If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
From Hidden Cellars to Historic Inns: A Day Across Maidstone’s Pubs
I had a really enjoyable day exploring Maidstone and West Malling, starting at Craft Brewed where it was great to finally meet Peter and Don from Maidstone CAMRA. Over a couple of drinks and a chat, it felt like the perfect way to begin the trip. From there I headed around a brilliant mix of pubs, each with their own character, from the relaxed atmosphere at The Flower Pot to the cosy feel of The Malling Jug. The Cellars Alehouse was another highlight, full of character beneath the old brewery arches, before finishing in the wonderfully traditional Rifle Volunteers. Plenty of good beer, friendly faces and fascinating local brewing history throughout the day.
Maidstone grew up along the River Medway and became an important market town because of its position between London and the Kent countryside. By the medieval period, the town was already linked to the Archbishops of Canterbury, with the Archbishop’s Palace still standing beside the river today. Over the centuries, Maidstone became well known for brewing, paper making and the hop trade, with famous names including Fremlin’s Brewery and the Whatman paper mills. The river helped industries grow by carrying goods in and out of the town. Today, Maidstone still blends its long history with busy streets, historic buildings, pubs and riverside walks.
Craft Brewed
My first visit was to Craft Brewed where I met up with Peter and Don from Maidstone CAMRA. Craft Brewed opened in 2022 inside Maidstone’s Market Buildings, bringing together two ideas under one roof: speciality coffee by day and craft beer by night. It quickly became a relaxed spot for locals to meet, work or unwind. The bar sits in a town with a strong brewing past, once home to major names like Fremlin’s Brewery (founded in 1786) and later Goacher’s Brewery, which still operates today. Craft Brewed carries that heritage forward in its own way, focusing on independent breweries, fresh coffee and a steady run of small events in the town centre.
Inside feels bright, creative and full of personality, with colourful artwork and murals giving different parts of the space their own character. The front area is light and open, with large windows, hanging plants and shelves filled with coffee and craft beer products, while soft lighting keeps it warm later in the day. Upstairs, there’s a more relaxed lounge-style area with fairy lights across the ceiling, green walls, comfy seating and framed artwork that gives it a calmer, tucked-away feel. Outside, the small courtyard seating area adds another cosy spot to sit. Altogether, it feels welcoming, comfortable and easy to spend time in.
It was great to meet AJ, along with Peter and Don from Maidstone CAMRA. On the bar a great range of 10 craft keg options, alongside a brilliant range of cans and bottles to choose from. I went for Pilgrim by Moot Brew Co., a pale ale with soft citrus hop notes and a smooth, easy finish.
Flower Pot
I headed for a 10 minute walk in Maidstone which brought me onto The Flower Pot. The Flower Pot on Sandling Road has been part of Maidstone life since the mid-19th century, with records showing it was established by the 1850s as the town expanded along key routes out of the centre. Like many pubs of its time, it served workers and travellers moving between Maidstone and the surrounding countryside. Over the years it passed through different owners and breweries but remained a local fixture. In the 20th century it became known for live music, especially blues and rock, building a reputation beyond the town. Today it continues as an independent pub, keeping that long-standing link with music and community.
Inside feels warm and well lived-in, with dark wood, low lighting and a layout that naturally breaks into smaller seating areas. Traditional benches, stools and small tables give it a cosy feel, while the walls and shelves are filled with framed pictures, old pub details and touches linked to its music background. A pool table sits near the front windows, adding to the relaxed pub atmosphere, while softer seating and tucked-away corners make it easy to settle in for a drink. Dried hops hanging across parts of the ceiling add a distinctive touch, giving the pub plenty of character without losing its traditional feel.
6 cask ales to choose between on the bar, alongside a range of keg and cider options. Lots of choice! I went for Harlequin Krush by Neptune Brewery, a pale ale with tropical fruit and citrus hop notes and a bright, juicy finish.
West Malling
The Malling Jug
I next headed out on the train to nearby West Malling to visit The Malling Jug. The Malling Jug in West Malling is a modern micropub, opening in 2017 in a former maisonette on the High Street. Unlike many traditional pubs in the area, it doesn’t have a long brewing or coaching inn history, instead being part of the recent rise of small, independent bars across Kent. The name reflects the town’s identity, using “Malling” from West Malling itself. Since opening, it has focused on cask ales, cider and conversation, following the micropub model that began in Kent in the early 2010s. It forms part of the town’s evolving pub scene alongside much older establishments.
Inside feels compact but thoughtfully laid out, with a warm mix of booth seating, small tables and tucked-away corners that make good use of the space. Historic murals, old brewery adverts and maps give the walls plenty of character, tying in nicely with West Malling’s brewing past. Lighting is soft and relaxed, while wooden tables and padded bench seating keep it comfortable without feeling fussy. There’s also a smart covered courtyard at the back, filled with greenery, benches and colourful barrel-style stools beneath a vine-covered roof. Altogether, it feels friendly, well cared for and easy to settle into for a quiet pint and conversation.
