The Muggleton Inn (Lloyds No 1), Maidstone

A superb and elaborate building, apparently once the host to The Kent Insurance Company and then their subsequent successors, the interior has been sympathetically refurbished to provide an agreeable interesting space to enjoy a pint. Large arched windows, internal also arched openings, detailed plasterwork and elaborate moulded ceilings. The pub is over two floors, the extensive first floor area accessed via a period dark wood staircase and which has its own bar but with a limited selection. A void over provides a galleried view to downstairs. The main room is large and runs back a long way eventually to a bit of outdoor space which serves the nicotine needy. The beer range wasn't great, the usual suspects from a JDW plus a pair of "coming soon" however they did have about three guests on, my visit was seriously enhanced by the sublime Old Dairy Snow Top, just the job on a cold and bitter day. Another Dairy beer was on the coming soon list so to me that is promising.

This one is set in quite a grand old building and underwent a refurbishment in the later stages of last year. I believe that may be why there was a banner outside proclaiming that it was still open. Although this is still badged as a Lloyds No 1 on the JDW web site all the windows had Wetherspoon signs, in fact I failed to spot any Lloyds No 1 branding. The What Pub opening hours vary from those on the JDW site where it says they shut at midnight on Friday & Saturday and 23:00 the other five days. As I was here on a Friday lunchtime I have no idea which is correct! Inside it's a vast room which is quite light at the front but narrows into something of a dark cave at the back. There is an upstairs area that I didn't bother to look at. The bar has two banks of five hand pumps with a beer selection that although not brilliant was far from being a disaster. GK IPA & Abbot were doubled up then there was Doom Bore, Maxim Maximus, Spitfire and Rockin' Robin Red Best. An International Brew by Caledonian and Westerham British Bulldog were available soon. I went for the Maximus (£2.20) which was very good value as it's a 6% ABV beer and was in good nick. I preferred it here to the Society Rooms but I don't really think that either of the Maidstone JDWs are that great.