SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Summer is finally here and what better way to spend a lazy lunchtime or warm evening than with friends and family in the pub.

And if you live in Maidstone and enjoy a pint or a great Sunday roast, then this is for you.

With such perfect Kent weather - aside from the occasional summer storm - here are EIGHT cool pubs to check out!

The Sugar Loaves

A warm and inviting pub in Hollingbourne village with a good quality traditional menu for lunch and dinner. There is a pool area, roaring open fire in the winter as well as a large beer garden with plenty of seating which is perfect for the summer. The family-run pub is dog friendly (must be kept on leads at all times) and also hosts quiz nights, theme nights and live music events. There is a selection of ales, spirits and wine while some of the great pub food on offer includes jacket potatoes, Sea Bass and Lamb Shanks with Creamed Potatoes.

Website: sugarloaveshollingbourne.co.uk

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/Sugarloaves2016

Telephone: 01622 880220

Address: The Sugar Loaves, 56 Eyhorne Street, Hollingbourne, Maidstone ME17 1TS

The Red Bull Pub Eccles

A cosy community pub with wooden beams and open log fires for those cold winter days. Those looking for a lovely, rural pub can enjoy the child friendly garden, a fine selection of wines, real ales and friendly banter. The Moroccan inspired menu fused with tradition classics caters for every taste, including Tapas starters. Entertainment can vary between live music, acoustic, Dj themed sets and occasional singalong with Karaoke. The Sunday acoustic sets and roast dinner are very popular.

Website: redbulleccles.wordpress.com

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/redbulleccles

Telephone: 01622 791135

Address: The Red Bull, 1 Mackenders Lane, Eccles, ME20 7HX

The Black Horse Inn

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the base of the North Downs in the hamlet of Thurnham is the charming Black Horse Inn. With an exciting new and great value menu, The Black Horse Inn offers an excellent range of real ales, refreshing lagers and a superb Gin selection. Visitors can choose from the cosy lounge bar, relaxed restaurant or summer-ready beer garden. This picturesque 18th century inn with onsite accommodation is open daily between 12pm and 10pm and is just 10 minutes from Maidstone town centre. A weekday lunchtime menu is now available.

Website: www.blackhorsekent.co.uk

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/blackhorsekent/

Telephone: 01622 737185 (Call for table bookings and overnight stays)

Address: The Black Horse Inn, Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Maidstone, ME14 3LE

The Walnut Tree Maidstone

Famed for famous its walnut tree that stands on the site and is said to date back to the reign of Henry VIII in the 1500s, the pub itself was built around the late 1660s. Today, the dog-friendly pub is a popular venue on Tonbridge Road and has a wide selection of different entertainment events including comedy clubs, jam nights, live music nights and live sport. There is also darts, a jukebox and a carpark. With regards to food, the Build-A-Burger option is a very popular while there is also other meals to choose from including jacket potatoes, sandwiches and breakfast.

Website: www.thewalnuttreemaidstone.com

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/pub234

Telephone: 01622 727260

Address: 234 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, ME16 8SR

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The Pepperbox Inn

A traditional little pub nestled away in the Kentish countryside between Ashford and Maidstone, The Pepperbox Inn specialises in Shepherd Neame ales, lagers and wines and fresh, seasonal food. The pub sits on one of the greatest vantage points in the county, overlooking the Weald of Kent, with outstanding views across the Kent countryside. Run by the same family since the late fifties, all customers - old and new - are warmly welcomed but it’s always best to call in advance to book a table. Supervised children and dogs are welcome although under-10s are not permitted in the evenings.

Website: www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/thepepperboxinn

Telephone: 01622 842558

Address: Windmill Hill, Fairbourne Heath, Ulcombe, ME17 1LP

The Hop Pole Inn

A traditional country pub - that is child and dog friendly - with a cosy wood-burner, a long sweeping bar, exposed brick walls and oak beams. The interior is also decorated with maps and tales of old while there is also a spacious outdoor area as well as a large conservatory and garden. A warm welcome always awaits visitors and the pub has a very popular carvery every Sunday along with a British a la carte menu that is fresh, home-cooked and generous in portion sizes. The Hop Pole Inn can also cater for large groups.

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/thehoppoleinnnettlestead

Telephone: 01622 816916

Address: Nettlestead Green, Maidstone, ME18 5HH

The George Yalding

A family friendly pub with an impressive riverside garden - that includes fishing facilities - that's perfect for outdoor events such as barbecues, weddings and parties. The pub also has frequent live music events and is renowned for its great atmosphere. Sunday roasts are a popular choice as are the fresh fish days on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a great choice of pub favourite dishes including sandwiches and baguettes. There is also an OAP menu between Mondays and Fridays. Those who like to watch sport are also in luck. BT Sports and Sky Sports is available on three screens.

Website: thegeorgeyalding.co.uk

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/The-George-Yalding

Telephone: 01622 814376

Address: The George Yalding, Benover Road, Yalding, Maidstone, ME18 6EJ

The Chequers Laddingford

A 15th century-style inn situated in the village of Laddingford near Yalding, The Chequers has a relaxed atmosphere that epitomises a true family village pub. Heavily beamed with a collection of artifacts throughout as well as a double hearth open fire, The Chequers is known for its award winning ales including its popular Adnams Southwold Bitter. There is also great quality, value for money food, including daily specials, pies, Sunday roast and a children's menu. Those seeking a beautiful outdoor area can sit in the large garden with play equipment for children and a pretty floral display.

Website: www.chequersladdingford.co.uk

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/chequersladdingford

Telephone: 01622 871266

Address: The Chequers Inn, The Street, Laddingford, ME18 6BP