Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623

About us

The Chiltern Hundreds is situated just off Junction 7 on the M20 and only a 12 minute drive away from Leeds Castle, the 'loveliest castle in the world,' set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland. You'll receive a warm welcome at the Chiltern Hundreds, the only problem may be what to choose on the delightful menu, from the good old favourites and mouth-watering seasonal specials to the steaming, sumptuous Sunday roasts, not to mention the selection of fine wines and cask ales. Recorded as ‘Pinnedenna’ in the Domesday Book, the name Penenden Heath is taken from the Old English ‘pinia’ meaning to ‘punish.’An apt name as, in the darker days of the Middle Ages, as well as being a place of execution, Penenden Heath was also the place where the landowners of Kent would gather to receive important notices. If they failed to attend, a forfeiture of one hundred shillings would have to be paid to the King. Penenden Heath is perhaps most famous for its connection to the Peasants Revolt of 1381. This was a direct revolt against wage freezes and the poll tax. During one of the skirmishes, leader of the revolt, Wat Tyler, led a mob of protestors from Penenden Heath down to Union Street and into Maidstone, before marching on London to confront Richard II.

Facilities

FoodOutside areaReal aleWiFi freeCask Marque
Pub reviews

Reviews

Sophie Norcott

1 month ago

Absolutely horrendous experience. First thing we get when we walk through the door is ignored, we were a group of 9, hard to miss. When someone finally decided to come over to us we got told we weren’t allowed to sit together so we could have the table of 8 then one sat on a different table. Or we can have two booths which were back to back of each other. We suggested we’d take the table of 8 and we could pop the chair on the end for the odd one out and we got the inconsiderate response of ‘no you’re not allowed to do that it’s against policy’ We again tried to explain we wanted to sit together as a family but this horrendous duty manager kept telling us no it’s not the policy the chef can only take tables of 8. Then this horrible woman started to walk away and ignore us half way through a sentence of us asking why this was the policy and it would still be on two separate orders. Already upset we just took the two booths, at least we were here and we could enjoy a nice meal….. Most of the starters were gone and the ones that were left were absolutely rubbish when they came out. I asked for the bread and oils starter, ‘nah we have run out of that’ was the response. How on earth you can run out of bread and oil is beyond me, I settled for the soup…which came with bread…go figure. Then the problems started with the main meals, everyone else’s came out at a reasonable portion, I had the sea bass and scallops. This contact lense sized dish came out with the smallest fillets of fish, already upset at the whole night I asked the waitress where my dinner was that I’d paid £19 for?? She said, ‘well that’s how it comes’ She then went and got this god awful woman of a manager again who once again coldly told me that’s how it is. It was at this point I broke down and just cried. This absolute disgrace of a woman who is supposed to be the manager is making her customers CRY. We had already explained it was a tough time for us due to personal circumstances but this didn’t phase this woman at all, she just continues to get her point across with absolutely no compassion at all!! This woman SHOULD NOT be a hospitality manager, she would suit the role of a prison guard with the behaviour she expressed. Even when I had a quiet word with her she just kept telling me ‘she should have to explain herself, this is the policy, you lot have already been told this, I shouldn’t have to tell you again’ No apology for not being able to sit together, no apology for walking way from us when we were trying to get to the bottom of what the damn policy was for. This absolute disgrace of a woman and has sullied the whole gathering, this was supposed to be out Christmas Day celebrated after Christmas and reading the rest of these reviews I have absolutely no idea how this woman still has the job. I’d be appalled and ashamed if she was my deputy manager. I hope she gets the idea soon and sorts her self out and stops ruining peoples outings.

ANN MAGENIS

2 months ago

04/01/24, Just turned up ad hoc for lunch and they were able to seat us despite it being busy. This is the first time we have been to this pub and have to say what a find. The staff were very polite and attentive, the young man who served us was great. The food was absolutely delicious and well worth it. Will definitely recommend this eating place to friends and family. We had mains from the specials very very yummy

Kristina Frankis

5 months ago

There are a couple of things that we would change next time while booking a table (which we definitely will do). For example the table where we were sitting was near the path where staff members and people walk, and sideways to the entrance door, and as I am always cold, it was chilly for me. Despite all that, it is a beautiful pub with amazing cooks that prepared our meals yesterday. We came here for lunch and dinner. Both times the food amazed us. Like you see in the pictures, everything was absolutely vanished. The other thing was the toilet, I am tiny but it was so hard to squeeze to close the door 😁 And I suggest putting a sign that that first toilet is not in working condition. Desserts we ordered were brownie and caramel sundae which were so filling. We came out so full and satisfied by the food. Service was good but not super because they had only two waiters, so we had to wait for a bill but the waitress and all staff were helpful. Thank you so much! P.S. We will be back ☺️

Carl Hutchinson

5 months ago

Nice place, seem to be more food customer orientated than drinks customers, but saying that, it is a chef and brewer. Staff are really friendly and even though there is a separate "bar" and "dining area" are pretty accommodating if you're already seated.

elena cook

6 months ago

Sea bass meal = fish was boiled instead of frying as stated on the menu. Risotto was very watery. Service was flat as no smile from a waiting staff. No farewell provided on leaving. Food is expensive as well as drinks. Sea bass meal £17.49, vanilla cheese cake £6.99, J2O £3.85. Dirty toilet. No lock on the toilet door.

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Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623
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Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623