Stile Bridge in Maidstone

2024 October Review NEW AND UPDATED Back again at the Stile Bridge, with the previous chef who departed 6 months ago, it has been time to try the new menu again. At a glance the new menu has inspirations from Asian cuisine slashed with British classics. A very good choice for all palates of flavours. To start, the house bread and oils, the Focaccia style bread was delicious , crispy, fluffy and tasteful, most perfect bread you could ask for to start. The lamb meatballs, had an Indian inspired taste coated in crispy panko, I actually thought the additional aioli style sauce was not needed. Next up was the boneless chicken wings which was a let down, with its dry flavour, baseless and bland texture it felt like the wing was absolutely battered and butchered to create this flattened pancaked wing. Mains : Chicken salad - chicken was super juicy and tasteful, with a salad which isn’t drenched in dressing, the perfect amount for a main dish, with expedited pickles which were fab, and well seasoned dish. Pork sirloin, juicy, cooked well rather tender as welland had great accompaniments with it, the jus was flavourful and hit the spot. Scallops, cooked well, fresh, and plenty of spark. Overall the Stile Bridge did not disappoint again, will be back, and loved the service. Truly so far still one of my top recommendations for restaurants in Kent. Best for those who actually have an eye for food and an open palate. NOT for your typical boring clientele. 2023 Review - A MUST TRY hidden Resturant in the country side of Kent Food Quality 4.7/5 Presentation 4.5/5 Price 4.6/5 Service 4.7/5 Atmosphere / Ambiance 4.2/5 Stilebridge offers an South American fusion with British cuisine, utilising fresh and local ingredients of Kent and East Sussex. It is a show stopper of a restaurant to visit if you are in Kent. compared to other restaurants within Kent, which serves typical British classics and other delicate British style dishes it is good to see a pub serving a different variety of food from around the world, being a Michelin guide recommendation, the Stilebridge is certainly a place that is well worth on the Michelin guide. The food I would describe it as light South American heavily infused with British twist, this is definitely done to please the pallets of local clientele within Kent which are known for having less adventurous pallets, but as an individual who thrives on flavour, exoticNess and wonder, this may also be the place for you as it is especially for me it is. The octopus and pork belly was fragrance, light and packed full of simplistic flavours, which hit each flavour on the tongue perfectly. Had a small cake which enhances the flavour of the dish., I would say the octopus is a touch over done when I had it, but the pork belly was cooked perfectly. The lamb rump was cooked to perfection, after talking to the chef, and knowing that it was a dry aged lamb from Romley Marsh? Very well with the potato jus accompanying it very well with its lights and arrogant flavours. I would have liked more of the sweet potato jus upon my dish, the lentils works. Well I would’ve liked a bit more than those as well. The Korean style, Bimbap works well for local clienteles pallets, however, I would have preferred it a lot more crispy rice at the bottom of the bimbap, after discussing it with the chef, who was very polite and friendly, it was understandable why it was done in such a way. The side dishes of the potato, Bravas and the pickled salad was a very nice for the compliment to my main protein dishes. Overall, the Stilebridge is a great restaurant you should visit, as a reviewer, I never eats anywhere five stars restaurant wise, however, with my own personal recommendation, I recommend a rate Stilebridge very highly and would be back again to try the other menu items. I would love to see more South American dishes because it’s hard to find authentic dishes done right utilising British local projects which I highly enjoy. My compliments to the chef. Thank you

Having grown up in the area before moving away and witnessed this pub change hands countless times with varying results, The Stile Bridge was a most pleasant surprise. We went for Sunday lunch as a punt due to family moving to the area, but this venue would now be among my top recommendations for a Sunday roast. The staff were warm and knowledgeable - it's always a sign of confidence, and passion about the product, when they approach you to ask if you have questions about the menu rather than nervously hoping you don't and just pick something. Most importantly the food was incredible. The meat was high quality and cooked beautifully and the trimmings were equally tasty with not a sniff of the Aunt Bessie's about them. We thought everything was fairly priced all things considered - contrary to some other reviews the service charge is clearly stated across the menu and the website. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend and look forward to coming back and trying the main menu next time we're in the area

The best Sunday Lunch I've ever had in a pub.

