Tonbridge Rustic

Tasting Summary

These comments are the opinion of the individual reviewer and represent what they thought of the beer on a particular day in a particular pub. If a review is less favourable, it may be because the beer suffered somewhere in the supply chain between them and the brewery.

The River Ale House, East Greenwich, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	16 Jul 2026
Hogan Sampling		16 Jul 2026	1st beer of this visit: Fourth day on for this Kentish bitter from East Peckham, Tonbridge, and good head and lacing to start with but not keeping it from about half way down the pint glass. A fruity bitterness in the first hit from its Kentish hops, Epic, Northdown and Fuggles. A malty note climbing from its UK-grown malted barley lending for me biscuity caramel flavours with a hint of coffee. A hoppy fruitiness winning over and lingering. A general lack of conditioning on its fourth day on.
Philip Pirrip		15 Jul 2026	Some loss of condition since yesterday's
Philip Pirrip		14 Jul 2026	Malty bitter. More to my palate than repeated pales
Hogan Sampling		14 Jul 2026	Second day on for this deep bronze coloured Kentish bitter whose brewery was established in 2010 at Whiteoaks on Tudeley Road, in the rural outskirts south-east of central Tonbridge, before moving in 2013 to its larger premises in East Peckham, Kent. Head and lacing sticking around to the end. A dry bitter first hit. A gentle hoppiness rising from the scarce Kent-grown Epic hop variety with a hint of spice emerging, mixed with fellow Kentish hops, Northdown and Fuggles. A malty note joining in with subtle hints of coffee emanating from its UK-grown malted barley. A fruity hoppiness prevailing. A bitter maltiness winning over with biscuity caramel flavours emerging and lingering. Served in very good nick on its second day on and so stuck to it.
Hogan Sampling		10 May 2025	Just got this East Peckham bitter, north-east of Tonbridge, on my arrival before it ran out. Only its second night on and no Charlton FC home-game fans to blame for this. It came with good head and lacing. A malty bitter first hit. A hoppy bitterness then rose up, aided by the Kent variety that is little seen called Epic, and persisted in the aftertaste. Very moreish!
Hogan Sampling		09 May 2025	Fresh on and positively shining was this Kentish bitter from East Peckham, north-east of Tonbridge. A first hit of maltiness. A hoppy bitterness rising up in the mouthfeel, and from the little-grown Kent hop variety called Epic, alongside the odd hint of spice. A pleasantly moreishly hoppy bitterness lingering. This for me is one of the perfect bitters you could have the pleasure of sampling!
Philip Pirrip		25 Feb 2025	Drank rather without noticing
Hogan Sampling		25 Feb 2025	Fresh on this evening was this bitter from the East Peckham-based brewery, north-east of Tonbridge. A very frothy head with good lacing down the side of the glass to follow. A dry and moreish mouthfeel with a bitterness lingering. Almost stuck to it apart from one other recommended by a fellow customer.
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	02 Jan 2025
Hogan Sampling		02 Jan 2025	3rd night on and still very good head and lacing. First hit of spice again from this East Peckham bitter. A very bitter mouthfeel and a lingeringly dry maltiness. Better than New Year's Eve and when fresh on!
Philip Pirrip		31 Dec 2024	Coming up with a large head and lasting lacing
Hogan Sampling		31 Dec 2024	Fresh on today and so a good head and lacing throughout. A spicy first hit from this East Peckham bitter. A very bitter mouthfeel with maltiness lingering.
Philip Pirrip		08 Sep 2024	Reasonable head and lacing
Hogan Sampling		08 Sep 2024	A good head and lacing. Spicy flavours but not overly so with a hoppy lingering mouthfeel. Much enjoyed and so stuck to it on this visit.
Hogan Sampling		20 Aug 2024	Best head for many a visit and fresh on so stuck to it. Very malty mouthfeel.
Philip Pirrip		21 Apr 2024	Almost last out of cask. A very malty beer
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	07 Mar 2024	Ran out as I ordered
Philip Pirrip		31 Dec 2023	Not a style I really like - too malty. Took me a long time to finish it
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	11 May 2023
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	09 May 2023	Came on late
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	05 Feb 2023	Ran out
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	03 Feb 2023
Philip Pirrip		27 Nov 2022	Must have been last out as ran out a few minutes later
Philip Pirrip		03 Oct 2022	Same as yesterday - served with a head way above the glass's brim
Philip Pirrip		02 Oct 2022	Best of the evening, good head and lacing
Philip Pirrip		05 Jul 2022	Not really a taste style to my liking
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	24 Apr 2022
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	07 Jan 2022
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	21 Aug 2019
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	31 Dec 2018

The Thomas Tallis Alehouse, Canterbury, Kent

The Three Pillars, Gravesend, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		07 Mar 2026	1st beer of this visit: This Kentish bronze-coloured ruby bitter from, East Peckham, north-east of Tonbridge, exhibited a very good head and lacing and lasting throughout its pleasurable performance. A bitterness mixed with a fruity note on the first bite. A hedgerow fruitiness rising aided by its blend of hops, Northdown, classic Fuggles, and the rare Kent-grown Epic hops, the latter lending a spicy note. A gentle maltiness winning over with subtle hints of coffee and the odd green apple-flavouring lingering. Very moreish and in great condition.

