A stunning view of the Maidstone north downs

Best restaurants in Maidstone

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No trip to Kent is complete without a visit to the historic county capital of Maidstone. Less than an hour’s drive from Kent Coast, Maidstone is bursting with things to do, and that includes everyone’s favourite holiday activity - eating! 

Whether you’re looking for a friendly and affordable eatery to feed the family or hoping to splash out on something a bit fancy, all tastes and occasions are sure to be catered for in this tempting town. To get your taste buds tingling and make your choice that bit easier, we’ve put together our own selection of the top pubs and restaurants in Maidstone – ready for you to take your pick!

Chiltern Hundreds, Penenden Heath Road

Chiltern Hundreds, Penenden Heath Road

Set in the beauty spot of the Kent Downs, The Chiltern Hundreds is a true ‘olde worlde’ country pub with a hearty and traditional menu to match. Offering all the pub classics made with fresh local ingredients, there’s also a children’s menu for younger diners with smaller appetites. However, it is the Sunday roast that tops the bill - esteemed by walkers and locals alike. With good food, a cosy setting and a friendly staff, the Chiltern Hundreds definitely earns its place as one of the best pubs in Maidstone.

Shamrat, Authentic Indian Restaurant Lower Stone Street

Shamrat, Authentic Indian Restaurant Lower Stone Street

Is there anything more comforting than a warming curry after a fun packed day out with the family or loved ones? Whether you like a mild and creamy korma or something with a touch more spice, Shamrat has got something for everyone. Authentic, affordable and appetising to boot, this is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Maidstone. Shamrat is open every day at mealtimes, but tables are available by booking only so be sure to call ahead!

Pippin, London Road

Pippin, London Road

Sometimes all you need is a comforting and welcoming pub to crash in at the end of a long adventure! Pippin is a relaxed and family-friendly pub serving a reliable and tasty menu of Green King classics. Open daily and serving food from 12 on weekdays and 10 on weekends, this is a fully accessible, dog-friendly, child-friendly space to enjoy the chicken wings, burgers or mac & cheese you know and love.

La Taberna, Earle Street

La Taberna, Earle Street

If you’re looking for something a bit different, the next on this list takes your tastebuds on a tantalising journey to the Tabernas of Spain with a menu full of traditional and freshly prepared tapas dishes. La Taberna is set in a charming rustic medieval building and run by a family who brought their passion for food from Marbella in Spain. Tapas is a food made for sharing and tasting, making this cosy spot ideal for an evening with someone special. Choose from the fine array of European wines on offer to add the finishing touch to a perfect evening.

The Potting Shed, Langley Heath

Next up is a quirky Scandinavian style pub and restaurant based in the village of Langley. The Potting shed lives up to its name, with its cheery wood-clad décor, large outdoor dining area and vast array of seasonal and local produce on offer.  From plant-based power food bowls to locally sourced steaks and sourdough pizzas fired on-site, the menu caters for all tastes and diets, making this a great choice for a wholesome and filling family meal at an astonishingly affordable price.

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Vesuvius, Lower Stone Street

Vesuvius, Lower Stone Street

Named after the volcano in Naples where this family-run restaurant originated, Vesuvius claims to be “the only authentic Italian in Maidstone”. Offering everything from Mamma Maria’s famous Neapolitan pizza recipe, to creamy risottos and sumptuous meatballs, Vesuvius is guaranteed to delight your tastebuds and satisfy your stomachs. With a top-tier wine list to accompany and authentic gelato awaiting you afterwards, you’ll be truly transported to the paradise of the Mediterranean for an indulgent evening at one of the very best restaurants in Maidstone.

The Parkgate Inn, Ashford Road, Hollingbourne

The Parkgate Inn, Ashford Road, Hollingbourne

For those of you venturing out to Leeds Castle just outside of Maidstone, the next pub on this list is the perfect pick-me-up before the drive back to Kent Coast Holiday Park. Based in the village of Hollingborne, this cosy country pub welcomes the whole family (including your four-legged friend!) to swing by for a light lunch or settle in for a full-on family feast. Satisfy your stomach with the pub classic hunter’s chicken or branch out and try the chef’s Penang curry for something a little different!

Buenos Aires Nights Steakhouse, High Street

Buenos Aires Nights Steakhouse, High Street

Steak is a food that must be done right to go down well – and there are none more skilled in this art than the chefs at Buenos Aires Nights restaurant. Grilled to perfection over an authentic Argentinian Parilla grill, the steaks at Buenos Aires are really something special. Winners of multiple restaurant awards, this bistro is an absolute must for an enticing and memorable evening with your loved ones. And don’t worry, for the non-meat eaters in the party there’s a tasty selection of vegetarian pastas, salads and soya burgers for you to enjoy.

The Fox and Goose, Weavering Street

Last on the list, but by no means least is this traditional 17th-century country pub. Open daily for lunch and dinner, The Fox and Goose serves quality pub fayre including light bites, sandwiches and larger plates. If you’re there on a Tuesday evening, be sure to take advantage of the fantastic Fish n’ Chip Night Offer. Consistently rated as one of the best pubs in Maidstone, the Fox and Goose is guaranteed to keep everyone happy – adults and kids alike!

How to get to Maidstone from Kent Coast Holiday Park

Maidstone lies 23 miles southwest of Kent Coast Holiday Park - great for a day out! Both public transport and car can get you there in well under an hour. To make your way by car, follow the directions below: 

• Head west from Kent Coast, take two right turns onto Avery Way and continue for 3.8 miles on the Radcliffe Highway 

• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit andcontinue on Fenn Street/ A228 

• After 3.8 miles at Four Elms roundabout, take the third exit onto Halstead Road/ A289 

• After 3.3 miles, merge onto the M2 

• At junction 3, take the A229 exit to Maidstone

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Important information

Brand new holiday homes from £34,995

Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.   

Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.   

As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay. 

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.  

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven).  Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office:  One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.  

New holiday homes from £33,995

Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories. 

From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold. 

The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.    

As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay. 

Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.   

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven).  Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.   

Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995

Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.   

Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale.  Subject to status and availability.   

As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.   

Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.  

Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven).  Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office:  One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.  We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.  

Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home

Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.

Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.

A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.

Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.

Images are shown for representational purposes.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031

Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.

‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview.  The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.

“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.  It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.

An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.

Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

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