Large well managed establishment. Good selection of wine and beer but accent is on food. Spacious and airy dinning area's and friendly, efficient service. My Guinness was presented in prime condition. Recommended , particularly if eating. Christmas lunch in region of £100 pp.

I read the reviews and and can't agree, I went out for a traditional roast and this was almost inedible, weird flavours on overcooked veg and horrible tasting smeared dollops of some pureed stuff, the beef tasted of chicory.. awful, now while some people may like this take on a roast because they watch too much master chef and think it's "hip" and "on trend", it's not my taste and a roast should be left alone, and to top it all I was presented with a bill for over £60 including a service charge I wasn't even told about, definitely scrubbed off my roast list.!

Wonderful restaurant with amazingly good and well presented food with wines in plenty and friendly staff. Definitely go again for my special days. Finest food

Fantastic Sunday lunch. Not a typical Sunday lunch, far far more than meat, 2 veg and gravy. The lamb and beef were excellent and there is a variety of vegetables to choose from. Superbly cooked!

I'd been wanting to visit The Stile Bridge for some time; it was with some excitement that I saw how nearby a restaurant in the Michelin guide was. It did not disappoint. Beautifully cooked meat, with the best chips I've ever tasted - well seasoned throughout, crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The pork sirloin was delicious, the beef sirloin moreso. I will be back very eagerly. Lovely service as well, and some nice drinks offerings.

Pricey but tasty food, impeccable service, atmosphere okay - in that it wasn't busy being a sunday afternoon.

My friend booked us in for Sunday lunch at this little gem, after looking for a place to park overnight in our Moho’s, following a cracking weekend at the Blue Reef festival. Manager very kindly agreed to let us park overnight with purchase of a meal. Not a huge car park but enough space for 3 Moho’s. On arrival, we found that this is a restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide and I have to say, the food was absolutely superb! I had the roast beef and it was tender, succulent and cooked to perfection! Being big foodies, each mouthful was a little slice of culinary heaven and as it happened to be my birthday, made my day even more special! Would defo recommend this little jewel - the staff welcomed us like old friends, were super friendly and looked after us very well. It was an extremely hot day and such a relief to find that upon entering the establishment, it was refreshingly cool inside. We sat in the garden area after dinner, feeling pleasantly full and sipping on a blackcurrant and apple beverage, topped with small segments of baked apple - yummy! Big up to all the staff at The Stile Bridge for going that extra mile to make our day and compliments to the chef for the fantastic gourmet experience - 10/10 all day long!

Thought this would be a typical English Pub but was surprised at the menu - very modern. Excellent meal for both my wife and I. I had the "large plate" - Pork Sirloin and she had the"small plate" Salmon. The service was also excellent. Had a wonderful desert to finish the night

Visited for a three-course lunch on a Groupon voucher, which was gifted to us. Service was helpful and friendly, and the food was lovely.

Food and vibe was amazing. Only thing that slightly let it down was the service at the beginning as we had to wait at the bar for a while to get seated but that’s ok as it was busy.

The staff are friendly and professional. We have been here a few times now and are always met with a nice welcome. The food is amazing with great taste and texture. The vegetarian options are imaginative and very tasty. Drinks are reasonably priced. Can’t wait to try the outdoor seating area when the weather improves.

Honestly this place is a true hidden gem, and It’s only a matter of time before it becomes not so hidden! Myself and my partner visited on a Sunday, had the octopus small plate followed by the roast beef, and the Plaice… every single mouthful was beautiful. Understated, high quality, friendly and not at all stuffy. Wonderful experience facilitated by superb staff that really know the menu and the drinks offering. Will be coming back 1000%

We had lately an excellent Sunday roast with a slight exotic touch in this cozy restaurant backed up with a very good service Adrien

Stopped here for a Sunday lunch with my partner. It’s an interesting place- they have a fusion menu with Middle Eastern influence I think and the roast wasn’t conventional. I feel that this place could have a Michelin star if it wanted- but it’s not overcharging. Don’t have a dessert as nothing appealed but overall v tasty. Needed some green veg though.

