History, character and distinctive food and drink make a visit to the New Flying Horse, Wye, a delightful experience but even that’s topped by a unique garden feature. As well as a log fire and oak beams, the 17th-century posting house has an authentic recreation of a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner, Julian Dowle’s successful design A Soldier’s Dream of Blighty. The Chelsea Pensioners’ Garden was created for the 2005 Chelsea Flower Show, with input from the Chelsea Pensioners themselves, and includes a Dig for Victory vegetable garden, a pond, a field of poppies and a miniature traditional English pub. It forms the centrepiece of an extensive garden, with play area where visitors can dine al fresco or enjoy cream teas during the summer months. The pub serves authentic Kentish cask ales, kept in perfect condition and also offers a wide range of wines. Amusements include dominoes, cards and board games as well as a regular quiz night and monthly acoustic indie and jazz sessions. With nine comfortable letting rooms, the pub is a good base to explore the surrounding countryside with the cathedral city of Canterbury just a short drive away.
