The Style & Winch, Maidstone

Enticed in via the attractive exterior, unusual name and ‘Timothy Taylor Landlord Sold Here’ sign. Well, that was a let-down as said TTL was taking on sherry notes (NBSS 1.5). There was another ale on in the form of Tribute. Interior hasn't seen any changes since the very early 90s; embossed wallpaper painted nicotine colour, creosote shade wainscoting, well-worn pub carpet and dominant pool table; perhaps they should restyle themselves as a retro pub for the middle aged, lean into the Oasis comeback. Dimly lit and it felt like a Sunday despite it being a Saturday. There’s a nice beer garden to rear which salvaged things a bit. Ah well, curiosity satisfied.

A traditional Victorian town centre boozer once called The Union Flag, now named after the eponymous defunct brewery thus avoiding accusations of nationalism, well described by MM, below. Two ales on this visit, I had a pint of Muskett's Fife and Drum, which was in drinkable condition although past its best. People were coming and going but not drinking, and it's obviously a popular of a community centre as well as a local. Nothing special as pubs go, but I'd be happy to drop back in if passing.

A staple shaped room with the bar central, externally cask ales are prominently advertised which enticed me in but they had Young's Bitter, Bombardier and Courage Best, my pulse did not race. Mainly carpeted, pool table in the front recess, a dartboard in the rear, papers and a few games on a table, jugs, glasses and bottles on high shelves. There is a bit of rather scruffy garden to the rear. Nice patterned papered ceiling with beam bottoms exposed, a few framed bits of local history, this is a nice pub which would be elevated by a more adventurous range of ales, liked it in here.

The Style and Winch is a friendly U shaped pub with a pool table by the entrance and a dartboard around to the rear. There is also a jukebox that was off during my recent lunchtime midweek visit, as was the TV and I didn’t spot any advertisements for sports. Three hand pumps adorn the bar and these were drawing Courage Best, Hobgoblin and Youngs Ordinary. Amstel is also available alongside some standard draught products and food is advertised as being served, but I didn’t spot any menus anywhere. Live music is also advertised, but I couldn’t see any information about specific bands or dates. There is a large garden out the back and at the rear of this there is a big hutch full of rabbits. I thought that the service was friendly and I got comfortable very quickly. I would have no problem returning.