The Compasses Inn in Ashford

We live close by and like to camp and explore our local area. While walking we happened upon The Petham Pint which was a brilliant micro pub. The owner recommended a 40 minute beautiful and easy walk to the Compasses. What a stunning countryside pub. Beautifully decorated and really friendly, welcoming vibe. Nicest bar staff - charged our phone and gave us a chocolate bar as we were desperate for a sweet treat and there was no food on at that time. We’ll definitely be back. There will be a resident chef there from next weekend so we’ll be happy to try the food offerings then. Dog friendly, great pints and stunning location

We didn't have much opportunity to try the food but the menu looks great and the food we saw going to others was lovely. The garden is a beautiful spot and the staff pleasant and helpful. We loved the old world atmosphere with a cracking menu.

A really quirky, old fashioned little pub, take cash as the payment system was down when we went and I only had 25 quid on me, but they were so accommodating, the barman still ensured we got a lovely lunch and a drink each for what I had on me. Doggy friendly and a very hidden gem!

This is the 1st new review I believe for The Compasses Inn under its new management. Really (really) pleased to have a simple, well run and open to walkers/locals watering hole in Crundale/Waltham/Petham... Previous management had a different business model that was not at all welcoming to locals with a bizarre take on bookings and availability (when almost empty on occasions). Relied heavily on bookings coming into the Village... My take on the old menu, tried very (very) hard to be inventive and stand out - aiming for local awards. I ate here many (many) times and the meals were in my opinion too much, too rich, trying way too hard to be stand out... Over managed and over thought... Service was OK, timing of the (small) kitchen was very (very) hit and miss... Sometimes when the dining area was full, the food would take an age to be served (again, a product of an over complex menu)....Now under new management, what can I say... Exceptional food, welcoming atmosphere. If you're looking for gastro pub portions, not for you - go somewhere else... It's not that kind of vibe so don't read into any negative write ups if they come... Folks that want massive portions, go to a Harvester... but if you're looking for sensational taste, wonderful and simple presentation, a proper old pub vibe and attentive staff... Get yourself down to the latest and impressive addition to the Kent countryside. Took my kids and best half, let me say that my kids have never eaten cauliflower with such zeal (any recipe) not ever... For starters (we had the salmon and the beetroot dishes) superb - stuff you would pay 4x the amount at top 'Big City' restaurants without the flavours... For our mains we had the cod - very well seasoned and excellent presentation with a fulsome taste... And we also had their take on the Sunday Roast (beef) - outstanding cooking... The beers are micro-breweries, none of this forced industry flavoured water pint spill... and the Sunday morning Bloody Mary's were fabulous... The deserts, inventive - and big on flavour, and just the right portions. I've travelled all across the world, I've eaten in more Michelin starred restaurants you could imagine for work and also for pleasure... Something the previous owners wouldn't have known... This place under new management is up there and those that can't see past the new start-up process, the freshly installed ownership feel, the obvious changes that may well happen in the coming months... Can't or won't see this place for what it is... Which is authentic... I'm chuffed they've reopened with such simple style and panache... Doing the basics really well, being part of a community... Well done, keep doing what you're doing and you're going to be a fabulous success, there's nothing like this in Kent...

Managed to get a table for the second full service.Love the bar and the guys knowledge is epic.FOH super friendly and very natural.Food was perfect.Lucky Ben was in and cooking before he heads back to Stark.The new HC has got some shoes to fill if that’s the level they are going for.Excited to see what happens when we go back.The pastry chef (Cleo ?) needs a mention. 10/10 on all 3 of them.We will be back and we will order that much food again.Thank you for a great night

Really great selection of small-brewed beers PLUS the restaurant is Michellen starred! And you can sure taste it...even with its vegan dish!Who'd have thought such a prestigious award be given to a cosy little pub tucked on a hamelt high up the hills of the Kent Downs.

A great little gastro pub in a really quirky spot but get there soon whilst you can. This is our second time eating here and overheard the owners telling a family dining that it was closing down soon. This is really sad news and if the owners do set up somewhere else, please contact me to let me know where as I can say without hesitation that the food here is delicious. The bread with marmite cream cheese is so good as was all of the dishes we had from the menu.

Food and service we're A*. We had 3 courses and the delicate blend of flavours were amazing - I particularly enjoyed the pork belly starter and hake main.

Visited the Compasses Inn for the first time, and really enjoyed everything about it. We went on a weekday lunchtime and had some brilliant food and wine, staff were really friendly and the place had a nice atmosphere. Great covid protocols too putting you at ease. Would highly recommend.

Another excellent meal, and our first one after a long lockdown. I couldn't recommend the Compasses Inn any more highly with any more words so just trust me and go there and try it for yourself. It's not cheap but it's worth every penny.