I remember The Moat in Wrotham as a slightly dark and dingy place with a rickety old rope climbing course out the back for the kids.

Well, outside has clearly been the subject of one of the most stupendous garden transformations and inside there’s a lovely golden glow about the place now and a warmth it struggled to achieve previously.

There are still a stack of chunky beams, plenty of exposed brickwork and more than enough of that particular shade of green they love to paint pubs that has you fearing for your wallet - but it all feels very homely.

Stepping up to the impressive brass-topped heavy wooden bar I perused the pumps and pulled out a tenner, rather than a fiver, as I was sure the larger note would be needed to cover the cost of a pint of Amber Ale from Bexley Brewery but I needn’t have feared, a blue note covered it.

I further noted this successful local brewery, now only producing gluten-free beer, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

There was a good smattering of heavy booted builders in by late afternoon and they, like all those in the occupied areas, were treated to a candle burning brightly in the centre of their table.

The larger group of workers reckoned one of their number had been ‘unfortunate’ enough to lose his job earlier that afternoon and were enquiring whether the main man at the bar, Paul, had any vacancies for a pot washer?

He was quick to reply that whilst he was happy to deliver their beer to them the idea of actually employing one of them was completely out of the question.

There is no place here for a pool table, a dartboard, a jukebox or even a fruit machine, in fact I don’t think I spotted so much as a TV screen on a wall, but after I’d been in for about 10 minutes I did notice the music strike up, albeit at a very low level.

The music selection was certainly eclectic with My Guy by Mary Wells the first song played, followed later by Soft Cell’s Tainted Love and then a more obscure track from Queen - presumably in tribute to barman Andre, who did bear more than a passing resemblance to Freddie Mercury.

Despite the warm glow inside, I felt duty bound to take a look outside as all I remember from my last visit was a few old picnic tables dotted about the grass and the old children’s play area created from logs and some tired-looking rope. Well, what a transformation there’s been out back, there’s nothing ropey here now.

There’s a huge wooden wall, which presumably opens up into a spectacular outdoor bar when required, what looks like a moulded white modern art installation but is in reality, I’m sure, a trendy wood-fired pizza open, a massive covered seating area and a whole row of equally trendy outdoor cabins, no doubt supplied with their own personal heaters.

There really has been a huge amount of effort - and no doubt cost - put into improving the outdoor area.

Resuming my seat at the bar, a closer look revealed three taps on the back wall which I’d failed to spot previously, one of which was a 4.1% pale ale from Adnams called Mosaic. Intrigued, I decided to try it and was a) surprised by how good it was and b) even more surprised it only cost me £4, particularly as a pint of Moretti was £6.50 and Neck Oil £6.70.

It was quite creamy for an IPA but reasonably dry tasting with stacks of fruity flavour – seriously, I couldn’t believe I’d been served such a great pint as such a reasonable price, I wonder why they feel the need to hide this wonderful ale away at the back of the bar?

With the way this place is set up, not to mention the promotional posters around the walls, it’s very clear The Moat has positioned itself as an event venue, whether that be weddings, special anniversaries, company celebrations or just birthday parties.

There were several signs saying barns are available to hire so I asked the barman if I could take a quick look. Sadly I must report I can’t supply you with further details as my request was denied – it seems the only way to obtain a viewing is by making an email request direct to someone called Sarah who will then ‘book you in’.

And, whilst I’m on the subject of ‘booking in’, if you do happen to drive here don’t forget to log your vehicle registration when you walk through the door or you might just fall foul of the parking regulations.

I’m sure there are other toilets elsewhere in this now vast place, but the gents I visited were small but beautifully tiled and very fresh smelling. There was an old-fashioned vending machine but the soap dispenser was empty.

Sitting at one of the many stools along the bar was very pleasant though I was left with the feeling a major event might be starting at any time and most of this place is set out for dining. There have, without doubt, been major improvements at The Moat and the friendly waitress, who still found a moment to chat despite scurrying back and forth, confirmed it has come on in leaps and bounds.

THE MOAT, LONDON ROAD, WROTHAM, SEVENOAKS TN15 7RJ

Décor: There have been major changes here in recent years. Inside it is much brighter and lighter with an almost-orange halo about the place. Outside has been transformed beyond recognition – it used to be ramshackle, now it’s smart, modern and impressive. ****

Drink: There is a good selection of beers available and the Amber Ale from Bexley Brewery is a very decent pint but having sampled The Mosaic Pale Ale I know which one I would choose. Many other usual suspects are available but there’s really no need to go the lager route. ****

Price: Quite a tricky one to score as, for example, the Moretti and Neck Oil are both well over the £6 mark. However, with a pint of ale available at just £4 there really is no need to spend big. ***

Staff: There were plenty of bar staff on duty and they all seemed efficient enough and pleasant. The friendliest person had to be the waitress who was run off her feet delivering meals backwards and forwards but still found the time to smile widely and stop for a few words. ****

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