Since launching our first Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards at the end of last year, we have been flooded with nominations from readers who want to give their favourite hospitality hotspots a shout-out.

The awards, presented by KM Media Group and sponsored by Café Nucleus, aim to celebrate the area’s rising stars, industry trendsetters and unsung food heroes.

We will be sharing the names of the finalists in each category next week but, ahead of the big reveal, we can now announce the shortlist for the Pub/Bar of the Year, sponsored by Lumina Energy and judged by Paul Pierce.

There have been lots of nominations in this category, but these are the top 10 pubs and bars that you put forward for their great pub grub, friendly atmosphere and perfect pints.

Yesterday we shared the shortlist for Restaurant of the Year and, tomorrow, we will reveal your top Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year nominations, so check back to see if your favourite cafe made the list.

PUB/BAR OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST

The Market House, Maidstone

“Amazing pub. Really well run, clean, great music and really delicious food.”

“Brilliant food and drink and some of the best live music Kent has to offer every weekend!”

The Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne

“The new landlady is a born and bred local who prides herself on really knowing her community.”

“Great friendly staff and food, recently been taken over and turned it into a great village pub that does so much for the local community.”

The Plough Inn, Langley

“I can enjoy a glass of wine and a cocktail along with some lovely food and a chilled environment.”

“Becky, Adam and the whole team at the Plough Inn are amazing. So friendly and welcoming - you feel like you’re at home straight away.”

Prince of Wales, Hoath

“Lovely little village pub, great atmosphere and friendly staff.”

“Excellent food, amazing prices and variety, all served by a friendly and very welcoming team of staff. I return time and time again!”

The Queens Head, Sutton Valence

“A friendly country pub with a great atmosphere and a good choice of beers.”

“Penny and Rob have made this a village with a heart again. They love their customers, they go the extra mile and it shows.”

The Red Bull, Eccles

“Got a great selection of drinks for all kinds of drinkers.”

“During 2023 the pub hosted a beer and gin festival celebrating local producers. A well deserved nominee for Pub of the Year!”

The Skull Bar, Maidstone

“There isn’t anywhere else like it, not only is it great as it’s rock-themed but the staff are amazingly friendly and the food is to die for.”

“Really good, unique, independent bar in Maidstone that champions local brewers and distillers. The food is amazing and still has a good selection of vegetarian dishes you can’t get anywhere else.”

The Three Pillars, Gravesend

“A wide selection of real craft ales and cider, as well as bottled lager from Belgium and Germany.”

“Kev and Joy are so friendly and welcoming. They always have a fantastic selection of beers and ciders to suit all tastes and take great care in looking after their pub, the beers and customers!”

Three Sisters, Rainham

“The perfect all round family pub - good service, good beer, children welcome plus dog friendly. What more could you want!”

“The positive impact of Three Sisters extends beyond its walls. The establishment has participated in community initiatives, supporting local charities and events that enhance the well-being of our residents.”

West End Tavern, Marden

“The landlady, landlord and their staff work really hard and have made the pub a great place to visit.”

“Good ale and food, dog friendly and very reasonable prices!”

We will announce each category's three finalists online from Wednesday, January 17, so keep an eye out to see if your foodie favourite could be in with a chance of winning at the first Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards.