Harvester The Running Horse, Maidstone

Attractive large pub with a thatched roof and a hint of Tudorbethan about the façade, and although the building isn't that old it certainly was a landmark between Maidstone and the Medway Towns for many decades until the A229 was realigned for the adjacent motorway junction. However, now being a Harvester, the refurbished semi-traditional interior doesn't retain much character. Very busy inside on a Sunday lunchtime, but there are also plenty of outdoor tables in the split-level rear beer garden. With no handpumps for real ale, I made do with a keg 61 Deep (£4.20).

Built in 1938 on the site of an earlier inn with the same name first licensed in 1828, The Running Horse was once a rural hub, a centre for the equestrian industry which thrived in this area of Kent. The 'Running' bit refers to the feral horses which roamed the area and were regularly rounded up. The building is thatched and has lots of character, rebuilt in a sympathetic style rarely found in the early 20th Century. Nowadays, for better or worse, it's run by Harvester. There is a small, paved garden at the back, quite private, but far from quiet due to the road noise from the A229. Inside, the bars have been opened up, though the back room manages to retain some calm despite the unholy shrieking of the passing grockles' ill-disciplined children. The staff were exceptionally good - efficient, welcoming, engaging and professional, certainly far better than any other Harvester I've visited. There are gaming machines, the WiFI didn't work, and the food was dire although served with an apologetic smile. The ales on were gas-pumped, Speckled Hen and 61 Deep, both over-chilled and nothing special, but it's somewhere I'd be happy to drop into again for a pit-stop, though The Yew Tree nearby is a far better bet for food.

Official site of Harvester The Running Horse - www.harvester.co.uk

Official site of Harvester The Running Horse - www.harvester.co.uk