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Top Pubs to Visit in West Malling, Charing, Ashford, and Maidstone
West Malling emerged around St. Mary’s Abbey, which was established in 1090, and has connections to both Roman and Saxon eras. Ashford evolved into a bustling market town and transport centre, thanks to the railway and the Eurostar service. Charing, a historic village close to Ashford, served as an important stop for pilgrims heading to Canterbury and was once the site of an Archbishop’s palace. Maidstone, the county town of Kent, flourished along the River Medway, becoming a significant hub for agriculture, brewing, and papermaking. Each of these towns showcases Kent’s rich heritage, influenced by religion, commerce, and travel, merging medieval roots with contemporary development and strong ties to London and Europe.
In this blog, I explore a variety of pubs in Kent, sharing their backstories, atmospheres, and what makes them special. The Malling Jug is a historic hangout known for its cask ales and welcoming atmosphere. Low Key Taproom is all about community vibes and a great selection of craft beers. The Charing Bar Company has strong connections to horse racing, while The Flower Pot has been exuding cosy charm since the 1830s. Craft Brewed is a lively spot that combines coffee with craft beer, and Rifle Volunteers Inn has a rich military heritage. Finally, The Olde Thirsty Pig boasts a rustic design, and The Cellars Alehouse brings back the traditional pub feel with its excellent ales.
The Malling Jug
My second call was a few stations away to The Malling Jug, found in West Malling. This boasts a fascinating history as a pub. It’s well-known for its friendly vibe, making it a favourite gathering spot for both locals and visitors. The name of the pub highlights the area’s long-standing ties to brewing and hospitality. The Malling Jug is a key player in West Malling’s lively pub scene, which features several historic venues that have served the community since the 18th century.
Inside, the drinking area has a parquet floor and offers a mix of high tables with bench seating and low tables with chairs. Some fantastic prints/historic maps and photos on the wall add to the overall feel of the place giving it a rustic feel. There’s also a door that leads to additional seating in the courtyard at the back with a brilliant mix of bench and barrel seating.
A fantastic warm welcome from Manager Tapi this evening, everywhere in Kent seems to be so friendly and welcoming. A brilliant selection of 6 cask ales featuring a mix of local and further afield breweries. Served from a temperature controlled room rather than hand pulled, something which is very common with Micropubs in Kent. I had a tasting board of 3 ales in here. Starting with “Session Pale” from Kent Brewery. A delicious light and hoppy session beer. Second was “No 7” from Gadd’s The Ramsgate Brewery. A tasty and full bodied Bitter. Lastly was “American Pale Ale” from Tonbridge Brewery. Full of flavour and very easy drinking.
Low Key Taproom
My next visit was back in Ashford. Low Key Taproom started out as just the Taproom, was taken over by Boutilliers, an independent brewery from Faversham, after it shut down during the pandemic. In 2021, Drew Harris, the director and brewer at Boutilliers, reopened the place with its new name, thanks to an amazing online fundraiser that raised over £10,000 with strong community backing. The Taproom is designed to be a friendly hangout for beer lovers, featuring a wide range of craft beers, including collaborations with Salt Brewery and a selection of Belgian and German brews. It’s also a hotspot for live music and serves tasty Burgers and Fries. Since reopening, the Low Key Taproom has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors.
The interior is lively and eclectic, blending eye-catching décor with a laid-back vibe. The bright, airy space makes it a welcoming spot for patrons. Unique ceiling decorations including beer crates and an inflatable guitar add a fun touch to the atmosphere. The layout is spacious, perfect for casual meet-ups, and there’s a special area for board games that promotes socialising.
A great warm welcome in here and was great chatting and to some of the locals. A fantastic choice of keg options available on the bar including some pretty strong beers. A decent selection in a fridge if you want any cans or bottles. I opted for a sour beer from Liverpool based Azvex Brewing Company. “MANA – Dragon Fruit, Passionfruit, Pineapple & Coconut” was a super thick, fruity and sour beer with some fantastic flavours.
The Charing Bar Company
Onto Charing for my next call to The Charing Bar Company which I visited last year when it was named The Bookmakers Arms. Originally opened in May 2017, with the name “Bookmakers Arms” being inspired by Charing’s tradition of hosting Point-to-Point races, which are horse racing events held on enclosed ground. This connection to local culture and sporting events was significant for its identity during its early years.
