THE GRIFFINS HEAD, CHILLENDEN

A wonderful ancient pub, the Griffins Head has been part of everyday life in the Domesday village of Chillenden for many centuries..

Built during the reign of Edward I in 1286, originally as a farmhouse forming part of the estate of John de Chillenden until 1405, the building next came into the possession of the Baker family. During their ownership, it was given to the monks of All Saints Church, who farmed the land until 1539 - when they fell to victim to Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. It remained a farm until the mid-18th century.

Ales and ciders had been brewed here for centuries and in 1743 a licence was granted so that the rector could hold suppers here. In 1766, with the dawn of the coaching era and the property being on the main Canterbury to Deal road, it was given a full licence and registered under the title of the Griffins Head.

Today, the Griffins Head is extremely popular, especially with the local Kent cricketing fraternity. The food is excellent, the beers are Shepherd Neame and its been voted 'Wine Pub of the Year'.

Well worth a detour.