Orchard, Maidstone

Located right on the edge of the Maidstone conurbation, with a beer garden and children's play area overlooking rolling farmland. The building doesn't look much at first glance because one's eye is first caught by a modern extension housing function rooms and a flight of steps leading up to a terrace used for wedding celebrations. However, the main house has an attractive façade and is said to date back to the 15th century (and there are certainly plenty of ancient exposed timbers inside). The bar entrance is located to one side, and is rather smaller and more simply furnished than one might expect. Further in, and not immediately obvious, one can find various additional seating and dining areas with comfortable furniture and arty decor. There is also another little bar counter at a lower level (although this was not in use when I visited). Two handpumps offering Tribute and Doom Bar (£3.20), but the pumps clips on display suggest that more interesting beers are sometimes available. Overall, a bit more interesting than I was expecting.