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Detail Pages
Drakes, Maidstone
Maidstone
ME14 1JP
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
E TA left this review about Drakes
Currently part of a small chain, this old town pub has 16th Century roots, and some of that history is visible in the architecture. The bar is a rough L-shape and is formed from a series of smaller rooms knocked through. There is brickwork and structural timber on display, including an ancient chimney breast and hearth. There is a courtyard at the back, though most of the customers during this visit were at the front admiring a large selection of motorcycles parked there. The young barmaid was quite friendly, and the customers were mostly a mix of bikers and students. The decor included a selection of wall-mounted guitars, a dart board, a pool table and posters advertising music and bike events. There was a strong smell of fresh barbecue when we entered, though we didn't try the food. Three handpumps on the bar, one dry, the other two dispensing Proper Job and Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, both in very good condition. On keg were Moretti, Cruzcampo, Camden Hells, Neck Oil, Heineken and Murphy's. I rather liked it here, it was certainly a cut above most bars in this area, and I should be happy to return.
On 9th September 2026
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3840 recommendations about 3798 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Drakes
Purposely dingy 'cork & cask' house, but not actually too bad. Mostly student(ish) clientele. Two of four handpumps in operation on this visit, dispensing the 'house' Pleisure Seekers Golden Ale and Franklin's Mama Knows Best (£3.75) (and a reversed Landlord clip also noted). Regular live music advertised. Well hidden, but may be worth seeking out if the other Maidstone town-centre pubs don't appeal...
On 21st February 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 9226 recommendations about 9226 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Strongers . left this review about Drakes
I popped into Drakes on Friday afternoon last week when the pub was empty apart from a group of four young blokes. There was some background music playing and the plasma screen was off with no signs of Sky Sports. There is regular entertainment in the form of quizzes, live music, open mic etc. To be honest I found this information written on a large busy chalkboard a little confusing, especially as light is a rare commodity in this pub.
The bar is stocked with standard draught which was all unavailable due to cellar issues and one of the three hand pumps was unused. The Hobgoblin had just gone off so I had a pint of Sambrooks Wandle which I couldn’t finish as it had turned for the worst.
Calamities behind the bar aside this place is still a little dark and dingy for my liking.
On 4th October 2012
- rating: 4
[User has posted 6826 recommendations about 6787 pubs]