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Nelson Arms (Free House)
| Beer (sort) | Average Score (sort) | No. Samples (sort) |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick - Father Mike's Dark Rich Ruby |  | 1 |
| Kernel (The Kernel) - Bitter Simmonds 1880 with Goldings | | 1 |
| Green Jack - Trawlerboys Best Bitter | | 1 |
| Cairngorm - Wildcat | | 1 |
| Kent - Old Jamaica | | 1 |
| Triple fff - Comfortably Numb (spent a while at 5.4%) | | 1 |
| Kent - Motueka Single Hopped Pale | | 1 |
| Mad Cat - Unsinkable Sam | | 2 |
| Hammerton - City of Cake | | 1 |
| Kent - Twelfth Night | | 1 |
| Surrey Hills - Gilt Trip | | 2 |
| Rother Valley - Level Best | | 1 |
| Kent - Old Skool | | 1 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Black Pearl Oyster Stout | | 1 |
| Three Acre - Extra Special Best | | 1 |
| Kent - Kent Golding Bitter or KGB | | 1 |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | | 1 |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - Evening Star Revival APA | | 1 |
| Harvey's - Southdown Harvest | | 1 |
| Green Jack - Baltic Trader | | 1 |
| Kent - No Kinda Plan | | 1 |
| Howling Hops (Brewed at Hackney Wick) - Saddle Up - Extra Special Bitter (Collaboration with Five Points) | | 1 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 5 | | 1 |
| Kent - Starry Night | | 1 |
| Green Jack - Gone Fishing E.S.B. | | 1 |
| Harvey's - Bonfire Boy | | 1 |
| Drop Project - Choppy |  | 1 |
| Triple fff - Pressed Rat & Warthog | | 1 |
| Hop Union (formerly Great Western (GWB)) - Maiden Voyage | | 1 |
| Kent - Prohibition | | 1 |
| Cerne Abbas - Legless Jester | | 1 |
| Cerne Abbas - Community Green Hop 2024 | | 1 |
| Pig & Porter - Jumping Frog | | 1 |
| Kent - Brewers Reserve | | 1 |
| Triple fff - Alton's Pride |  | 1 |
| Black Lodge - Grimble Grumble | | 1 |
| Mad Cat - Green & Gold | Not Tried | 0 |
| Kernel (The Kernel) - Small Pale Ale Chinook | Not Tried | 0 |
| Pig & Porter - Whispering Grass | Not Tried | 0 |
| Stonehenge - Sign of Spring | Not Tried | 0 |
| Mad Cat - Golden IPA (previously Meaney's Golden India Pale Ale) | Not Tried | 0 |
| Kent - Green Ernest | Not Tried | 0 |
| Gun - Chummy Bluster | Not Tried | 0 |
| Moor - Bitter | Not Tried | 0 |
| New Bristol - Small Porter | Not Tried | 0 |
| Mad Cat - Big Stik! | Not Tried | 0 |
| Kent - The Quiet American | Not Tried | 0 |
| Arbor Ales - Yakima Valley | Not Tried | 0 |
| Sambrook's - Night Shift | Not Tried | 0 |
| Rother Valley - Valley Bitter | Not Tried | 0 |
| Iron Pier - Burton Ale | Not Tried | 0 |
| Kent - Juice Junkie | Not Tried | 0 |
| Left Handed Giant - Mosaic Pale | Not Tried | 0 |
| Woodshedding - By Furrow | Not Tried | 0 |
| Lakedown - Magic Hour | Not Tried | 0 |
| Left Handed Giant - Dark Mild | Not Tried | 0 |
| Grey Trees - Nectarbomb Pale | Not Tried | 0 |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 3 | Not Tried | 0 |
| New Bristol - Cinder Toffee Stout | Not Tried | 0 |
| Five Points - Citrus Pale | Not Tried | 0 |
| Liquid Light - Ramble On | Not Tried | 0 |
| Kent - Wai-Iti | Not Tried | 0 |
| Green Jack - Ripper Tripel | Not Tried | 0 |
| Good Chemistry - Chinook Smash | Not Tried | 0 |
| Rother Valley - Blues | Not Tried | 0 |
| Rother Valley - Alliance | Not Tried | 0 |
| Surrey Hills - Greensand IPA | Not Tried | 0 |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - Devils Dyke Porter | Not Tried | 0 |
| Mad Cat - Crispin Amber | Not Tried | 0 |
| Moor - Resonance | Not Tried | 0 |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - Tripod IPA | Not Tried | 0 |
| Triple fff - Sundown | Not Tried | 0 |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - 1984 Sweet Stout | Not Tried | 0 |
Visits Details
26 Apr 2025 (Hogan Sampling)