The Door Hinge, Welling, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		14 Feb 2026	Holding good and lacing throughout
Philip Pirrip		23 Oct 2020
Philip Pirrip		13 Jul 2017
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	19 Sep 2014
Philip Pirrip		15 Aug 2014

Harbour Arms, Margate, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Jack William		14 Aug 2025	Good malty brew.
ChrisE	Not Tried	19 Nov 2021

Halfway House, Brenchley, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		17 May 2025	Very good head and lacing on this bronze best bitter from East Peckham in Kent. A maltiness to a tee alongside a bitter first hit. A dry malty and coffee-flavoured bitterness rising up with a very dry spice-infused hoppy bite to it to make your lips smack open and shut. A real pleasure and very moreish!
Jack William	Not Tried	06 May 2025
Magnus Greel	Not Tried	24 Sep 2024
Andrew	Not Tried	29 Feb 2024
Jack William	Not Tried	04 Oct 2022
Wittenden		07 Oct 2018	Farmyard,grand stuff.
Wittenden		04 Jan 2016	On gravity. Good dark best bitter:blackberries.
oz11		25 May 2013

The Lifeboat Ale & Cider House, Margate, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew	Not Tried	18 Apr 2025
Ian		12 Nov 2011	Lovely proper brown best bitter. Excellent. Lovely hop flavours from hedgerow fruits and a healthy dollop of English earthiness. Top drawer English bitter. Just adorable

The Hoptimist Taproom & Bar, Dover, Kent

The Furze Wren, Bexleyheath, Greater London

Smugglers' Alehouse, New Romney, Kent

The County Hotel, Ashford, Kent

The Compass Alehouse, Gravesend, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		02 Nov 2024	A very frothy head and froth round the sides of the glass was a welcome sign. A bitter and not sweet mouthfeel was followed by a touch of maltiness. A very dry, moreish aftertaste.
Magnus Greel		03 Dec 2022
Magnus Greel		07 Dec 2019	In superb condition and temperature brought out the nutty malty flavours
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	09 Jun 2017

The Brickfield Micropub, Swalecliffe, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew	Not Tried	27 Sep 2024
Jack William		28 Mar 2024	Good trad ale.

The Cockpit, Chislehurst, Greater London

Breakwater Brewery Taproom, Dover, Kent

The Pub Herne Bay, Herne Bay, Kent

The Long Pond, Eltham, Greater London

Ye Olde Yew Tree, Westbere, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Jack William		07 Mar 2024

Claret & Ale (formerly Claret Free House), Addiscombe, Greater London

Larkins' Alehouse, Cranbrook, Kent

The Broken Drum, Blackfen, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	20 Sep 2022
Philip Pirrip		03 Jun 2019

The Anchor Inn, Wingham, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Jack William		03 Mar 2022	Very tasty ruby ale.

This Ancient Boro', Tenterden, Kent

The Waterworks, Rye, East Sussex

The Chequers, Sevenoaks, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE	Not Tried	16 Dec 2019
oz11		13 Dec 2014
oz11		14 Dec 2013	Didn't taste like the Rustic of old.
oz11		16 Mar 2013

The Real Ale Way, Hayes (SE London), Greater London

The Handsome Sam, Whitstable, Kent

Prince of Ales, Rainham, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Tobes		04 May 2019
Tobes		20 Apr 2019

Copper Pottle, Beltinge, Kent

The Lanes, Dover, Kent

The New Fox Inn (formerly The Windmill Inn), Willesborough, Kent

The Music Shop (formerly The Made Inn), Ashford, Kent

The Flippin' Frog, Rochester, Kent

The Black Dog, Whitstable, Kent

Artillery Arms, Ramsgate, Kent

The Two Halves, Margate, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		26 Oct 2016

St Mary's Chapel Bar (formerly The Chapel), Broadstairs, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		19 Jul 2016

The White Swan, Charlton, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		11 May 2016

Globe Inn Marsh, Rye, East Sussex

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		03 Apr 2016	Roast earth.Uses the scarce Epic hop.
ChrisE		09 Mar 2016	Badged with a house beer clip.
thebrewingman	Not Tried	11 Jan 2015	This was called Hookers Hooch but the 2012 SIBA award label on the pump clip gave it away.

The Honest Miller, Brook, Kent

The Duck, Pett Bottom, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		06 Dec 2015	On gravity. Really good dark malty bitter.

