Best Places and Services in Cliffe woods, Kent (2025)

Rating: 5 / 5

Perfect accommodation for a wedding at cooling castle barn. Room was clean, bed very comfy and staff friendly and helpful. Even had an option of memory foam pillows which makes a big difference (never had anywhere offer this before), an full sized bath towels. Breakfast was included and to see the whole cooked breakfast was gluten free was excellent -very tasty and many GF options at breakfast. Would recommend staying here. We unfortunately don’t live local otherwise I think we’d be regulars for the food.

Rating: 5 / 5

Had a long drive and arrived at 16:30, checked in and ordered food Sunday roast) as the kitchen was due to close at 5pm. Went to the room to drop the bags and came back for the food, it was gorgeous! The room was superb with all that you need for a night or two. The mattress was very comfortable, pillows were hard but there were alternatives underneath the bed. Breakfast was lovely (full English). Check out was at 10:30. Lovely stay and if we're back in that area we will happily return!

Rating: 5 / 5

Stayed for a wedding at cooling castle. Every box was ticked really well ! Room was clean cosy and comfortable Location is great . The staff are friendly and the breakfast was exceptional ! A quality touch i loved was all the complementary tea coffee milk etc were great quality .

Rating: 5 / 5

Really beautiful inside and out, lovely cleans and bright inside. Outside has the most beautiful view of the river and so hidden away that I have only just came across this lovely place through a friend. enjoyed a glass of red. The staff are very friendly and guided me through the menu. I would like to see more for plant based/ vegans such as the mushrooms could very easily have the cheese sauce separate, so that it could be an option for vegans or non vegans. I had chips, veggie Indian style barji like things that were nice, olives and bread. My friend got the Sunday carvery and really enjoyed the options. The vegan pies where finished or I would of got the same. I'm still unsure about parking as I did see a few restrictions due to being near the station so would have to call up about that. There are a few designated spaces. Overall would definitely come back with a group of friends 😊

Rating: 5 / 5

The Boat House Restaurant in Strood offers a delightful dining experience with its great carvery and friendly, attentive staff. The modern restaurant area is clean and welcoming, providing a pleasant atmosphere for guests. Situated on the Medway river, the location offers stunning views, adding to the overall charm of the dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely meal or a special occasion, the Boat House Restaurant promises a memorable culinary journey with its combination of excellent food and picturesque setting.

Rating: 4 / 5

Lovely food and staff, thay done really well due to the fact there was 30 people eating at once. Some music in the background would be nice and some soft lighting, staff could off come over more but thay was really nice and personal. recommend visiting. :)

Rating: 5 / 5

I hosted my partners 30th here and it was such a great venue! The food was great and they catered for gluten free. Their in house DJ was really good and everyone has such a good time! They even went out of their way to go to the shops to buy a certain spirit that my mum drinks!! Thank you again! (We have also eaten here separately to the party as well and know the food is nice!)

Rating: 4 / 5

Friendly staff and dog friendly in the bar. Went on a Friday evening and it was super busy in both the bar and restaurant so food took a while to come out. It was a little noisy for us but it was great to see a local pub doing well

Rating: 5 / 5

Classic village pub with a nice mix of locals and visitors. Friendly welcome from the staff and the regulars with a good beer choice. We were on a short bank holiday break and popped in for a drink on a Saturday afternoon and then for a meal on the Sunday. Food was obviously prepared with care and attention and really good value and tasty.

Rating: 5 / 5

We stayed just one night for a wedding at Cooling Castle Barn. Brilliant, convenient transfer by Gav to and from the venue which was, a much appreciated, inclusion in the room rate. Very friendly pub with a fabulous chef who doesn’t stop smiling even when she’s run off her feet. All staff were lovely and obviously dedicated. Nice, clean, spacious room with lots of added extras, again, much appreciated. Evening meal and cooked breakfast were excellent! Would definitely stay again.

Rating: 5 / 5

We stayed here for a wedding at cooling castle. The team were really lovely and helpful. The lift to and from the venue was an amazing touch. Gav made sure we got back safely and even popped the kettle on. Food was really great! The room was clean and spacious.