Heaven on Earth for my early evening visit as a range of 9 real ales on and just 33 minutes from London Bridge with one stop at Sevenoaks and 5 minutes trot from the station. The three real ales I tried were all in tip-top condition and very tasty. The helpful barmaid carried my paddle to a nearby table whilst I ferried the menu and navigated one small dog and a rucksack to that spot. The place was ticking over with many others dining but some also just sampling the fine range of real ales on offer. Not surprising to note that it was CAMRA Kent Regional Pub of the Year 2023 and 2024 and now also in 2025. It was also put forward as one of the last 4 in the CAMRA National 2023 Pub of the Year competition.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rother Valley - Level Best | 4.00 | | This East Sussex bitter from the Northiam-based brewing company, north-west of Rye, and set up in 1993, came with very good head and lacing and lasted throughout. This fine ale had a dry bitter first hit on my palate. A moreishly dry hoppy mouthfeel rose up from those British Phoenix hops and said to be high in oil content. I was left with a dry and slightly citrusy aftertaste. Could easily have done more but another two ales already with me now and to accompany my steak and ale pie, mash, vegetables and gravy. |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | | Head and lacing was plentiful and lasted right to the end on this Sussex Old Ale from Lewes. A bitter and roasted malty first hit combined. A dry bitterness rising up along with a burnt-sugar sweetness from dried fruit and the odd date. A very moreishly malty aftertaste. The prospect of another was very tempting! |
| Howling Hops (Brewed at Hackney Wick) - Saddle Up - Extra Special Bitter (Collaboration with Five Points) | 4.80 | | This English bitter from Howling Hops in Hackney Wick came with superb head and lacing and lasted the whole course. Made with American hops, it hit you with its sweetness. A maltiness then presented itself with a spicy fruitiness lingering. |
| Arbor Ales - Yakima Valley | 7.00 | Not Tried | |
| Kent - Brewers Reserve | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Left Handed Giant - Dark Mild | 3.40 | Not Tried | |
| Iron Pier - Burton Ale | 4.20 | Not Tried | |
| Woodshedding - By Furrow | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Grey Trees - Nectarbomb Pale | 4.20 | Not Tried |
01 Apr 2025 (Philip Pirrip)
Evening visit until close. Good crowd in on the Victory Sports Bar side for TV football.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Jack - Baltic Trader | 10.50 | | A sipping nightcap |
| Kent - Motueka Single Hopped Pale | 4.50 | | Clean on palate and mellow bittering. First rate |
| Kent - Brewers Reserve | 5.00 | | One of the first if not the first out of a new cask. Slight haze, fresh and tasted of a sourer hop that I am used to |
| Drop Project - Choppy | 4.80 | | Lost head and lacing rather too quickly |
| Stonehenge - Sign of Spring | 4.60 | Not Tried | The green 'un |
| Mad Cat - Golden IPA (previously Meaney's Golden India Pale Ale) | 4.20 | Not Tried | |
| Gun - Chummy Bluster | 4.40 | Not Tried | |
| Pig & Porter - Whispering Grass | 5.50 | Not Tried | |
| New Bristol - Small Porter | 3.00 | Not Tried |
11 Feb 2025 (Philip Pirrip)
Evening visit until close.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairngorm - Wildcat | 5.10 | | As smooth as silk on the palate |
| Kent - Twelfth Night | 7.40 | | Barley wine with no harsh notes whatsoever |
| Kent - Prohibition | 4.80 | | New cask just on. Just a tad fresh |
| Mad Cat - Crispin Amber | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - Tripod IPA | 5.20 | Not Tried | |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - 1984 Sweet Stout | 5.50 | Not Tried | |
| Left Handed Giant - Dark Mild | 3.40 | Not Tried | |
| Kernel (The Kernel) - Small Pale Ale Chinook | 4.20 | Not Tried |
18 Jan 2025 (Ian)
Quiet Saturday lunchtime. A few groups in. Good beer list as always.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple fff - Pressed Rat & Warthog | 3.80 | | Typical dark mild in good nock |
| Cerne Abbas - Legless Jester | 4.70 | | Good golden bitter |
| Pig & Porter - Jumping Frog | 4.20 | | Citrus apa |
| Triple fff - Alton's Pride | 3.80 | | Middling bitter |
| Black Lodge - Grimble Grumble | 4.60 | | Collab with Only With Love. Odd aroma but rest of beer is fine |
| Cairngorm - Wildcat | 5.10 | Not Tried | |
| Green Jack - Ripper Tripel | 8.50 | Not Tried | |
| Rother Valley - Blues | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Surrey Hills - Greensand IPA | 4.60 | Not Tried |
10 Dec 2024 (Philip Pirrip)
Evening visit until close. Seemed all the Barden community was in here for a Christmas sing-a-long. All only became sane again by 10.15!
