The Yew Tree Inn, Maidstone

Recently re-opened as a freehouse and restaurant after Shepherd and Neame let it go bust, this nice old country pub is now well known for its freshly cooked food, using fresh, locally procured ingredients, and it regularly changing, well-kept real ales. There are four ales on at present, while the landlord intends to add a fifth ale to the range later this year. Half the ground floor is carpeted and set out as a restaurant, while the other half has tiled floors and the feel of a proper pub bar. There is a small car park and some outside seating at the front, but proximity to the motorway makes it quite noisy despite the rural setting. Dogs are welcomed into the bar side; the landlord said he prefers dogs to children as they are generally better behaved. Apart from WiFi, there are no electronic distractions. One irritation is the presence of two caged canaries in the bar. There is a proper Italian coffee machine, better than most you see. I had a pint of G2's Leva Blonde beer straight from the tap: an excellent pint, and I would love to have stayed for more. I shall definitely be returning to this one as it makes a good place to stop when navigating the M20.

Actually called 'The wee Thackett'. Nice traditional male pub. Decent pint as well.

very clean, good beer, nice pub trying hard to become a restaurant - the food is good pub standard and a typical 3 course meal from the menu would cost approx. £20 . Lunch can be considerably less. The service is particularly attentive.

A quaint pub with excellent food and beer. Newly decorated and being bought into the 21st century. Well worth a visit