A place of real difference. The Stile Bridge offers an excellent level of service, variety of drink and fantastic food. Not your average English pub, but with all the charm. The wine list it has great variety of flavour and price, the food stands out from the crowd and we love this place. Worth a long distance drive for those that don’t live close, for those that do…lucky.

Came here with friends, beautifully decorated bar area and restaurant. Enthusiastic staff, outstanding food (we had the Maminha" Steak For Two with Soy Jus, easily serves 3-4 people and is absolutely delicious!), unusual delicious flavours, lovely atmosphere, very friendly owners. Can’t wait to go again.

Horribly expensive. 23£ for a pork sirloin that was horribly fatty and didn’t have any greens served with it. The wine was thin and acidic and also terribly expensive. The waiters were apologetic but didn’t seem to know their way around their spices.

Horribly expensive. 23 pound for a pork sirloin with no greens or vegetables on the side. The food is rather bland and unexciting

Stopped there on a dog walk. Staff were very accommodating and brought water and treats out for the dog.

Fantastic place for a birthday meal! Potato side a must order. Will definitely be visiting again.

We stopped off and come by this large pub with plenty of parking for lunch was not disappointed cooked to perfection I chose the dish of the day with black rice it was very yummy , we had a drink and the owner was making cocktails for a photo folio and offered me and another customer free sample very friendly staff nice setting would go again

Stile Bridge is in the Michelin Guide. It deserves to be. Pleasantly surprised. Starters included lamb slider and pork and octopus 🐙 Mains were catch of the day (cod muster and squid ink with asparagus ) and massive sirloin for my husband. Desserts were brilliant too. Highly recommended.

We were bought the Groupon deal as a present and the set lunch accompanied by a glass of wine was, I have to say, just amazing. The flavours were spectacular and the service cannot be faulted. Having perused the a la carte menu and being aware this can change often, we would definitely return to sample it.

Absolutely stunning. Food was amazing. Service was impeccable. Setting was great. Was really good to chat with chef about the meal. Faultless throughout.

Amazing lunch at the Stile Bridge. A perfect sized menu, and every course beautifully presented and delicious. Worth every penny. Ingredients expertly sourced - the steak was melt in the mouth. They also did chicken and chips for the kids for us, all staff friendly and helpful. Will return!

Some of the best food I've ever eaten, in or outside London. Beautifully balanced dishes with a great kick and excitement. All the small plates were outstanding. Such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend

Well what an unexpected delight. Everything about the meal was perfection. The menu was understated. The chicken, cauliflower and carrot main dish was actually the best chicken I have eaten in a restaurant for 20plus years, and the cauliflower best I have ever eaten. So if you fancy a culinary delight please try it.

Absolute quality. I didn't even ask and knowing I didn't have the use of one hand they cut my steak up for me. I'd forgotten to ask, absolutely chuffed they had the forethought. All the food couldn't be better, but I know it's a bit coarse, but I've never had potato wedges (kinda chips) taste that good in my life, and most of us have had chips before.

After an excellent Valentines evening meal at the Stile Bridge (special 5 course tasting menu) we decided to try the Sunday roast offering. It did not disappoint again. We shared some bread, pumpkin seed houmous, olives and a pork and octopus small plate to start followed by 1x chicken & 1x pork roast dinner. All excellent, could not fault anything including the, beer, wine, service and surroundings. We’ll go back for sure, probably with family when something needs celebrating… soon I hope 🤞

Fantastic all round. Thank you all for a great lunch. Loved the food, was cooked very well and loved the service! Definitely worth it

Really enjoyed the valentines meal last night. Really put on a show, from cocktails on entry, a wonderfully set table and atmosphere. Food was incredible as per, every dish complimented the next. Service was quick and efficient, with plenty of time between each course to make a real evening of it. Love that Oscar, came out to greet everyone too to see what we thought of the food. A true gem, comfortably placed on our doorstep. Thank you, and until next time!

Visited on a Friday lunchtime. There was one large group, and 2 other couples dining. Service was very good - suitably informal/relaxed but very knowledgeable. Food choice (from a set menu) was limited, so not necessarily what I would normally choose, but that was good - fantastically tasty food, and perfect quantities. We will definitely be returning.

