your liking and served with fries is a great bargain bearing in mind you can get two good sized steaks and a bottle of wine for £30. When you add the wonderful choice of starter or desserts, a wide range...

Very good food! Best fish pie we’ve had and very good steak too. There was so much seafood in that fish pie - they definitely don’t skimp on ingredients! Would definitely go back again.

My husband and I went for a walk around Eynsford on a Saturday afternoon and ended up in this pub for a couple of drinks. The place was lovely! Beautifully decorated and great friendly service. We didn’t have food but it looked amazing and the...

Came for dinner tonight was a lovely atmosphere staff were friendly and welcoming and the food was great. We liked it so much we booked for Sunday dinner before we left. Would really recommend.

Visited on Friday lunch time at 12.30 and received very prompt service. The menu offered a good selection. We ordered prawn and salmon sandwiches. These came quickly and were delicious. The bread was fresh and the prawns and salmon were plentiful and of good quality. The sandwiches were served with a varied, well dressed side salad. We would recommend this pub.

Popped in for a family lunch, food was lovely and good sized portions, broad choice of food and drink on the menu, staff were very friendly and attentive, would highly recommend!

My party of three had a hearty, filling and very tasty lunch on Monday 17 August. We had booked a table for noon, though possibly there was no need as there were few customers at that time. (It became reassuringly busy - never crowded though - as time went by.) Particular mentions for my steak and ale pie, which was substantial and delicious, and the burgers that my wife and son enjoyed. The range of traditional puddings was excellent and those we had - sticky toffee pudding, bread and butter pudding, and chocolate fudge cake, with custard or clotted cream - were generous in size and very tasty. Thumbs up for the Malt Shovel.

We had a fab evening staff very welcoming, and the food was excellent as always. the steak was cooked as we like it as like very time.

Been here a few times always great service. But not eaten until today . Two had scampi and chips so fresh and lovely chips. I had ploughmans. Was fantastic. Nice pub . Thanks 😊

Booked Sunday lunch for four people, which we were glad we did as the pub was quite busy when we arrived. Since our previous visit some years ago the décor and layout has improved. We were shown to our table immediately and very soon our drinks and then food order of four roast beefs were taken. The staff in the restaurant were all friendly, inviting and very helpful. The quality, taste and quantity of the main courses were all excellent and there was a good quatity and range of vegetable provided as well. Small range of deserts but we were tempted. Price very reasonable. Recommend and will return.

Today myself, husband and two children visited for a Sunday lunch, the food was outstanding I can not fault it, absolutely delicious and both our children had clean plates. Friendly welcoming atmosphere and the staff were polite helpful and interacted with our children. Definitely will be visiting again.

Visited this cosy little pub while in Eynsford today. Good food, good service and family friendly. Would happily make the journey from London to visit again. Nice atmosphere also.

We went on Sunday, excellent Sunday roast and the atmosphere it was perfect. Really nice village and 5/5 pub

A very pleasant lunch - a cajun wrap, chips and a couple of pints of Betty Stoggs - with our village walking group.. Reasonably priced too.

Went here as we’ve passed it a few times. Not disappointed! Steak with fried onions, rare to see on a menu. Cooked exactly as we asked. Loads of hot crispy chips and nice tasting peas. Portions so large we didn’t have space for puds! Will def return, very friendly staff and nice “feel” about the pub. So glad we tried it and it will be added to our list!

We wanted a small meal at 4pm and had already been turned away from a previous establishment but luckily found the Malt Shovel and they fitted the bill as they seemed to be prepared to serve good hot food at any time. Also it seemed no trouble and although we were alone at first at least another 10 people came for meals within the next half hour and we all got excellent service. Wish more pubs were like this and they also served coffee.

Loved this pub, we had sausages sandwiches, which were absolutely gorgeous, and came with a lovely side salad. The staff were extremely welcoming and services was very good, would highly recommend this pub, we had actually gone to one just down the road, but there was a waiting time of an hour for bar food, we left and are very glad we did because we came a crossed this lovely pub

Always made to feel welcome in this pub plus bonus is parking. Immaculately clean. The food menu never changes and mainly meat based. The veggie option is hardly healthy which is a shame. I would like to recommend the menu changes occasionally.

This pub is alright for a drink for the locals. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here. To be fair, it is better than Wetherspoons.

Visited on Sunday for their roast. Liked the fact that they had a 5 for the food hygiene rating displayed on the door. Clean environment inside.my partner and I both had roast beef for £11.95 each and was surprised with the amount of food we received - not much at all (couple slices of beef, about 5 potatoes and veg to share). Food was warm and tasteless; beef cooked well but not seasoned at all, potatoes were hard and not crispy, veg was dry and limp looking however the Yorkshire puddings were a decent size. Will not dine there again.

Popped in here at short notice and was very impressed, both had the fish and chips which was very nice and a a good sized portion, were tables inside however was busy so we ate in the garden, staff were very friendly, would definitely return!

Pubs lovely for a drink by the river, but the restaurant is not impressive always vey loud and busy, food is not that good. Food seems to be a bit of a hit and miss with what you get and if its hot when you get it.

