The George Inn, Maidstone

A mid-17th Century coaching inn, now a village pub which suffers from being a tourist trap. It is currently owned by Shepherd and Neame, fielding three of their ales on draft alongside a guest, which on this visit was Whitstable IPA. There is a small car park, a pleasant grassed seating area, slightly marred by being overlooked by new housing behind, and a nice shaded bower with outside dining tables. Inside, there is a good sized restaurant area and a smaller, more atmospheric bar. There is free WiFI, and dogs are allowed in the garden. The food was very expensive for the area and took an age to arrive as the service team is inefficient and a bit vague, although they are friendly enough. I had pint of Spitfire which was past its best but still quite drinkable, and I followed it with the Whitstable IPA which was an excellent pint but, like the food, over-priced. If you don't mind paying tourist prices and aren't in a hurry, this is a good place to stop and have lunch in a very agreeable Kent village.

Official site of the George Inn, contains menu - www.thegeorgeinnleeds.co.uk

Official site of the George Inn, contains menu - www.thegeorgeinnleeds.co.uk