SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Christmas and pubs go hand in hand and that’s why we’ve picked out five of our favourite traditional pubs to visit in Maidstone this festive season.

Looking for a way to celebrate with friends over the festive period, why not head to one of these places for some good old Christmas cheer!

So head to these cosy Maidstone pubs - complete with exciting menus and great things to see and do!

The Ringlestone Inn

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Telephone: 01622 290300

Address: Ringlestone Road, Harrietsham (ME17 1NX)

A beautiful grade II listed building dating back to 1533 and originally used as a hospice for monks, today it’s a popular country pub and restaurant offering seasonal and regularly changing menus. These are crafted utilising artisan methods of whole carcass butchery, dry curing, smoking and preserving. With the large inglenook fireplaces, stone floors and original brick and flint walls, it's easy to lose track of time while enjoying the real ales, local wines and craft spirits. Offering classic pub dishes with a twist, the chefs undertake all of their own carcass butchery utilising different cuts throughout the menu in different interesting ways. They also make their own all of our own dry cured hams and salamis but also benefit from a well-stocked herb garden.

Drakes Cork & Cask House

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Telephone: 01622 356849

Address: 9 Fairmeadow, Town Centre (ME14 1JP)

First opened back in 1636, Drakes is a lively little pub featuring a fantastic, large beer garden and a fine selection of draught beers, bottled craft ales as well as a great selection of spirits. And there’s some exciting Christmas news! Drakes’ Christmas Market will take place between Saturday, December 7 (10am-6pm) and Sunday, December 8 (11am-5pm) and there will be loads to do and see. With free entry and live music, there will be Christmas gifts, decorations, arts and crafts, food and drink, mulled wine and cider but also Santa’s Grotto on Saturday which is FREE (12pm-3pm). The bare-brick and beamed pub has rustic wood tables and Chesterfield sofas making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The Black Horse Inn

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Telephone: 01622 737185

Address: Pilgrims Way, Thurnham (ME14 3LD)

Head to the Black Horse Inn this winter and enjoy open fires, cosy corners, great food, warming drinks and a festive atmosphere. The Christmas menu is on offer from Monday, December 2 in addition to the superb a la carte offerings. Whatever the group size, get in touch but don’t delay as bookings go quick! With ceilings adorned with hops, nooks and crannies as well as wing-backed chairs, the inn offers a truly perfect setting for a meal with friends, a special occasion, or a romantic meal. Tucked away in the North Downs, it’s still a stone's throw from Maidstone. There will also be January offers and weekday diners club discounts in the new year.

The George Yalding

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Telephone: 01622 814376

Address: Benover Road, Yalding (ME18 6EJ)

A warm and friendly family riverside pub restaurant - that is also dog-friendly - and upholds the British tradition of countryside hospitality. The George serve up hearty steaks as well as great homemade pizzas and pasta dishes, plus a separate kids menu. Fresh fish is served on selected dates and traditional roast reigns on Sundays. The garden hosts an array of outdoor events, including fishing facilities while there is also live coverage from Sky Sports and BT Sports. When it comes to live music this Christmas, Lew Louis will team up with Sewed Rockabilly on Friday, December 13 from 9pm while DJ Julie will be performing from 9pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Click here to see the awesome Christmas menu!

The Hop Pole Inn

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Telephone: 01622 816916

Address: Maidstone Road, Nettlestead Green (ME18 5HH)

Visitors will be welcomed by Mark and Kirsty at this traditional pub with a wood-burner, a long sweeping bar, exposed brickwork and oak beams. The pub prides itself on not only its freshly cooked food and homemade desserts but also its warm and friendly atmosphere. And there’s even more reason to be excited this Christmas. The exciting festive menu includes a wide and exciting selection for starters, mains and desserts. The Christmas menu is not only ideal for couples, friends and families but also for large groups such as office or corporate outings thanks to the large dining and conservatory area. Click here to see The Hop Pole Inn’s Christmas Menu. Ample parking is provided while the pub’s also child and dog friendly.