Drinks wise a choice of 6 cask ales along with a range of Kentish Ciders to choose from. I went for Session Pale by Kent Brewery, a light pale ale with fresh citrus hop notes and an easy-going finish.
Maidstone
Cellars Alehouse
Back into Maidstone and into The Cellars Alehouse. The Cellars Alehouse sits within the surviving cellars of the old Style & Winch Brewery site on Buckland Road. Brewing here began in 1806 when William Baldwin founded what became known as the Medway Brewery. It later became part of Style & Winch Ltd in 1899, during a period when breweries were being brought together across Kent and London. Brewing on the site continued until 1960, with bottling lasting until 1974. Most of the buildings were demolished in 1975, leaving only a small section. Today, the alehouse occupies part of those original cellars, preserving a piece of Maidstone’s brewing past.
Inside feels full of character, with low vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork and stone floors giving it a proper old cellar atmosphere. The rooms spread out beneath arches and beams, creating lots of cosy corners rather than one open space. Old brewery signs, pump clips and beer mats cover the walls and ceilings, while strings of hanging hops add even more character overhead. Seating is a mix of wooden tables, stools and bench seating, all tucked neatly into the cellar spaces. Lighting stays soft and warm throughout, making it feel relaxed, friendly and slightly hidden away beneath the streets above.
It was fantastic meeting and chatting to Paul, Martin, Chris and Jerry in here. A huge selection on the bar with 8 cask lines, 8 keg lines, 21 ciders and a range of cans. I went for Tonbridge Special Brew by Tonbridge Brewery, a traditional bitter with rich malt flavour and a smooth, rounded finish.
Ye Olde Thirsty Pig
Next up in Maidstone on Monday was to Ye Olde Thirsty Pig. The Olde Thirsty Pig occupies a building said to date back to around 1430, making it one of the oldest in Maidstone. Originally known as Mill House Farm, it formed part of the nearby Archbishop’s Palace estate. Over time, it was adapted for different uses, including tea rooms and a shop, as the town grew around it. It became a pub in the mid-20th century, first opening as The Minstrel, known for its folk nights. In 1996 it was renamed Ye Olde Thirsty Pig, with the name later shortened. Today, it reflects centuries of change within one of Maidstone’s oldest surviving buildings.
Inside feels warm, quirky and full of old-world character. Low timber beams criss-cross the ceilings, with fairy lights, hanging guitars and old shields giving the rooms a slightly eccentric charm. The pub spreads across different levels and smaller seating areas, from snug corners with sofas and carpets to larger upstairs rooms lined with wooden booths and benches. Leaded windows, dark wood and uneven floors all add to the sense of age, while pig-themed touches appear throughout, including a carved wooden pig and playful artwork above the fireplace. Altogether, it feels cosy, tucked away and packed with personality.
Drinks wise on the bar 3 cask ales along with a Kentish Cider, alongside a range of keg options. I went for Kent Golding Bitter by Kent Brewery, a classic bitter with floral hop notes and a smooth, balanced finish.
Rifle Volunteers
My final visit on Monday in Maidstone was to Rifle Volunteers. The Rifle Volunteers has stood on Wyatt Street since at least 1861, taking its name from the Rifle Volunteer movement formed during Britain’s invasion fears of the late 1850s. It developed as a local pub tied to Maidstone’s Victorian military presence, with nearby drill halls bringing in regular trade. Unlike many pubs of its kind, it has changed very little over time. In 1997 it was taken on by Goacher’s Brewery, a long-established local brewer. Today it’s known for its preserved interior, traditional layout and strong link to the town’s 19th-century past.
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.
Inside feels warm, traditional and full of character, with small seating areas that give it a snug, tucked-away feel rather than one large open room. The décor is packed with framed photos, old brewery signs, local memorabilia and little details that make it feel personal and well loved. Wooden chairs, bench seating and softly lit corners add to the cosy atmosphere, while the bar still has its old-fashioned look, complete with hanging glasses and shelves lined with bottles. Behind the bar sits an old NCR cash register, converted from pre-decimal currency in 1971, and still limited to transactions up to £2.99½, which adds a quirky historical touch. Outside, there’s also a peaceful garden filled with plants, flowers and tucked-away seating.
It was fantastic to meet Alex and Gary in here and was great chatting to you both. 4 cask ales on the bar along with a couple of ciders. I went for Fine Light Ale by Goacher’s Ales, a traditional light ale with gentle malt flavour and a clean, refreshing finish.
Micropub Adventures 