Rating: 5 / 5

This place was absolutely lovely, delicious authentic tasting Portuguese food and wonderful service! We went here on a whim on a walk in Upnor and it really is a hidden gem. The atmosphere was lively but cosy. We got free shots before AND after our meal! The House Special is a really good deal because not only do you get one of the massive skewers, you also get olives and starters, 3 sides and a dessert! We had the lamb and the tofu veg skewers and we were absolutely stuffed after everything at the end. It was all deliciously grilled as well. The flaming chorizo was wonderful and fun. The molotof whipped egg dessert was fluffy and delightful. We chatted to the waiter Antonio after and he was so friendly, mature and polite and told us all about the restaurant. We will definitely be coming here again and bringing our friends, it was amazing value for money and the food was absolutely stunning!

Rating: 5 / 5

First visit, a Thursday evening / loved it. If your Gluten free, you will find something on the menu. Ask and talk to the server. Will definitely go again. I will definitely go back - even with an automated service charge applied.

Rating: 5 / 5

Wow just found this place after a walk around the castle. Had a ‘light’ lunch. Superb. Great friendly and helpful staff. Thank you. Baked meat sandwich and a spinach & cheese omelette 👍😋

Rating: 5 / 5

Loved this place, great hidden gem if you're not from the area, but 100% worth a visit, great for kids as well. Can't wait to come back

Rating: 5 / 5

Absolutely brilliant, I had the big one burger. It was beautiful. All the burgers were well seasoned and super tasty. All food came out hot and tasting exactly as I imagined. Brilliant service. Would definitely recommend if you want a family friendly restaurant with good food. I didn't get any pics, as soon as it came out it looked so good, I just tucked straight in.

Rating: 5 / 5

Super-friendly staff who looked after us brilliantly. Great food! Would recommend for a relaxed bite to eat in Rochester.

Rating: 5 / 5

Had a fantastic time, even though the staff found it funny about my name being Sam Smith 🤣

Rating: 5 / 5

I went to The Quills for the first time with my colleagues for a Christmas lunch. It’s a nice, clean restaurant. The staff were friendly, and the service was very professional. I had steak with potato fries and vegetables. There could have been fewer fries and more vegetables, but overall, we had a lovely time. 🙋🏼‍♀️🍀🎄

Rating: 5 / 5

Very good for nervous patients. Friendly, patient and works with you to achieve the results you want. Couldn't recommend highly enough. I am very phobic but now have a treatment plan I'm working through

Rating: 5 / 5

This was my childhood dentist, as I was terrified as a kid and my parents chose this for a previous dentist who has since retired and had a 'child friendly' award. Safe to say she was fantastic. I moved away from the area around 8 years ago and subsequently changed dentists. Since then, I have gone through 4 different practices, all of whom have provided a bad service or recommended unnecessary procedures. Last year I made the decision to come back to the practice and drive the 1 hour (each way) journey to do so. It is so nice to be back at a practice who listen to their patients, are transparent in their recommendations, charge fairly and do not take advantage of the COVID-19 virus with upping their prices drastically. I would 100% recommened this dental practice.

Rating: 5 / 5

Hadn't been to a dentist in nearly 10 years and had put it off due to being so nervous. Ended up in pain and contacted Thorndike in Rochester, my nearest dentist, who saw me but the experience was so impersonal and cold that it put me right off. After googling and finding really good reviews for Louise Lunness Barnes in Stood, I booked and have not looked back. Serena is amazing and calming and explained everything so well who put a plan put in place. In the meantime my tooth cracked and after visiting the Strood practice for advice was referred to an oral surgeon in Gillingham for an extraction. A week after the extraction I was in agony and was referred back to the Strood practice who saw me within a few hours and said it was infected. Louise, who's practice it is, dressed it, gave me antibiotics and basically was amazing. I cannot speak highly enough of this dentist and would highly recommend. Genuinely caring and very sincere. So thankful to have found this amazing dentist!

