Oak on The Green, Maidstone

The Oak on the Green isn’t actually on the green, but there is lots of outside seating crammed into an area behind a waist high fence at the front of the pub. This place advertises itself as a ‘wine, ale, cookhouse’ so I wasn’t expecting much as I entered the very dimly lit L shaped bar on Friday afternoon. The lack of light and people blocking my line of sight meant that I was unable to read three of the five hand pump clips, but I did note the presence of Fuller’s London Pride and Old Dairy Brewery’s Red Top. The draught available was Becks, Stella, Stella Black, San Miguel, Guinness and Stowford Press cider. Being a ‘cookhouse’ food is obviously served and there is a small dining area to the left of the bar and a larger dinging area in the right rear section of the pub. The kitchen must have been closed during my visit as I didn’t spot any menus, but I forgot my night vision goggles so I may have just overlooked them. There were a few harmless locals sitting around the bar and a couple of families in. I found the service to be polite and I wasn’t made to feel unwelcome at all, but I still didn’t walk away from this pub with the intention of returning anytime soon. That said I would choose this pub over its peer in a heartbeat.

I am very lucky to have a great selection of pubs (all within 10 minutes drive from house) - By far my favourite though is the Oak on the Green - if you are into real ale, like me there is always about 3 on and they are always in superb condition. The staff there are great and very welcoming and they have really good and varied menu - make sure you are hungry when eating there, as the portions are very generous! I would always advise to book, as they get very busy and I have to fight for my favourite bar stool!