The Dog House Pub (formerly The Dog House & Vinyl Micropub), Smeeth, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		15 Oct 2015

The Firkin Alehouse, Folkestone, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		06 Aug 2015
ChrisE		04 Aug 2015
Brian		26 Feb 2014	Really good. Excellent condition, some smoky malt and black fruit.
Ian		28 Jun 2013	Good dark best bitter

The George & Dragon, Fordwich, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		25 Apr 2015	Sweet malty mildly tart dark beer
Brian	Not Tried	28 Feb 2015

The Flower Pot, Maidstone, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Dosser	Not Tried	09 Jan 2015
Tobes	Not Tried	23 Aug 2014
Dosser	Not Tried	13 Jul 2014
Tobes	Not Tried	12 Jul 2014
Dosser	Not Tried	10 Mar 2014
Tobes	Not Tried	04 Jan 2014
Dosser	Not Tried	20 Dec 2013
Tobes	Not Tried	06 Sep 2013
Toby		29 Jun 2013
Dosser	Not Tried	07 May 2013
Dosser	Not Tried	07 May 2013
Bulls	Not Tried	05 May 2013
HSB	Not Tried	05 May 2013
Dosser	Not Tried	28 Apr 2013	Ran out
Pedro	Not Tried	23 Apr 2012
HSB	Not Tried	20 Apr 2012
Pedro	Not Tried	20 Apr 2012
Pedro		10 Sep 2011	Superb condition
oz11		08 Sep 2011
Alenomore		21 Jul 2011	Still in good nick.
Pedro		21 Jul 2011
Alenomore		20 Jul 2011	A new ale. Darkish bitter and very good too.

Old Plantation, Bearsted, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		24 Dec 2014

One Inn The Wood, Petts Wood, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		01 Nov 2014
oz11		05 Jun 2014

The Distillers, Hammersmith, Greater London

The Plough Inn, Stalisfield Green, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		13 Sep 2014	Darkish, earthy best bitter.Spicy , hedge fruit.Almost 5x

Two Sawyers, Canterbury, Kent

Fuggles Beer Cafe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Five Bells Inn, Brabourne, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		12 Apr 2014	Good condition. Grapefruit with red fruit flavours. Brown.

The Vine Goudhurst, Goudhurst, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
thebrewingman		04 Apr 2014	Not on top form, probably been on too long.

The Elephant, Faversham, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		13 Feb 2014

The Padwell Arms, Seal, Kent

Orpington Liberal Club, Orpington, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		26 Aug 2013

Good Intent, West Farleigh, Kent

The Poet at Matfield, Matfield, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Wittenden		21 Aug 2013	Solid dark best bitter. Luscious malt and some stone fruit:good stuff.

Ye Olde Thirsty Pig, Maidstone, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro		19 Aug 2013

SIBA South East Beer Festival 2013, Tonbridge, Kent

The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		04 Jul 2013	First rate yeasty bitter darkish beer - thoroughly enjoyed this
Alenomore	Not Tried	22 Dec 2012
oz11	Not Tried	07 Jun 2012	Went off before I could get a pint.
ChrisE		22 Mar 2012

The Dovecote Inn, Capel-le-Ferne, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
thebrewingman		07 Jun 2013
thebrewingman	Not Tried	08 Jul 2012

2nd Angelfest Music and Beer Festival 2013, Tonbridge, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		28 Apr 2013
oz11		27 Apr 2013

The Kings Arms, Offham, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro		17 Nov 2012

2nd Spa Valley Railway Beer Festival, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		20 Oct 2012	Tunbridge Wells

The Bricklayer's Arms, Putney, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Stephen Harris		27 Sep 2012	Copper/bronze-coloured best bitter. Richly malty and fruity with hop character too.

The Bedford, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The Five Bells, Chelsfield, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro		01 Jun 2012

George & Dragon, Tonbridge, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		11 May 2012
oz11		27 Apr 2012
oz11		20 Apr 2012
oz11		17 Apr 2012	Perfectly clear and in good condition.
oz11		05 Apr 2012

Six Bells, Woodchurch, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Pedro		11 May 2012

1st Angelfest Music and Beer Festival 2012, Tonbridge, Kent

Man of Kent, Tonbridge, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		15 Mar 2012	Beer from the local brewery in a local pub, and my favourite of his range...fab!

1st Spa Valley Railway Beer Festival, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Alenomore		22 Oct 2011	A tasty deep bronze ale. Another ride back to Eridge to get this one.
Martin the Mildman		22 Oct 2011	This one was to be found in the waiting room at Eridge which was a little warmer. Good all round flavour in this bronze coloured bitter. Some toffee malt and a little spicy hop combine to give a good flavour profile. Good malty finish. My score 16/20.

The Crown, Otford, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		08 Oct 2011	Nice to have my favourite beer from my local brewery in good nick!
Pedro		29 Jul 2011

East Malling Beer & Cider Festival 2011, East Malling, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
oz11		03 Sep 2011