Rating: 5 / 5

So, I’ll start by saying I had a bad experience with a dentist about 13 years ago and never went since. It’s safe to say, I hate going to the dentist, it is completely my Achilles heel. So having said that, I needed to go to a dentist and opted to go private in the hope that I could avoid another traumatic experience, and I couldn’t be more pleased to say that Sarina is genuinely, the best dentist I have ever seen. Despite having a job on her hands that could probably be likened to the cleaning up of the collapsed wing of Notre Dam Cathedral, she managed to make this as discomfort free as could be possible and has gone above and beyond my expectations in every sense. I wasn’t made to feel embarrassed about the poor condition of my teeth and was given professional advice and reassurance throughout my trips and procedures here and I will add at a price that I feel is very reasonable and worth every penny. I cannot stress enough how good Sarina and the rest of the team has been despite me being probably quite an awkward client (did I mention I hate going to the dentist?). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place, I’m so glad I went and will not be going anywhere else going forward (and regularly lol). Just fantastic. Thank you so much 🙂

Rating: 4 / 5

Went to Brettington’s to celebrate a special occasion. Food was good but not spectacular. The steak was “medium well” instead of “medium rare”. Noticed it and called the attention of the wait staff. They quickly sent it back and got the order replaced. This time it came out exactly how I wanted it. My only let down was the mashed potato which came out quite stuff. Not creamy like you’d expect in a fine establishment. I must add that the king prawn starter is a must have. Very delicious. The staff were also very nice and lovely.

Rating: 5 / 5

Had a lovely meal in the restaurant with family 5 for a special occasion. The foods were brilliant display and taste delicious, specially in steak and lobster, the prices were good with the quality foods we got. Definitely be back again. Thanks for your attentive customers service. We had a great time!

Rating: 5 / 5

Went here for a date night and had a great time. The food was amazing and the drinks were more than affordable. The staff gave great service, we’ll definitely be coming back. The Confit Pork Belly and the Lobster Thermador were the stars of the show. The Thai Prawns were cooked perfectly.

Rating: 5 / 5

Atmosphere was nice, had just opened so not busy and had music playing. Service was great once we were in. Now the food. Mrs MC said they were the best sausages she's ever had. I had the vegetable pie, half expecting one of those store bought in foil pies. It was absolutely amazing. Honestly couldn't fault it, properly homemade and delicious. The veg mix was great, gravy great, mash buttery. Loved it

Rating: 5 / 5

Was looking for a gastropub and this place was suggested on Google, and it didn’t disappoint. A quaint and local pub for a lovely lunch with mum. All fresh food, cooked very very well, and decent sized portions. We had the pate to start, sea bass with salsa verde for main and sticky toffee pudding with ice cream for dessert. The pudding was so soft and fresh. There were good veggie and vegan options available too. Free parking literally opposite the pub.

Rating: 5 / 5

Absolutely fantastic food! Generous portion sizes, good quality ingredients and delicious flavours. Food was clearly cooked fresh to order. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. Cosy atmosphere which was just what we wanted. Very reasonably priced too - what's not to like? Our new favourite place to eat ❤️

Rating: 5 / 5

We had booked a family meal for 13 people and We all chose the roast dinner as our main meal. The portion was great and it was nice and hot with a great selection of vegetables . They could not do enough to accommodate us, and the food was 10 out of 10. we will definitely will be returning.

Rating: 5 / 5

A fantastic spot for both food and drinks, with unique rooms that are worth exploring. If it’s your first visit, I highly recommend checking out the Vault Room and the Infinity Bar, and don’t miss the lovely garden. I had the full English breakfast, which was delicious, though the beans tasted a bit off, so I left them. The staff were attentive and even gave me a discount for the beans. Overall, first-class service, and I would definitely return!

Rating: 5 / 5

Super atmosphere, delicious food ) 😋

Rating: 5 / 5

Have a lunch with my hubby after visited the Castle and Museum. It is really nice good atmosphere,friendly staff and delicious food. Order the starter and 2 main dishes it is really big portion, full enough.Highly recommended the seafood platter. Don’t forget to order wine with it.😘😍

Rating: 5 / 5

We had christmas day dinner here with family, the atmosphere was stunning, the service and staff were top notch!!!! (nothing was too much trouble) the food on every course was a great standard came out warm and tasted amazing. Highly recommend. We will be back. Thanks to all your staff that worked really hard to give us an outstanding christmas.

Rating: 5 / 5

A lovely location situated by the marina. Don't be put off by the first sight of the building - we thought it looked like an old run down warehouse but then perhaps that was the idea! Reception was dark and gloomy (and unmanned - we waited ages before someone turned up) also the corridors are a bit dismal but again maybe because keeping the authentication of the building? Food was excellent with a good choice and sensible prices. Very popular with the locals. We found our room to be a bit small but it was well stocked, clean and had a lovely view of the marina.