The Walnut Tree Pub

The historic “Walnut Tree” pub in the village of Aldington was built during the reign of Richard II.

Its humble beginnings meant it started as no more than a timber-framed wattle-and-daub hut topped with a thatched roof, but in the mid-15th century a small bedroom was added at a higher level – it was reached by ladder.

During the Napoleonic wars with France, the village was the stronghold of the Aldington Gang – an infamous band of smugglers who roamed the marshes and local shoreline. A small window still exists in the building, through which the gang would shine a signal to their confederates on Aldington Knoll.

The ghost of George Ransley, a bygone smuggler, is reputed to haunt the pub and many strange happenings have been reported.

The Walnut Tree has an excellent restaurant which serves fine food – including the sizzling grill stones, the oldest form of cooking meat on stones on the table. The pub also prides itself on its home-cooked fare and popular Sunday roasts.

Located opposite the village cricket green with a welcoming beer garden, The Walnut Tree makes for the perfect venue to socialise with the locals before or after a cricket match.