So we had eaten here months ago for a Sunday roast, I never go out for a Sunday roast as always cook a much better one at home! well I have found a place who blew me away the food was amazing so much flavour in all the dishes chef and staff are amazing I can’t fault them! only issue is kids meal it needs to be cheaper or come with a pudding & drink, little pricy but maybe I’m just poor 🙈

Went here for our works Christmas meal (December '23) and the food I had was really lovely...the mulled cider, absolutely splendid and service cheerful and helpful. Never been in before and would happily return sometime.

Pre-booked dinner for business anniversary and we were so pleased we came here. A great atmosphere and location. We were served and looked after well by the staff. Happy with everything we cannot fault anything at all. Our meals were brilliant. Highly recommended.

One of best meals I have had in a long time, you have to come here! Highly recommend to anyone. Every course was a flavour bomb and the staff were fantastic!

The food here was of great quality The staff were great, friendly and efficient. It was a little cold when we went inside but it didn’t dampen our experience. There is a good area for outside dining when the weather improves and a larger restaurant at the rear. Give it a go, the food is great.

Superb - a family gathering for 10 on Christmas Eve - the whole experience was fantastic. Excellent service throughout, food was sublime and they delivered an important family event for us without fault. Highly recommended.

would like to share how kind and friendly the staff are! my wife hit a pot hole and managed to get to the pub with a flat tyre and wait for the aa to come (3hrs) in that time the staff made her and are 2 children very welcome and safe with offer of electric pump and complimentary drink and hot chocolates for the girls. would like to say a big thankyou for being so kind at a stressful time .

What a great experience this evening. Superb food and service. We'll be back!

I have been here a few times since it got taken over by the owners of the Poet at Matfield. The service never disappoints, and neither does the food. There is always a roaring fire (an essential this time of year) and the background music makes a lovely environment. Today I had the game slider (small burger) and it was delicious. Perfectly cooked, falls apart in your mouth and, when paired with some triple-cooked chips, can be the perfect lunchtime snack. On other occasions I have had the steak and it is to die for. No steakhouse can rival the Maminha which is always tender and juicy and can be shared between two. Luckily for me, mulled cider had just been put on the menu for the festive season and it is delicious and warming, a lovely little early Christmas present. All the front-of-house staff are warm and passionate about giving the best experience they can, and the chefs even come out (when they have time) to talk to you about the food. Ultimately, I will be returning many more times, this place and the staff have earned a special place in my heart/belly and I can definitely say the Stile Bridge is the best restaurant in Maidstone and the surrounding area.

Absolutely outstanding! The food and flavours were amazing, the best meal we've had in Kent and we can't wait to return. Everything was so fresh and they clearly really cared. The service was exceptional too, we felt so welcome and looked after, thank you for such a perfect evening and for making my birthday so special.

It was cold in the bar and staff were arguing and swearing whilst we looked at menu. Over priced,we walked out.

The food was incredible and the staff were knowledgeable of the menu, to offer advice on choice. The chef approached our table to ensure we were happy. It was just a lovely environment to be in. We will certainly be back! We had our 9 month old with us and the pub was baby friendly and facilities were fab.

Superb food in cosy and relaxed settings. Very personable service.

Had a great time at Stile Bridge. The atmosphere was intimate, and the service was top-notch. As well as the meal. Would be visiting again.

Hands down best dining experience in the area! Food is amazing ❤️ Incredible fusion flavours & you can tell the chefs are passionate about there craft! Venue & team are wonderful too!

This was a pop in visit en route to somewhere else. We didn't eat, but I had a very nice cider. The bar staff were friendly, and the service was quick. It certainly looks like they are set up for busy food service.

Loved it!!. FABULOUS Sunday roast 😋

The servings are extremely small. And it's OK food the menu is very poorly written and you have to ask what is ingredients I just want to be able to understand what I getting. Found the whole experience frustrating oh and they don't take cash what on earth is that all about.

We drove to the restaurant from all over. I came from Sevenoaks, brother came from Wrotham, one sister from Elephant and Castle, and the other sister from New Cross. We went on Wednesday evening, had the steak and wine deal. It was outstanding. Even with all the mileage, we would deffo come again. The pub is beautiful, it’s kept so well by the staff. The food and chef are absolutely immense, it was a real surprise to have such a great meal and honestly at such good value. Hopefully we will get back soon!

