The Lower Bell, Aylesford

Once a landmark inn on the main road between Maidstone and the Medway Towns, but now in the shadow of the modern dual carriageway. However, it still offers food and accommodation, and (in normal times) hosts regular live music, etc. Apart from that, the interior has been modernised, and the amount of outside seating has been expanded in what is now a split-level patio beer garden. As a Greene King house, I found IPA (£4.00, and in very good form) and Abbot available from the pair of handpumps.

Official site of The Lower Bell - www.lowerbell.com

Official site of The Lower Bell - www.lowerbell.com

A busy GK pub hidden in the shadow of Bluebell Hill and the A229. The name is historic and probably pre-dates the current pub building which is Victorian; there used to be a single narrow track up Bluebell Hill with a bell at each end to control traffic and prevent impasse. Its sister pub, the Upper Bell, was demolished earlier this year. A large bar is entered from the car park via a large outside terrace, and there is a separate restaurant area. The pub also does B&B at a reasonable price. A pleasant garden adjoins the car park. The décor is basic and dated, and the only ale on was Abbott which was in very good condition. There is a large TV and a gaming machine. The food is a bit too basic to justify the price. Live music is a regular feature. Fine if you're in the area, and it's in a convenient location between Maidstone and the Medway Towns, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to come here.

Basic, very noisy 'music' festival on when I went. Charmless place.