The Muggleton Inn (Lloyds No 1), Maidstone

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.

The Muggleton Inn is a very big Wetherspoons with upstairs and downstairs bars. I counted ten hand pumps on the downstairs bar that were drawing the usual JDW brews and some guests. Some of these ales are repeated upstairs and both bas dispense standard draught. The beer is cheap as is the food. There is a beer garden out the back with some covered seating. I thought that this place was a bit big for its own good and I didn’t warm to the place.

A typical JDW installed in a a large, rambling old commercial building, full of character, in the centre of town, spread over two levels with many staircases and rooms. Quite a grand building, but the overall impression is let down by the carpeting and the 1960s-style decor and lighting, and far too many gaming machines. Of the 10 handpumps, only 5 had ale on plus one had a cider. I had a pint of Harveys Yellow, which was in good condition and nto over-chilled. A decent place to hide while the wife does the shops, and worth including in a crawl.