Shepherd Neame’s Foresters Arms is a world away from Tonbridge town centre, despite being less than five minutes from the central station. And it’s thanks to the vision of its licensee, Tyson Marshall.
Foresters Arms licensee, Tyson Marshall
Umbrellas on the ceilings, retro posters and adverts covering the walls and ceilings, and doors with the likes of Han Solo frozen in carbonite on them.
The Foresters Arms is a one of a kind, thanks to Aussie-born Tyson, who has been at the pub for seven and a half years. And in that time he has turned it into a feast for all the senses.
It has recently had a revamp to its outside space, providing a secluded seating area at the front, with fresh planting giving privacy for drinkers. At the back, guests can step through a TARDIS door into a covered courtyard garden, which has been refreshed, and which evokes vibes of welcoming, warmer climes with olive trees and palm trees.
The revamped exterior of the Foresters Arms
“Primarily, it’s all for me really,” said Tyson. “I love pub games and bar sports. It’s all great fun. I love pubs in England — I think they are the Premier League of pubs in the world!
“It’s the passion people have for their pub that really amazes me. Especially the staff! The camaraderie and friendships I see forged over the bar fill me with joy and really get to the heart of what I think an English pub is all about. It’s incredibly rewarding for me to see our regulars enjoy the pub and to see new people discover us for the first time!”
But don’t expect that to be via social media. “It might be a bit old fashioned, but it’s all about face-to-face contact for me, the real ‘face’ book. Our ethos in this regard is no social media, just social.”
