Much as we adore London, we love a cheeky little weekend escape, particularly when it's within an hour of the capital.
In the charming Kent village of Goudhurst lies The Winemaker's Pub, the latest venture from Balfour Winery, which opened its doors last week after a stunning refurbishment; designed as a place guests can return to again and again, it brings together excellent local food and English wines.
The kitchen serves British pub classics shaped by seasonality and local produce, with dishes that feel comforting, nostalgic and quietly elevated. We visited for the opening night and indulged in a delicious menu including Balfour IPA beer battered mussels, a hearty slow-cooked Romney lamb croquetteT with pickled beetroot and mint jelly, Balfour cider-braised pork belly with apple mash, crackling crumb and sage jus and decadent chocolate brownies. With classics like IPA steak & kidney suet pudding and cod and triple-cooked chips alongside sourdough pizzas served year-round, there's something for everyone. In the summer months, pizzas will also be available from an outdoor hatch opening onto garden views across the oast-house-dotted landscape. Desserts lean into traditional favourites, including Jam Roly-Poly, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Apple & Plum Crumble.
The drinks list is exclusively Balfour Wine. Guests can enjoy a full range of the estate’s English sparkling and still wines by the glass or bottle, including the iconic Balfour Brut Rosé and the showstopping Nannette’s Rosé. The list also features bottles from the Winemakers’ Collection which is an exploratory, small-parcel range focused on craftsmanship and artistry. Produced in limited quantities, these wines are shaped by curiosity and are distinguished by labels created by local artists. The most recent additions include Cuvée Owen Erland Elias and Chardonnay 76 that feature original artwork by the daughter of the Founders, Nannette Balfour-Lynn. The collection reflects the intersection of art and wine and reinforces the idea that both are deeply rooted in place, creativity and human touch.
Upstairs, four boutique bedrooms named after Balfour vineyards offer a relaxed overnight stay, decorated with warm textures and feature upcycled wood from the vineyard. One suite includes an ever-romantic free-standing in-room bath. Guests can also purchase wines and estate-produced goods to take home, extending the experience beyond the visit itself. In 2025, Balfour welcomed a record 75,000 visitors to the winery, up from 40,000 the previous year. The opening of The Winemaker’s Pub marks the next step in the winery’s long-term commitment to wine tourism and hospitality, making English wine both emotionally and logistically accessible.
A complimentary shuttle bus runs frequently between the winery, The Winemaker’s Pub and nearby Marden station. The pub is three miles from the winery (approximately ten minutes in the shuttle bus), while direct trains from Marden to London Bridge take just 46 minutes and run every half hour.
