Old Plantation Inn, Maidstone

An atmospheric village pub with carpeted floors, oak beams, an inglenook and a large car park. It offers cheap meals, but I was put off eating when I saw the chef behind the bar with a fag behind his ear and a finger up his nose. Theme nights are run but you have to pay a deposit to book. I found the bar staff unfriendly and very unhelpful, and it was noted that English wasn't the main language being used. The music on the radio was at a reasonable volume when we arrived, but the chef turned it up to an uncomfortable level for no apparent reason – we got the feeling he was trying deliberately to annoy us. There were 3 ales on – I rushed a pint of Young's Best which, apart from being too cold, was OK. It's been a nice pub in the past but the current regime puts me off coming back.

A sign in the bar of the Old Plantation informs readers that records of this characterful pub exist as far back as the 15th century. The bar counter faces the entrance and is stocked with standard draught whilst supporting four hand pumps that were drawing Harvey’s Best, Doom Bar and Young’s ordinary; the fourth hand pump was unused. Food is advertised outside, but the only food I saw advertised inside was for a ‘man v food’ all he can eat charity seafood night that was taking place that evening which happened to be Comic Relief Friday. To the left of the bar is a small seating area and a nice looking fireplace. To the right of the bar are a dartboard and some stairs that reach up to another seating area that looked as though it was decorated for a party. Maybe the tinsel had something to do with the upcoming clam and lobster gorge. I didn’t spot a television, but there was some low background music playing from the likes of Queen and ELO. Live music is advertised for every Friday night. I found the service to be very friendly and the few other customers came across as being very hospitable. Outside the entrance of the pub, which is on the right hand side, are some picnic tables and a smoking area that face a large car park. At the rear beyond the car park is a fenced in grass covered area that houses some well-spaced out picnic tables and a swing and slide for the kids. It’s a bit hair-raising walking to his pub along the narrow pathless lanes from the train station, but it was well worth it. If I had known of the dross that I would find by the green after leaving this pub I would have stayed for an extra couple of beers. In my opinion this is the best of the six pubs listed on this site in Bearsted. Hopefully the Enterprise Inns ‘to let’ sign on the frontage will be removed and this pub can continue to be as good.

Old Plantation official site with event details and menus - www.oldplantation.co.uk

Now hidden away amongst some narrow residential lanes, you might think that the half-timbered exterior is one of the more convincing examples of Brewers Tudor. However, once inside, you can see this really is a 15th-century building of considerable interest. The main door leads directly to the bar with further seating areas located up and down a step or two on each side (with the lower room having a fine fireplace). Traditional furniture and decor, as you would expect, but the grounds - apart from the large beer garden to rear - look sadly run down (and a 'To let' sign adorns the facade). However, on the plus side, it was reasonably busy mid-Saturday afternoon. Live music and special food events advertised. The regular Doom Bar and Harveys (£3.30, served in the right glass, and in good form) were available from two of the four handpumps. Overall, it would be a great shame if this place was lost to residential use, so let's hope that the owners find a new lessee to take things forward with some flair and enthusiasm.

Old Plantation official site with event details and menus - www.oldplantation.co.uk