The Windmill

The meals at the Windmill were a highlight. We had breakfast, fish and chips, and Sunday roast, and every bit of it was lovely. The staff were warm and quick to help whenever we asked. Leeds Castle is very close, and Ashford Designer Outlet is about another 25 minutes away. Our room was cosy, clean, and fitted with modern fixtures, and the free parking was handy. The building's age does show in the thin walls and floors, though, so we wished we'd brought earplugs for sleeping.

We won't be coming back. The staff were pleasant, but the food was poor, and I think the new owners may have led to a considerable drop in standards. The day's pie was all right. The mash and peas came on a chopping board while the pie sat in its own dish, which felt gimmicky and made it harder to eat. For starters, our BBQ platter to share was disappointing: it had just one roll despite being meant for two, and both types of meat tasted the same, unpleasantly like dog food.

My wife enjoyed her steak, but my meal was awful and we're not coming back. The pulled pork burger was cold in places and only lukewarm elsewhere. I was told that was because some of it had touched the salad, and I gave up eating. Earlier, my fishcakes had a very long hair in them. When the waitress asked if I wanted to eat them or have them replaced, the replacement was greasy and the colour of burnt toast. They removed my meal from the bill, but added a service charge to the stated amount when I paid, so check what you're charged. We live nearby and had hoped the pub would improve under its new owners. Other villagers have told similar stories. It needs to raise its game if it wants to draw people away from the pub in the next village.

Wednesday was steak night, and the sharing beef wellington and sirloin were especially popular with our group. All 11 of us had our food arrive together, hot and delicious, with no problems. We were there for my birthday, and the alcove seating gave us room to chat and get a little loud without worrying. Everyone who served us was friendly and attentive. I'd happily recommend The Windmill.