In June 2024, the pub changed hands when the owner was moving away and was purchased by a group of 8 locals. It underwent a rebranding and became known as the Charing Bar Company. This change marked a new chapter in its operation under new management while retaining its focus on serving real ales and providing a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
On the bar a choice of 2 real ales to choose from, as well as a few keg beers. A great warm and friendly welcome in here from Zena, Stuart and Dennis as well as a few of the regulars customers. Here I went with “Old Skool” from Kent Brewery. A well balanced, fruity and very easy drinking Best Bitter. Lots of great flavour from this beer.
The Flower Pot
Next up is Maidstone, and my first stop is The Flower Pot. This place has a history that goes back to the 1830s when it was originally a farmhouse. By the mid-19th century, it transformed into an alehouse, changing hands under different landlords. The name is thought to have come from a gardener who once lived there. Over the years, it has switched owners several times and has seen some renovations. Despite these changes, the pub has kept its charm and community spirit, earning a reputation for its excellent ales and friendly vibe, making it a cherished spot in Maidstone’s social life.
Inside, the atmosphere is cosy and inviting. The bar is split-level and U-shaped, which encourages both socialising and more private gatherings. The decor blends traditional pub features with modern elements, offering comfy seating and a log fire to keep things warm in the winter. The walls are decorated with various beer memorabilia, adding to the welcoming feel for those who love their ales.
On the bar a great selection of 6 cask beers, alongside with keg and cider selections. “The Elephant Riders” brewed by Fownes Brewing Company was my choice in here. A super tasty, easy drinking and refreshing American IPA.
Craft Brewed
A walk to Craft Brewed which is a modern spot that captures the deep brewing history of Maidstone. It was started by two enthusiasts who loved coffee and craft beers, creating a unique hangout where patrons can savour both in a friendly atmosphere. This place functions as both a café and a bar, boasting a wide variety of craft beers that rotate weekly, showcasing the ever-evolving craft brewing landscape.
Maidstone has a brewing tradition that stretches back over 400 years. Its agricultural background made it a prime spot for beer production, especially in medieval times when beer was often a safer choice than water due to contamination. By 1650, the town had at least six breweries that used locally sourced hops from nearby gardens—a practice that is still vital to the region’s brewing today. One significant historical brewery is the Fremlin Brewery, founded in 1861 by Ralph Fremlin. It grew to be one of England’s largest pale ale producers and was a pioneer in bottled beer distribution. Although the Fremlin Brewery closed its doors in 1972, its influence lives on through various local businesses and the Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre, which features elements of the original brewery.
The interior boasts a clean, bright, and inviting design spread across three floors. The ground floor serves as the main bar where guests can enjoy their drinks and access a cosy rear courtyard for an outdoor vibe. The first floor is home to comfy sofas, perfect for laid-back chats over coffee or casual meet-ups with friends. Finally, the top floor is equipped with tables and power outlets, catering to those who want to work outside the office while sipping their favourite beverage.
Was great meeting and chatting to AJ, Sharon, Jonathon and Natalie in here, a great warm welcome. On the bar a selection of 10 keg beers to choose from with a range or styles and strengths. I went with “Opus” from Twisted Wheel Brew Co. A super tasty pale ale brewed with Citra hops and giving some fantastic citrus and tropical flavours.
Rifle Volunteers
Another short walk this time to Rifle Volunteers, also known as the Rifle Volunteers Inn. This boasts a fascinating history that goes back to the mid-1800s. It was originally set up as a recruitment hub for the local Army regiment and is situated at the corner of Union Street and Wyatt Street in Maidstone. The name “Rifle Volunteers” highlights its ties to military service and community protection. The earliest records show that it was already in operation by 1860, functioning as a pub where patrons could enjoy a variety of alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, and ales. It gained a reputation for its excellent selections, featuring authentic London Stout and Porter, as well as other beverages like Jamaican Rum and fine wines.
The pub’s name comes from the Kent Rifle Volunteers, a military group created in response to fears of invasions during the 19th century. The Volunteer movement began around 1859 due to worries about possible attacks, especially from France, prompting the establishment of volunteer units throughout Britain, including in Kent.
In 1956, Shepherd Neame acquired the original brewery linked to the pub, resulting in its closure and eventual demolition. Despite these changes, the Rifle Volunteers Inn has remained an important part of the community. Today, it is one of three pubs operated by Goachers Brewery. This independent brewery, based in Maidstone, was founded in 1983 by Phil and Debbie Goacher. They started brewing in a former paper mill with a homemade five-barrel setup, launching their first beer, Maidstone Ale, which had an ABV of 4.1% and is now called Best Dark Ale. In its early days, the brewery faced difficulties as many brewers were moving away from mild ale. However, Goachers continued to produce it, and mild ale has since made a comeback. In 1990, the brewery expanded and relocated to a larger site in Tovil, Maidstone.
