Tiger Inn, Stowting

Re-opened 29th May 2021.

Originally called the Anchor and renamed the Tiger in 1985, this was the first pub to have been purchased by a consortium of villagers in the 1990s. After several changes of ownership, it has been acquired by the GSE Property Group, and reopened in May 2021 after major internal improvements.

The Anchor, or Anker, was a form of cask used by smugglers to “import” brandy connected to a length of rope weighted by stones to suspend the casks below water level until it was convenient to bring the contraband ashore, which indicates that this pub along with many others in Kent were extensively used by Smugglers.

Situated in the scattered hamlet of Stowting off the B2068, the pub which nestles in some beautiful countryside at the foot of the North Downs provides food ranging from sandwiches to wholesome meals prepared, where practical from local free range organic produce.

The pub has upmarket and contemporary decor yet has splendidly retained a cosy and traditional feel, is well worth seeking out for quiet pint of local ales or a meal and is popular with walkers, horse riders, there is a horse rail in the car park, and locals alike with an extensive patio area for al fresco dining on fine days.

Parts of the inn date back to the 16th century and it still displays the “Mackeson of Hythe Ales" on its frontage, this being one of the first pubs that the Mackeson Brothers purchased.