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The Compasses (Greene King)

Beer (sort)Average Score (sort)No. Samples (sort)
Greene King - Compasses AleGood1
Greene King - IPA (was 3.6%)Not Tried0
Greene King - AbbotNot Tried0

Visits Details

30 Aug 2025 (Hogan Sampling)
6th stop on the outing: Literally just a minute or two further up from the Grove Tavern and so most of us on the CAMRA branch outing opted for this one before a visit to the Opera House Spoons' pub back in the main part of town. Not overly busy on arrival for our mid-afternoon visit and so seating readily found and prompt friendly service rendered. Three real ales to choose from in this Greene King house.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Greene King - Compasses Ale3.90GoodThis bitter was originally believed to be brewed, in asking the helpful bar staff, by The Kimberley Brewery, also known as Hardy & Hanson's Brewery, and which was the oldest independent brewery in the English county of Nottinghamshire. According to the Brewery History Society, this above brewery was acquired by Greene King & Sons Ltd in 2006 and brewing ceased in December that same year. This Bury St Edmunds' bitter from Suffolk came with very good head and lacing and lasting throughout. A hop-infused bitter first bite. A bitter fruitiness climbing up, a bit like we climbed up to this pub, and a malty note or two sliding down my gullet. A dry bitterness alongside a slight sweetness from its fruit-infusions lingering.
Greene King - IPA (was 3.6%)3.40Not Tried
Greene King - Abbot5.00Not Tried

About The Compasses

Summary of Beer Scores

 Total
Exceptional-
Excellent-
Good1
Acceptable-
Poor-

Website.

The pub is found in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1YP.

Located at 45 Little Mount Sion in the part of town up a rather steep hill referred to as the village area. It is just a few feet further up from the Grove Tavern and can be approached via a very narrow street winding upwards most of the way called Frog Lane. The Compasses is acknowledged to be the oldest pub in Tunbridge Wells dating from the early 17th century. Two separate bars comprise wooden flooring and ceiling beams and is complete with open fireplaces for a wood burner. The main bar is divided into separate seating areas. A snug is also found. Outside it has a front terrace and a pleasant-looking rear garden. It is full of notices about its history including one entitled The Pub, The Park and The Poltergeist, and another entitled Ghosts of The Compasses. It is stylishly furnished and certainly appears to be from a bygone age. The Grove, a small park, is on its doorstep and The Pantiles, the Georgian-style high street with boutique and antique shops, is just a steep descent away. Three real ales on, on a visit in late August 2025.

We have visited this pub once, seen 3 different beers and tried 1 of them.

Map location

Postcode: TN1 1YP