The pub’s interior boasts a traditional and well-preserved design, embodying the essence of a classic British pub. It features a single bar and retains many original elements, adding to its historic appeal. Often described as a “quiet street-corner” pub, it offers a warm and intimate atmosphere for patrons. A beautiful beer garden out at the back. An interesting cash register can be found behind the bar, this is an old NCR model that was converted from the pre-decimal currency system (pounds, shillings, and pence) to decimal currency in 1971. One of the most notable aspects of this cash register is its limitation; it can only process transactions up to £2.99½.
Great meeting and chatting to Gaz and Alex, along with some of their regular customers this evening. A really nice warm welcoming pub. On the bar a choice of 4 cask ales all from Goachers Brewery. “Real Mild Ale” from Goacher’s Ales was my selection. It was originally brewed to celebrate the breweries 5th anniversary. A fantastic, tasty and full bodied dark mild brewed using chocolate and black malts, alongside Kent Fuggles hops.
Olde Thirsty Pig
Next up is The Olde Thirsty Pig. This is said to be one of the town’s oldest structures, with origins tracing back to around 1430. Initially called Mill House Farm, it was part of the Archbishop’s Palace estate nearby. Over the years, this historic site has taken on many roles, including a farmhouse, tea rooms, and a shop, before transforming into a pub in the 1960s or 1970s. It started out as “The Minstrel,” known for its folk nights and adorned with vintage musical instruments hanging from the ceilings.
In 1996, it was rebranded as “Ye Olde Thirsty Pig,” though its name has varied over time, sometimes being called just “Thirsty Pig” or “Olde Thirsty Pig” due to renovations and changes in signage. The pub boasts charming architecture with large timber beams, uneven floors, and intriguing nooks that add to its distinctive vibe.
The massive timber beams create a rustic feel, while the sloping, uneven floors enhance the quirky charm of the place, giving visitors a sense of stepping back in time. The pub has four seating areas across two levels. The ground floor features a small bar with limited seating, while the upper floor offers larger rooms for more guests. These spaces cater to both intimate gatherings and bigger groups, with various cosy corners perfect for enjoying a drink. The layout encourages exploration, making it feel like a maze where you can uncover new spots. Inside, you’ll find old musical instruments hanging from the ceiling, a nod to its past as “The Minstrel.” There are also various decorations that add to the pub’s character, including a large wooden pig dressed in a Union Jack apron.
Was great to meet CJ and a few of the regulars in here who it was great chatting to including Mandy, Andy and the Postie. On the bar 3 cask ales to choose from alongside a number of keg options. I went with a triple hopped American Pale Ale from Bexley Brewery. “Mosaic, El Dorado & Amarillo” was very sessionable, light and easy drinking. Full of great flavour.
The Cellars Alehouse
My last call of the day was to The Cellars Alehouse. This is nestled within the cellars of the historic Style & Winch Brewery, which was part of the larger Medway Brewery complex. Founded in 1806 by William Baldwin, the Medway Brewery went through several name changes over the years. It became a key player in the brewing scene after merging with Style & Winch Ltd in 1899, a company that aimed to consolidate various breweries throughout Kent and Greater London. The brewery flourished until it stopped brewing in 1960, although a bottling plant remained operational until 1974. Sadly, most of the brewery’s buildings were torn down in 1975, leaving just a small section that now serves as The Cellars Alehouse.
This micropub opened in 2015 with the goal of bringing back the classic pub vibe, emphasizing high-quality cask ales and encouraging conversation among guests without the interference of electronic games or jukeboxes. The interior boasts a historic feel, complete with flagstone floors and vaulted ceilings decorated with beer pump clips. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, illuminated by small oil lamps on the tables, making it a cosy spot for customers.
A great warm welcome in here and was great chatting to Chris, Paul, Richie, Antione and a few other regulars in here. On the bar a fantastic selection of both cask and keg beers alongside a nice variety of ciders. “Bissoe” on cask from Cornish based Verdant Brewing Co in here for me. Their take on a traditional English IPA, hopped using Harlequin and Cascade hops to produce a deliciously tasty and well balanced pale ale.
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