The Yew Tree Inn, Maidstone

This pub sits in the shadow of the M20, next to the eponymous yew tree. The pub has a tiled floor drinkers section to the left as you enter and a carpeted area for diners at the right. There seemed to be lots of signs telling you what you can and can't do, throughout the interior and around the exterior, not helped by the current Covid restrictions. The 3 real ales were Dark Star Hophead, St Austell Tribute & Courage Best. I also happened to notice a fizzy cider from Nightingale on tap, which was slightly unusual. It was fairly quiet here, with just another couple, the landlord and barman in. The landlord seemed to getting through what was presumably an out-of-date bottle of port.

Official site of The Yew Tree Inn - www.theyewtreesandling.co.uk

Official site of The Yew Tree Inn - www.theyewtreesandling.co.uk

Attractive old pub in the hamlet of Sandling left somewhat of the beaten track when the A20(M) Maidstone Bypass was built in the 1960s. Although it has two side rooms opened out in a large dining area, a substantial beer garden and two car parks, the former owners (Shepherd Neame) gave up on the place so it was good to see it rescued a few years ago. The small but comfortably furnished bar area retains a pleasingly traditional appearance, with five handpumps on the counter. On this visit, Pride, Hophead and two St Austell beers - Tribute (£3.50) and Proper Job - were being dispensed, with the other pull having a reversed Adnams clip.