I have driven past the Malt Shovel many times on my way to the golf course just up the road. Always thought it looked nice. We were looking for ideas where to take my wifes mother for a bite to eat on a Sunday for her birthday. I suggested here. Booked a table for 1:30pm. Arrived and were a bit surprised as it wasnt very busy, neither with diners or drinkers. However, it got busier over the next hour or so. The 3 of us opted for the roasts. I had beef and my wife & mother in law went for turkey. Food arrived. Plenty of meat on the plates and huge yorkshires. Side selection of veg - plenty of choice for the 3 of us. Very nice and tasty. All completely full up. No room for desserts. Friendly, attentive staff. Will be back.

Good service and food. Very pleasant. Will definitely return. Prices reasonable and cuisine a little bit different from normal "pub grub". The chef can cook really well with ideas for all including vegetarians/ vegans. Pub has a pleasant garden for good weather days.

Returning from Lullingstone Roman Villa, we needed a light lunch.

Lovely friendly pub with great service and good food. Between us we had calves liver, pork strogonoff, home made burger and sausage. No specific kids menu but were offered some choices from the main menu as smaller portions eg sausage and mash or the roast dinners

Worst warmed up badly cooked roast I have ever eaten. Never again. Gravy warm potatoes left to get cold and re heated horrible meat tuff hole meal dreadful never again. People ok

We have been going to this place for years, always a pleasant experience, food is great, good service and friendly staff.

Come here on sunday for a birthday meal for a table of 6, staff were lovely and very welcoming, food was well presented and tasted lovely. All at a very reasonable price would definitely recommend

Visited this restaurant for lunch about a week ago. i had scampi and my husband had the steak which we both thought was very good. There was quite a choice of desserts and my husband found it difficult to choose as they were his favourites .... sticky toffee pudding and crumble etc. Would thoroughly recommend this restaurant.

Decent food at decent prices in a handsome, centuries-old traditional pub, nicely updated in decor. Very welcoming service. Ther menu is pretty basic and has nothing light for a summer's day, but the quality is good. Virtually empty when we visited, and thus a little lacking in atmosphere.

We love the Malt Shovel which we discovered a few years ago. The place is very family orientated and friendly. The staff are always accommodating and we've never had to wait to get a seat.

Went as a group of 8 with a booking. Table ready and a warm friendly welcome. Good menu choices with some specials on the board. Food was good and plenty of it. Very happy to go back and can recommend.

Lovely, traditional pub in the middle of Eynsford. Welcoming attentive landlord. We all enjoyed a ploughman's followed by desserts, all very tasty. Good size portions. The fish and chips/steak pudding smelt great. We will have to return to try them. The beer was perfect temperature. Plenty of parking just over the road.

Popped in on a rainy afternoon and I had a really lovely sandwich and chips, with my Mum having ham, eggs and chips. The portions were very generous and we will definitely visit again. Such a lovely village too.

Perfectly decent pub food at reasonable prices. Service hilariously surly and brusque. The guy at the bar and the guy who brought the food could have been bad-tempered pub landlords in a sitcom, but it felt like they were being authentically bad-tempered, although still entertaining. Got the impression it might be more for locals than visitors, as a group of what appeared to be locals at another table turned round and looked at us a bit (although i don't think we had any particular distinguishing features). Would visit again if in the area.

We went the Malt Shovel for a bite to eat at lunch time and the food was great. We had the starter of Nachos followed by two main courses of Fillet steak and a full rack of Ribs. It was both great value but excellent food more than enough for the two of us.

Was looked after as soon as our party of four arrived. We had a lovely meal, with drinks and pudding served promptly. Some much food to choose from - We had the chicken pie, Fishmans pie and chicken with bacon and Stilton sauce. Definitely worth another visit.

Me and my fiancee visited here for a lunch on a Sunday. We received a warm welcome and were shown to our table. I had a beef stew from the specials and my partner had the roast duck. Both portions were very generous sizes and tasted fantastic. The staff were very friendly and the food was reasonably priced. Overall a very enjoyable lunch and we will defiantly visit again.

I have been to this pub for about a year now on a semi regular basis. It has become the go to place to entrtain friends from all over the world.. The location is English Rural set in an area with lots of intresting places to visit. The Malt Shovel itself has always been friendly with a relaxing unhurried atmosphere, the service is first class and the food delicious.

Went in here for a drink a few months ago and the food looked lovely. Retuned this week and sat in the garden in the glorious sunshine. I ordered pie which was excellent. My niece had the chicken with Stilton again very yummy and my sister had the scampi. Service was great my mixed veg were spot on not over cooked and a great selection. Cabbage broccoli carrots.

Our walking group had another lovely lunch at the Malt Shovel. There were 15 of us on this occasion, and although we hadn't put in an order in advance, everyone was served extremely quickly. Most of us had a full main course and dessert, and a few chose from the light lunch menu. Whatever we chose, it was all excellent, and very reasonably priced indeed. Our walking group has lunched here on a number of occasions, and we have always been extremely well looked after. The staff are all very friendly and very efficient, and the pub itself is extremely comfortable. There is also a lovely garden which is great for summer dining. We will return.

Wow, how shocked was I to be charged a total of £8.80 for four glasses of soda water!! Popped in for lunch with my family and couldn't believe this was tacked onto my bill. Never have I paid this in any public house before. When I questioned the bar person I was told that all pubs charge, I'm sorry but that is not the case. When I said that I didn't want them I was told that he'd poured them now! Didn't want to spoil our day so just paid for them. Sorry wont be returning to this pub again!