The Kings Arms, Maidstone

Originally three 18th Century cottages knocked together, one of which was also the village post office. This village pub now attracts a lot of custom from both Medway and Maidstone due to its picturesque location, good beer and reputation for decent food. It sits opposite the old village church and green but the busy road through takes some of the quaintness out of it. There are two bars with wooden floors (sadly not original), flagstones at the back, an inglenook fireplace at one end and a woodburner at the other. The business seems to concentrate on the food now and most of the tables are laid for diners. There is some wood panelling on the walls. The garden is small, and parking can be problematic. The staff are pleasant and the clientele civilised. There were 4 ales on - I had Harvey's Sussex which was in excellent condition. It also boasts a very good wine list but isn't at all snobby about it. Well worth stopping for a pint or spending an evening if you don't have to drive.