The Best Pubs
in
Maidstone

Tucked away on a charming lane, the Fox & Goose is a true 17th-century gem serving up hearty breakfasts, traditional pub fare, and a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Its sprawling beer garden is perfect for lazy afternoons with your dog and a group of friends, while the calendar is packed with lively quiz nights, jazz afternoons, and garden festivals. Whether you're popping in for a quick pint or settling in for a generous homemade pie, this cosy local delivers brilliant food and a wonderfully welcoming vibe every time.

Nestled in the heart of a picture-perfect Kentish village, Oak on the Green is a historic country pub that blends timeless charm with modern comfort. Sip on a carefully selected wine, a local ale, or a perfectly mixed cocktail in the inviting outdoor seating area, all while your four-legged friend lounges happily by your side. The menu is a celebration of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, offering everything from dry-aged steaks to inventive vegetarian dishes that delight the whole group. With its warm, friendly service and a true community spirit that earned it a Heart of the Community Award, this is the ideal spot for a relaxed lunch, a lively gathering, or a special birthday treat.

With its roots as one of the oldest pubs in the area, Drakes Cork & Cask is a fantastic spot for a lively get together. Sip on a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails from the newly opened outside bar, or grab a seat in the historic renovated stables. The large courtyard is the perfect place to catch live local music with your friends and well mannered pooch by your side. For a brilliant mix of great drinks and a welcoming, friendly vibe, this is the place to be.

Step into The Cock Horse, a historic village pub near Detling where crackling real fires and beautiful old beams create an instantly welcoming retreat. Their bar pours four quality cask ales alongside an impressive lineup of 15 gins, while the kitchen serves up proper homemade British classics like beer battered fish with triple cooked chips and hearty Sunday roasts bursting with seasonal produce. The sunny beer garden is a delight for groups and their four legged friends, making it the perfect spot to share great times over a perfectly poured pint or a fine glass of wine.

Just a stone's throw from the main road, The Yew Tree is a hidden gem that absolutely dazzles with its top notch food and genuinely warm service. The modern, spotless interior and lovely outdoor seating create a fantastic space to enjoy a superb pint, a glass of wine, or a well crafted cocktail with your dog and a group of friends. With live music adding to the lively energy and generous, reasonably priced meals that have guests raving, this is a brilliant local worth seeking out for any occasion.

Head to Butchers Block at the Bell in Bearsted for a truly exceptional dining experience where dry aged steaks and an eclectic menu of British and European dishes take centre stage. This laid back, friendly pub welcomes the whole family including your dog, and its huge south facing patio is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine from a local vineyard or a expertly mixed cocktail with friends. The service is warm and professional, and the food consistently earns high praise, from perfectly cooked ribeye to inventive desserts that make any celebration feel special. With a large car park and a welcoming vibe for groups, this is the ideal spot for a memorable meal any day of the week.

Right opposite the Hazlitt Theatre, the Market House is a brilliant hub for great times, serving up an eclectic range of beers, carefully selected wines, and expert cocktails. Their rooftop terrace and alfresco seating are perfect for relaxing with a group, while live music every weekend fills the stylish space with incredible energy. From tapas style plates to a legendary smash burger, the freshly cooked menu is a genuine treat for any occasion.

For a truly inspired night out, The Herbalist brings the spirit of botanical discovery to life with a buzzing stage kitchen and a lively interior. It’s the only spot in Kent to get Staropramen tank beer straight from the brewer, and the seasonal menus celebrate local suppliers alongside imaginative cocktails. With a fantastic lineup of events, private dining, and a welcoming space for groups, this is the perfect place to gather for a memorable Sunday roast or a creative cocktail.

Sitting opposite the Hazlitt Theatre and Fremlin Walk, the Druids Arms is a fantastic spot for a relaxed drink or a lively catch up with friends. The bar pours a brilliant range of beers, wines, and cocktails, and the outdoor beer garden is a firm favourite for groups and their four legged companions. With live music on the calendar, a welcoming buzz that keeps guests coming back, and a dog friendly policy that makes everyone feel at home, this is a proper local you’ll want to return to again and again.

On the historic High Street in Aylesford, The Chequers Inn is a stunning 16th century pub where original timber beams and crackling log burners meet a peaceful riverside terrace with gorgeous views of the old bridge. The kitchen turns out fresh, locally sourced dishes like a legendary steak and ale pie or a beef cheek lasagne that guests can't stop raving about, all perfectly matched with a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. It's a wonderfully dog friendly spot where your four legged friend will be treated like a celebrity, and with live music, monthly quiz nights, and plenty of space for groups, this welcoming gem is the perfect place to settle in for a memorable meal or a relaxed afternoon by the water.