Outstanding meal. Five star food and drink, backed up by great service. Highly recommended.

Amazing food and a fantastic new outdoor bbq area

Been wanting to come for a while and all I can say it exceeded my already high expectations, lovely place inside with a nice garden setting, delicious and beautiful food, friendly staff. We also loved that they allow dogs, always a treat when we can share experiences with them. We are already planning future visits to sample more food and different nights they offer.

Our first meal was delicious Staff friendly & chef imaginative and passionate about the menue Highly recommended

Came here with family. Everyone was very friendly and the food was incredible. Highly recommend for anyone in the area!

Fantastic Service, Amazing Starters and certainly up there as one of the Best Roasts eaten - Good Value. Highly recommend home made Bread - WOW.

Food was amazing as we're the drinks highly recommended

Sometimes, the most unexpected places hold true gems, and this restaurant is a shining example. The food here is simply superb, and it's no surprise that they are featured in the Michelin Guide. Despite the restaurants unassuming exterior, don't let that deter you—the experience is absolutely worth it. The quality of the dishes and the culinary expertise showcased here far surpasses any initial judgments based on appearances. The staff are also very friendly. Don't miss out on this hidden treasure.

We had aterrific family do here recently. All of the food was excellent, drinks were great and the service was warm, friendly and proffesional. I couldn't reccomend enough. We'll be coming back. Thanks for the hospitality.

The food was delicious, portion size was generous, and the taste was excellent. I loved the fusion concept! The chef came out a couple of times to answer questions about the menu. The service in general was outstanding and super friendly. I came here with a vegan friend, and they managed to cater to her needs as well. Will definitely be back - such a gem in the middle of the countryside.

Decent beer selection, garden was a bit whiffy.

Awesome Sunday roast, and great service!

Went for birthday celebration and had a great time. Food excellent. Staff helpful and friendly and for the quality of the menu really good value. Heartily recommended!!

Food was delicious, service was friendly and will go back again

Very nice people and very good food.

Beautiful ambience and menu choice. Lovely for a date. We loved trying lots of new things and asking questions. Delightful.

Food was overall really good. My only small complaints was there was no possibility of a rare steak, and the menu was a tad small. Overall worth the visit!

Amazing food. Absolutely the best we've eaten in the last few years. Very attentive service, friendly staff. The chef came out of the kitchen to say hi. Can't wait to go back.

Went here on a Friday night, shown to our table and offered water, and drinks order taken (perfect, amazing how often you are left waiting to order drinks) Decent selection of craft beers and wine. Small but perfectly formed menu. We ordered all the starters and nibbles to share. All were fantastic, loved the pork and octopus and the pardon peppers. Mains we hadl lamb rump with prunes, delicious as was the sides (potato bravas, and cauliflower) Will definitely be back and would highly recommend Chef also popped out to check all was ok and for a chat.

Delicious food, really tasty. Only one vegetarian option though so more meat orientated. Not a fan of fancy wording on the menu but personal preference. Felt quite expensive but not sure if this is just the current climate but also standard high.

Exceptional service and very welcoming place with a relaxed atmosphere. The locally made apple pie cider soooo good! I was curious about the menu and wanted to order everything (of course), so I had various small plates. Some friends had main plates of skate or salmon, and we all had different puddings that were beautiful crafted works of heart.

Such a great discovery and possibly the best restaurant I’ve been to in the Maidstone area yet. Very inspired kitchen that dishes out creative plats full of unusual flavours. Dog-friendly was a real plus to just pop in with my pup for a lunch time treat

Fantastic Sunday roast, really enjoyed the unusual roast Duck! South American inspired menu and good beer selection. One of our best restaurants in the area.

Brilliant food. Great staff. 100% recommend

Loved every bite! Michelin chef in the making!

First time visiting since the place had been taken over. I have extremely high standards and was blown away by the food and service. Local beer is also great too. We came for a roast on Sunday which was incredible so have come back the following weekend for the Saturday menu and can safely say it’s some of the best pub food I’ve ever had! Highly recommend.

