The Dragoon, Maidstone

Street corner locals pub away from the town centre. Inside there are effectively three areas, split level due to the local terrain. It was rather quiet on Saturday lunch with just a handful in despite being close to the football ground on a match day. Shepherd Neame but all four pumps were repeat clipped with Masterbrew. There were a couple of dartboards and also pool and bar billiards, TVs showing a sports programme. Festooned with Queen Elizabeth flags which seems a bit odd now. A cabinet houses an impressive collection of trophies, not sure if for pool darts or what. It feels like a pub from another era and it is clearly a survivor but there isn’t anything here to persuade me to return.

Much as described below, a basic Victorian back street boozer. We found the welcome warm from customers and staff alike, plenty of banter. Still only one ale on, Masterbrew, which was in good condition. I’d be happy to come back for a pint or include in a crawl for a swift one.

The Dragoon is a Shepherd Neame pub with central bar that is surrounded with different drinking areas. The usual Shepherd Neame draught is available and the four hand pumps on the main bar and two on the back bar where all wearing Master Brew badges. There are TVs throughout and Sky Sports is shown, but as no sport was on during my recent lunchtime midweek visit there was some low background music. There are a couple of dartboards and a pool table can be found at the rear. There is a small smoking area out the back. The governor was polite, but I didn’t feel overly welcome and I’m not the biggest fan of Master Brew so I don’t plan to return anytime soon.