The Ringlestone Inn, Maidstone

This isolated pub / restaurant has always had a slightly mythic appeal, with many having heard of it but fewer having actually found it. However, when you do, it remains in some ways the ultra-traditional hostelry it ever was but yet updated enough to earn its place in the modern world. Most of the various areas inside are set aside for those dining, but the small room between the entrance and the bar is available for walkers and cyclists just stopping for refreshment. A country beer garden can also be found at the back. Two real ales are available on handpump: Harvey's (inevitably) and Mystic (appropriately) from Old Dairy (£4.50). Well worth seeking out.

Official site of The Ringlestone Inn - www.theringlestone.co.uk

Official site of The Ringlestone Inn - www.theringlestone.co.uk

Now, I'm fairly local to here,and I've been trying,on and off since 1974, to find this pub.Circumstances, and ownership by Sheps got in the way,but news that it had been bought by people we'd met a few years back encouraged us to brave a wet and windy Saturday evening to find it at last. What we found was much as described by E TA below,with the caveat that the Ringlestone is now also an upmarket restaurant,well patronised on our visit. As this is mainly a beer related site, I'll only say that we greatly enjoyed our meals and that the welcome was friendly and service charming.Beerwise, the pub serves a rotating selection of cask beers from Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds), and Old Dairy from Tenterden. On our visit,Gadds' Number 5 and Copper Top from Old Dairy were on offer, the latter in tiptop condition.An array of keg fonts provided beer and lager from Curious and Old Dairy,together with cider from Biddenden. I'm sure gin was on the scene as well. Given its remote location,dining is always going to be central, but it strikes me as though it would be an atmospheric place for a drink as well.