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - Black Pearl Oyster Stout | 6.20 | | THE way to end a session with a spot-on nightcapper |
| Harvey's - Southdown Harvest | 5.00 | | One of the best examples of this I have ever had |
| Kent - Starry Night | 4.20 | | Maybe I just picked up on the hint of cinnamon or maybe not! |
| Kernel (The Kernel) - Bitter Simmonds 1880 with Goldings | 5.90 | | Only a half but The Kernel quality shone through |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 5 | 4.40 | Not Tried | |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 3 | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| New Bristol - Cinder Toffee Stout | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Liquid Light - Ramble On | 3.90 | Not Tried |
19 Nov 2024 (Philip Pirrip)
Mid evening visit until close. The early knockings of a Green Jack tap takeover this week.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Jack - Gone Fishing E.S.B. | 5.50 | | A proper ESB oooooooooomph |
| Green Jack - Trawlerboys Best Bitter | 4.60 | | First rate bitter. Pub is having a Green Jack tap takeover |
| Surrey Hills - Gilt Trip | 4.60 | | Surrey Hills is a very competent brewer with consistency as illustrated on this one |
| Hammerton - City of Cake | 5.50 | | Perfect nutritious nightcap |
| Kent - The Quiet American | 4.20 | Not Tried | |
| Rother Valley - Valley Bitter | 3.80 | Not Tried | |
| Left Handed Giant - Mosaic Pale | 4.40 | Not Tried | |
| Left Handed Giant - Dark Mild | 3.40 | Not Tried |
29 Oct 2024 (Philip Pirrip)
Mid evening visit until close. Serendipity brought Ray, former Guv at The Door Hinge, Welling, and his son James and myself to reminisce old times. I also learned how Uber can not always provide a cab - for them home.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Bonfire Boy | 5.80 | | Excellent condition |
| Kent - Old Jamaica | 5.10 | | Full bodied |
| Surrey Hills - Gilt Trip | 4.60 | | Spot on with usual Surrey Hills quality |
| Three Acre - Extra Special Best | 5.40 | | Best Three Acre ale I have had |
| Cerne Abbas - Community Green Hop 2024 | 4.00 | | Good condition on what seemed a quite amateur brew |
| Mad Cat - Green & Gold | 4.10 | Not Tried | |
| Pig & Porter - Whispering Grass | 5.50 | Not Tried | |
| Kent - Green Ernest | 4.60 | Not Tried | |
| Moor - Bitter | 3.40 | Not Tried | Duty reducer ale |
01 Oct 2024 (Philip Pirrip)
Evening visit until close. Lightest footfall I have known despite European football on TV. Where everyone? Soon just one!
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mad Cat - Unsinkable Sam | 5.20 | | Powerful nightcap |
| Kent - Kent Golding Bitter or KGB | 4.10 | | KGB at its very best |
| Kent - No Kinda Plan | 4.90 | | Glorious. Smooth, magnificent head and lacing. Great to compare with last night's first out of cask gravity pour elsewhere. Excellent in different ways |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 3 | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Triple fff - Pressed Rat & Warthog | 3.80 | Not Tried | |
| Rother Valley - Alliance | 4.20 | Not Tried | |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - Devils Dyke Porter | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Moor - Resonance | 4.10 | Not Tried | |
| Triple fff - Sundown | 4.30 | Not Tried |
17 Sep 2024 (Philip Pirrip)
Mid evening visit until close. Half the customers left out within 5 minutes of me entering!! Nightcap provided by a half of keg "A beer for Zelenskyy" at 9.2% from Gyle59.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 5 | 4.40 | | Quite a creamy head |
| Brunswick - Father Mike's Dark Rich Ruby | 5.80 | | Superbly balanced |
| Triple fff - Comfortably Numb (spent a while at 5.4%) | 5.00 | | Indeed a numbing strength and flavour |
| Hop Union (formerly Great Western (GWB)) - Maiden Voyage | 4.00 | | Overly toffee / caramel. Good condition but was the taste right? |
| Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds') - No. 3 | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Five Points - Citrus Pale | 4.20 | Not Tried | |
| Kent - Wai-Iti | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Good Chemistry - Chinook Smash | 4.80 | Not Tried |
13 Aug 2024 (Philip Pirrip)
Evening visit until close. By my arrival just one or three in.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mad Cat - Unsinkable Sam | 5.20 | | Stronger dark bitter, time prevented more than an extra half |
| Kent - Old Skool | 4.10 | | Everything was right |
| Downlands (formerly South Downs) - Evening Star Revival APA | 4.80 | | Superbly balanced |
| Mad Cat - Big Stik! | 4.40 | Not Tried | |
| Sambrook's - Night Shift | 3.50 | Not Tried | |
| Kent - Juice Junkie | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Lakedown - Magic Hour | 3.40 | Not Tried |
About the Nelson Arms
Summary of Beer Scores
| Total | |
|---|---|
 | 4 |
| 95 |
| 31 |
| 2 |
 | - |
The pub is found in Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1UP.
Beautifully refurbished side street local in Cromer Street, a few minutes walk from Tonbridge station. Features an always interesting selection of cask ales, real ciders and keg beers. Local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. 10 handpumps plus 2 unused (dummy) ones and 20 keg taps on the back wall. Different rooms with all Nelson linked names. Massive real cider / perry range here too. CAMRA Kent (West) Pub of the Year 2023 then became CAMRA Kent Regional Pub of the Year 2023. Selected as one of the last 4 in the CAMRA National 2023 Pub of the Year competition. CAMRA Kent (West) Pub of the Year 2024 then Kent Regional Pub of the Year 2024.
We have visited this pub 37 times, seen 209 different beers and tried 104 of them.
Postcode: TN9 1UP