We visited the Stilebridge last night and really enjoyed the experience. We were made to feel very welcome. The food, ambience, service were all absolutely impeccable - even the back ground music was delightful. We will definitely be returning and thank you to all at the Stilebridge for making our evening so enjoyable - 5 stars all the way ✨️ 🌟

Been here with a colleague and saw they have nice age beef ! Will defo try. The place was cosy and warm!

We came for the NYE and has a 5 course menu - it was sensational, every course was beautiful. The chef is a genius. Best meal I think I've ever had. The price was also extremely reasonable. Sadly we don't live locally otherwise we'd be back regularly. I'd also like to mention the friendly and attentive waiting staff and the fact the chef modified the menu to suit my pregnancy dietary needs without any issue. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Outstanding food on the night we visited. Would sit more fairly at 4.7/4.8 on Google based on our experience. Will be visiting again.

Excellent service and well cooked food with great ingredients used, especially the beef which was top quality. Will definitely be back.

Stopped by for a couple of drinks and a quick lunch. The small plates were excellent (we had the chorizo with chimichurri, black pudding with aioli, patatas bravas and the most lovely bread with sunflower seed hummus). Everything washing lovely and beautifully presented. The wine was very good, and the service friendly and efficient. And it was pretty good value considering the quality. Highly recommended.

Lovely place. Excellent service with exceptional food. South American food atvits best. This place is turning 1 in December and is already on the Michelin guide. Rightfully so. We will definitely return.

Popped into this place by chance after a fishing trip to Monk lakes. Friendly chap behind the bar with a nose piercing. Nicely decorated gastro pub with lots of tables laid. Looked newly done up and re-opened after lock down pandemic. We were there for a beer and not food which was fine. Lighting was a bit bright for me but I noticed it was turned down when we were leaving

Thoroughly recommend this place for a slap-up Sunday roast. The chicken was super tender, the beef 'melt in the mouth' and the glorious little pots of cauliflower cheese, carrots and roasties...yum! Extra red wine reduction in a jug ensured we weren't asking for more gravy. No sauces were offered, but arrived quickly when we asked. Strange choice of music however (American guitar blues), and a little too loud (so made it hard for our ageing parents to hear all the conversation)...but it's only a small niggle for an otherwise great pub, and they did turn it down when requested. Some nice touches in the loos...an empty soap bottle however :-( Dogs seemed welcome, decor was great, ambience and service v good. Will deffo be back.

Great food from an inventive menu

Fantastic food, great staff who were super helpful and friendly. The chef came out too to say hi and explain the menu

Visited The Stile Bridge for the first time since it has reopened under new management. What a lovely welcome we received. The food was amazing!! Best meal I’ve had in a very long time. The staff made the dining experience. Jason our waiter was so attentive, kind and professional. As was Bradley. Any questions I had about the menu was answered in depth and produce used explained. The chef even came and checked on us during our mains. All staff were happy to be working there it was plain to see; which is nice in this day and age as sometimes waiting staff are overworked and underpaid. Not here. Well done to the new owners. Very impressed. We will be back ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A truly creative menu, the dishes are top quality, everything on the plate had been carefully crafted and thought about deeply and with very reasonable prices for this level of cooking. I had the pork on the lunchtime menu which was utterly delicious. The service was exceptional even the chef came out to talk to us during the meal. Will most certainly be returning soon!

Great food, lovely staff - would highly recommend.

A pleasant pub with open plan dining and drinking areas. They are over charging as the menu is limited with smallish dishes at restaurant prices. The diner with me said his pieces of lamb were beautifully cooked but my fish was boney with the head still attached. Small accompanying dishes at an extra charge. Based on other reviews, apparently other diners are willing to accept these prices for a pub meal. There is too much competition for me to desire to return.

Terrible attitude of staff when paying bill.

Oh wow, what an experience the food was, fusion of many different cultures, unusual ingredients, with so much flavour

Ovoid They clearly is anti disabled.

Very interesting menu, full of flavour. Great food and value for money. Lovely, relaxed vibe and fantastic service. We'll be back!!

My goodness - That has got to be the most delicious lunch I've had. Stopped by impromptu with my boyfriend and doggo (so doggy friendly). We had the bibimbap as a main and the egg, chorizo starter. Breathtaking. absolutely cannot wait to come back. Service was 5* too!