
Quick info
About The Herbalist
The Herbalist is a pub on Pudding Ln in Maidstone town centre, serving real tank beer delivered directly from the brewery. The owner says it is the only place in Kent to get it. The dining room is open plan, with a stage kitchen in view. The kitchen cooks beer battered cod and chips, and a vegan option of battered banana flowers comes with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. A selection of cocktails runs alongside the beer. Set menus come in two or three courses, including a Christmas menu, and groups can book them. The pub opens Wednesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cocktails, christmas menu lunch, pizzas and steaks.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cocktails, christmas menu lunch, pizzas and steaks.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often praise generous portions at lunch, with one couple singling out the squid starter and the ribeye and flatiron steaks, and a group buffet of mini fish and chips, beef in Yorkshires and mini burgers that kept coming. Close behind are the cocktails, called fabulous by one reviewer and a great selection by another, along with the pizzas and a vegan dish of battered banana flowers with mushy peas. Others name the buffalo chicken wrap, a Christmas menu of roast turkey and beef short rib, and freshly made burger patties. Staff are described as friendly and accommodating, moving a group to new tables when the air con failed and supplying takeaway boxes for leftovers. The complaints are specific. One diner found the red prawns with chimichurri overcooked, was told starters and mains would arrive together, and had no one check on them or clear plates. Another found the large room very noisy and suggests requesting a quieter corner. One reviewer notes a staff member who spotted an overcharge after payment and adjusted the bill.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often praise generous portions at lunch, with one couple singling out the squid starter and the ribeye and flatiron steaks, and a group buffet of mini fish and chips, beef in Yorkshires and mini burgers that kept coming. Close behind are the cocktails, called fabulous by one reviewer and a great selection by another, along with the pizzas and a vegan dish of battered banana flowers with mushy peas. Others name the buffalo chicken wrap, a Christmas menu of roast turkey and beef short rib, and freshly made burger patties. Staff are described as friendly and accommodating, moving a group to new tables when the air con failed and supplying takeaway boxes for leftovers. The complaints are specific. One diner found the red prawns with chimichurri overcooked, was told starters and mains would arrive together, and had no one check on them or clear plates. Another found the large room very noisy and suggests requesting a quieter corner. One reviewer notes a staff member who spotted an overcharge after payment and adjusted the bill.
Featured reviews
- odette smith
“We had a buffet lunch at the Herbalist to celebrate our colleague’s baby shower. The staff were friendly and accommodating, happy for us to move tables when the air con failed and supplying takeaway boxes for the left over food. The food was so good and there was so much of it. We had mini fish and piles of chips, beef in Yorkshires, salad, sausages, pizza, mini burgers, chicken wings, cheese and biscuits, scones. It just kept coming! Really impressed, we’ll be back!”
- Leah
“Never been in here before despite numerous visits to Maidstone. Was just looking for a coffee and a bite to eat whilst waiting for my mum. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The decor is gorgeous, lovely chilled music and very professional, attentive and staff. I ordered the buffalo chicken wrap which was delicious! So was the coffee! I thoroughly recommend a visit here for lunch. I’m definitely coming back to check out the evening vibe 🥰”
- Heather Rogers
“My granddaughter took me out to lunch here today for my birthday. We had such a lovely time and the food was too die for. Beautifully plated and delicious. After my granddaughter had paid the staff member noticed there had been a mistake and that we had been charged to much and he came back and pointed it out and adjusted the bill. Such honesty is hard to find these days we honestly would not have noticed if he hadn't told us. Great service and credit to them. The surroundings are perfect clean and spacious. I can thoroughly recommend The Herbalist to anyone.”
- Joyce Veal
“I was with a group of 20. The food came out hot and the service was very good. We had chosen from one of the menus which included a starter, soup, etc, mains: beer battered cod and chips, chicken leak and ham pie a vegan option and mac and cheese. At least one person had one of these dishes and all said how nice it was. There was also a varied choice of desserts which were also good. This menu was 2 x courses for £28, 3 x courses £35. The atmosphere in the restaurant was relaxed, the music wasn't too loud so conversation was easy. Staff were friendly and professional. I would definitely recommend a visit.”
- shaf allyman
“Great bottle of montepulciano. Some honest, real service from lovely Gent, assume was the manager. Great freshly made burger patties. Not fresh frozen junk you usually get. Was unusual from Maidstone town centre. Well played for a pub in town.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Some pioneering local adventurers left this area for the new world to discover and document the herbs and plants that have made cuisine what it is today; Nicholas Culpepper and Joseph Banks. In honor of these brave young men we dedicate the Herbalist. The stage kitchen is always a buzz of activity in this open plan restaurant. The only place in Kent where you can enjoy real tank beer delivered directly from the brewery.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible toilet · Wheelchair-accessible car park
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Location
Bars near The Herbalist
- The Muggleton Inn3.81,8390.1 mi
chicken wings, fish and chips, jacket potato
- Newnham Court Inn4.11,9621.6 miWheelchair accessible
hunters chicken, roast dinner, steak
- 2.1 miReservationsGood for kids
sunday roast dinner, cooked breakfast, beer garden
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Herbalist | 4.3949 | — | cocktails, christmas menu lunch, pizzas |
| The Muggleton Inn | 3.81,839 | 0.1 mi | chicken wings, fish and chips, jacket potato |
| Newnham Court InnWheelchair accessible | 4.11,962 | 1.6 mi | hunters chicken, roast dinner, steak |
| The Bull Inn, East FarleighReservations · Good for kids | 4.1449 | 2.1 mi | sunday roast dinner, cooked breakfast, beer garden |
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