Chiltern Hundreds, Maidstone

Landmark pub as you enter Maidstone from the north. Apart from the conservatory on what is now the entrance side, the building is probably older than it now looks, with a painted semi-modern exterior and refurbished inside in a typical semi-traditional Chef & Brewer style. Mostly laid up for dining, but now also has expanded outdoor seating areas on both sides. Greene King IPA and Yardbird (£4.80) available from two of four handpumps.

As an avid Cask drinker, I walked into the pub chain apprehensive on the range on offer, encountered 4 Ales: Tribute, Doom, IPA and Abbot. On speaking to the fella on the bar, turned out he was the new manager, who is passionate about drink (probably meant beyond drinking it!), and the Tribute and Doom which I had on this day were impeccable. The pub was taken over by Greene King around 2 years ago, and although keeps the "Chef & Brewer" name, the ambiance and recent refurbishment do it justice. I had a couple of bar meals and these were great value and I had absolutely no issues with the quality. I will definately visit again.

What used to be a pleasant roadside inn has been turned by Chef and Brewer into yet another soulless, bland means of removing money from people's pockets for very little in return. The bar area is cramped, having been reduced in size to accommodate more diners in the single, large U-shaped bar/dining room. There are fake beams, cheap wine, dull muzak and tacky fittings, and the floor is a mix of carpets and tiles. There is little room to park, and the garden just about caters for smokers. The food is the usual chain microwavable stodge, while the staff are unprofessional, inexperienced, inattentive and rude. There were 3 ales on. I eventually managed to get an apathetic half-wit to provide me with a pint of Harvey's Bitter, which was in poor condition, but it took rather more effort on my part, and tutting/sighing on his part, to obtain a packet of peanuts. I currently have no desire to return here.

Chiltern Hundreds pages at the Chef & Brewers site - www.chefandbrewer.com

Chiltern Hundreds pages at the Chef & Brewers site - www.chefandbrewer.com