Post by Bernie on Nov 19, 2016 9:58:59 GMT
Welcome to the Gallagher Stadium.
Stadium. youtu.be/8Xnc6l2j2-M
Kent derbies and FA Cup games are segregated. Away fans are in the third of the big terrace nearest the seated Main Stand. Away capacity is 500 covered standing, with two disabled spaces and 30 seats bolted to the front of the terrace for elderly and infirm fans. No access to Spitfire Lounge during segregation.
Pubs near the stadium and Maidstone East station (direct trains from London Victoria).
The Society Rooms. Wetherspoons. Always busy on match days.
www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/kent/the-society-rooms-Maidstone
The Flower Pot. Small, well respected real ale pub with light snacks.
Hare and Hounds. Ghost Ship and Doom Bar available. In the shadow of Maidstone prison.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/151/hare-hounds-Maidstone
Also near the ground, but not recommended so often.
Nellie Gerkins. Irish themed pub with attached restaurant and nightclub.
nelliegerkins.co.uk
The Brickmakers Arms. Backstreet freehouse a few minutes from the ground.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/124/brickmakers-arms-maidstone
The White Rabbit. Now a steakhouse and not welcoming to fans wanting a drink.
www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/summer-drinkers-told-were-not-a-pub-any-more-182041/
Town centre proper pub tour:
Old House at Home. Traditional pub, refurbished by Craft Union, so very cheap beer.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/157/old-house-at-home-maidstone
The Market House. Busy Shepherd Neame pub with expensive menu.
www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/earls-pub-close-maidstone-158251/
Druids Arms. Uninteresting Greene King pub with food.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/152/druids-arms-Maidstone
The Royal Albion. Lovely old building surrounded by ugly modern carbuncles.
www.royalalbionmaidstone.co.uk
The Stag. Decent enough town centre pub. Recently started a burger menu.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/135/stag-maidstone
If arriving at Maidstone West station (from London, changing at Paddock Wood):
Draysons Wine Bar. Thai food and river views.
www.draysonsbar.co.uk
The Cellars. Popular micropub, built under a former brewery.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/329/cellars-alehouse-maidstone
Drakes. Down the hill and across the river. Popular with students.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/134/drakes-Maidstone
If arriving at Maidstone Barracks station (from London, changing at Strood):
Maidstone Snooker Club. Snooker and pool tables galore.
www.maidstonesnooker.com/
Or walk over footbridge to pubs near ground (see above).
Union Street Pub Circular.
Duke of Marlborough.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/136/duke-of-marlborough-Maidstone
The Style & Winch. Nice local pub.
www.ikin.co.uk/styleandwinch/
The Rifle Volunteers. Goachers ales. Old men, beer enthusiasts and usually a few football fans.
The Eagle. Small community pub.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/137/eagle-maidstone
Some of Maidstone's larger drinking barns.
The Brenchley. Some interesting architectural features from when it was a bank.
www.thebrenchley.co.uk/
Muggleton Inn. Wetherspoons due for refurbishment.
www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/kent/the-muggleton-inn-Maidstone
Ashes Sports Bar. Lager pub. Useful for a Premier League match before the real football.
whatpub.com/pubs/MAI/121/ashes-maidstone
If arriving on the wrong side of town.
Lashings. Ownership changing after sale.
www.lashingsallstars.co.uk/
Ye Olde Thirsty Pig. Quirky old building, loads of real ales and ciders.
thethirstypig.co.uk/
The Fishermans Arms. Freehouse with a range of craft beers.
www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/historic-pub-reopens-in-maidstone-48026/
Recent additions to Maidstone's pub and cafe bar scene.
Skull Bar. Cafe bar serving comfort food with a selection of craft beers.
www.rainbowskull.co.uk
Craft Brewed. Cafe bar with craft ales, next door to Ashes.
craftbrewedltd.co.uk
The Herbalist. Large modern pub/restaurant in Pudding Lane.
www.elitepubs.com/the-herbalist
Lesser known town centre venues.
Working Men's Club.
Off the beaten track, if coming by road.
The Little Gem. Beautiful Goachers ale house in Aylesford, rescued from dereliction.
www.facebook.com/TheLittleGemAylesford/
The Robin Hood. ME5 9RJ. Off junction 3 of the M2.
The Lower Bell. ME20 7EF. Halfway down A229, Bluebell Hill.
The Yew Tree, Sandling. ME14 3DB. Off junction 6 of the M20.