The Thomas Kemp is a great stop over for a decent bite to eat and a drink.The staff are very pleasent and the ambience kind. One of the better pubs in Kemp Town and the food is brilliant value. My only gripe is that the toilets need updating.

My flatmate and I went to the Thomas Kemp for Sunday lunch. The food was average, what you would expect at about £9 per head.
The service however was just not up to scratch.
We found many of the tables pre-booked and having arrived on spec at 12.30 we found an empty table only to find a note saying booked for 1.30. We don't like to be rushed and asked for another table, the barmaid told us we could easily be done in a half hour.
The food arrived, piping hot but though the veg were obviously meant to be 'al dente' the cauli and the dauphinoise, in places were in fact almost raw and the portion of horseradish sauce was a little mean. The roast beef was plentiful and tasty though.
Where the staff really let themselves down though was that the second we put our knives and forks down the plates were whisked away.
We were left with the impression the pub has only 20 plates to use!

Average at best would be my summation; a not-to-be-repeated experience

The Thomas Kemp has been consistently good for the many years I have been going there. Food is consistently reliable and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. The open mic night has produced some great music in my recent visits and I have nothing but good things to say about this place Iv'e lost count of how many meals I have eaten here even If i had a bad one I'd forgive them since they are just so consistently good for the majority of the time.

Had a table for four and all of us went for burger and chips. At £7.95 we all thought it was a bargain. Large portions, really delicious, served quickly by friendly staff. Will definitely go there again.

Arrogant rude staff and a stupidly confusing, badly labelled menu, twice we've been on a Sunday for lunch and twice we've had to go down the road to the much cheaper, much nicer, much friendlier Barley Mow.

Do not waste your time in this place.

Had a Sunday Roast two times there already and have always been very happy with the food. I like the relaxed atmosphere of the bar and I haven't encountered any arrogant members of staff so far. Cannot understand the people who are dissatisfied.

I love this place nice atmosphere, great choice of wines!
But what is up with the staff, why are they so arrogant?

I love this place nice atmosphere, great choice of wines!
But what is up with the staff, why are they so arrogant?

The most disappointing Sunday lunch ever, I'm sure a primary school could have achieved better. If you desire over cooked chicken legs boiled to death vegetables and far too much gravy go for your life! Never again!

User warning! Management and chef has changed so don't expect food/ambience that was enjoyed pre-July 2010. Went last night - didn't eat my steak because there were some hard black chunks on it (allegedly a result of griddle cooking??) - didn't ask for a refund, or discount but was pretty much blanked by staff when tried to feedback to them? Very defensive - all a bit unneccessary really especially as we eat there 2 x a month (for last 5 years!) and have not complained b4. Won't be going back.

Had the burger which was awesome! nice chips, good price and nice atmosphere

awful service - had to wait hour and half for food - staff are incompetent and unhelpful. Food mediocre - try somewhere else....

A new chef has graced us with his presence at The Thomas Kemp and we are so very happy!

Fantastic new menu with very healthy portions of the most fabulous tasting food.

The staff, not sure if they are new or not, are highly attentive and welcoming.

Since the 'new chef' has arrived I have visited the pub 4 times in the last month for meals with friends/family only to be pleased even more each time.

Thank you! At last a local I can be proud of.

The best Sunday roast EVER !!!

Kitchen under new management - Head Chef from the excellent Ancient Mariner in Hove apparently - and the food is great. Gastropub food without the price tag. The butternut squash risotto was to die for!

Not a massive fan of roasts myself, but the one I had there almost changed my mind

Very tasty food, reasonably priced. Caters for vegetarians and vegans as well which is good.
Recommended for a nice lunch and watching the world go by!

Go here often when I'm on my own for a quiet pint.