The Tickled Trout in Maidstone

A truly beautiful welcome from 2 lovely gentlemen behind the bar. Full of friendliness and joy. Great assistance when choosing a non alcoholic drink. The food, beef cheek suet pudding and mushroom gnocchi were fresh and tasty. It was cooked from the heart with a sprinkling of love. Just what we needed after a tough day. Nothing was too much trouble and the perfect place for mum and son to have a quality meal with quality time together. Living close but not previously visited so definitely will be going back.

Very enjoyable stay at Tickled Trout . Room was excellent nice and warm. Food was lovely served by very friendly helpful staff . Definitely recommend this Pub/Hotel. Thank You John

We ate here this week for a birthday lunch and couldn't have been happier. We made a reservation, which was completely pointless as the place was empty at 1300 on a Wednesday! Having the whole place just for us was rather decadent and we had great service (nothing over the top, just nice chaps being friendly) and really excellent food. The cod main course and the Bakewell tart dessert were particularly good. Three courses for four people, a bottle of sparkling wine and a bottle of white wine came to £250. Not cheap but certainly worth the money Only negative was some of the paper menus were crisp and clean but one or two were absolutely disgusting. Covered in some sort of green substance and very stained. As the first thing placed on the table it didn't set a good first impression at all. Other than that everything else was really good.

We spent 2 nights here - the night before and the night of our son's wedding. The rest of the bridal party - including the Bride and Groom - stayed here on the wedding night. The Manager, Mark, was quick to address and resolve a couple of problems that cropped up as a result of an engagement party taking over the entire restaurant and bar the night before the wedding. The rooms were clean, cosy and comfortable. The breakfasts were great - especially the one for 24 people the morning after the wedding. Nothing was too much trouble. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and appreciate the care Mark and his team took of us all. Thank you.

Met friends for lunch. The ale selection is good.

We ate very well and had an excellent night in this establishment.

Lovely place, service & food was amazing. Highly recommend. Staff are friendly & welcoming

Very nice food and service, dog friendly in the bar area. Will be back!

Went to The Tickled Trout for their Friday ‘Fizz and Fish’ offer. The fish and chips were delicious, with friendly and attentive staff, and the place had a good atmosphere. Really enjoyable meal.

I recently had a meal at this restaurant and was blown away by the experience. The food was simply outstanding—every dish was crafted with such care that you could truly taste the quality and thought that went into it. The presentation was beautiful, and it’s clear that the team takes real pride in what they do. Can’t wait to return!

I visited The Tickled Trout for breakfast. We arrived just after 10.30am and I was told that breakfast service stopped at 10.15am. I queried this and showed the team the menu online, which states that breakfast ceases at 11am. I was told by a gentleman on a laptop that he'd asked the web team to change breakfast timings the previous day and that breakfast ceases at 10.30am. I asked if the team would mind seeing if the chef would serve us as we'd made a special trip to visit the pub for breakfast and was told that the kitchen was closed. The gentleman on the laptop asked if the menu was a screenshot and I replied that it was not and showed him. We were offered coffee or tea but declined. We left and went to our car. A few minutes later the gentleman on the laptop appeared in the rain and knocked on the window pointing at the screen on his laptop stating that breakfast ends at 10.30am, which we felt was rather rude. I contacted Balfour Winery who own the pub and received a prompt apology and the promise of an investigation. One month on and I have received no reply. I will certainly take my custom elsewhere!

What a lovely place, staff are really welcoming and friendly, rooms great... food and drink excellent; and good value for money... ☺️👍

We've been meaning to pop into this pub and I'm so glad we did. Really lovely place with amazing food! Really great price and a lovely atmosphere. Will visit again and recommended to friends and family.

Lunch in restaurant was lovely. A big step above standard pub grub.

What a great place not only are the rooms nice the staff are great! I had an issue with my reservation (booked through and online hotel booking company), the staff moved heaven and earth and managed to get me into a room. All the staff during my stay and meal were excellent and I must mention Evie who's customer service was impeccable throughout.

Lovely rooms, bed for our dog and some treats and a ball we're a nice touch. Dinner was also excellent.

Stayed as part of a wedding party. The atmosphere off the pub was lovely and a beautiful layout. The staff are wonderful and friendly and couldn’t help enough. We stayed in Jake’s Orchard room. Very nice layout and design. The bed and pillows were so comfy! Best sleep I have ever had! Would definitely come back here for a nice summer’s lunch - now that I know it’s here! Thank you again! X

Very welcoming and lovely staff. You get shown round. A couple of things that could be improved. The sun had been on the room all day. If the blind had been pulled down from the morning it possibly wouldn't have been like an oven. The strawberry and cream sundae is £10 for this you literally get a whole glass of warm whipped cream and strawberry sauce with about 3 slices of strawberries, half a meringue and one tiny scoop of ice cream. A few more ingredients at the bottom wouldn't mean I'd feel like i've just eaten a glass of cream

Stayed here for a wedding which was at the Gardens which was about a 6 min drive, The room was lovely comfy bed and everything you could have wanted. The breakfast was delicious and more than enough very hearty 😋 great coffee too would recommend also plenty parking 👌

Another stay at this lovely pub/hotel en route to see family and a new arrival. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, even when they're rushed off their feet. Luke's Tree is a lovely room with a huge, comfortable bed and we had an excellent supper of crab cakes with mayonnaise and bruschetta with heritage tomatoes followed by rump of lamb with gratin potato, greens and minted pea puree & fillet of sea trout. Delicious!

Great country pub. Plenty of parking, a good selection of beers and so.e really tasty food. Lots of outside seating and a great covered area next to the river if it turns a bit inclement. They have rooms to stay in, but I didn't use them so can't review them accurately. Recieved a warm welcome from the bar staff and some great menu suggestions. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

Lovely little country pub just out of the way making it nice and quiet on a summer evening, relaxing in the garden. The full English breakfast was huge and well worth it. Only downside was the bed creaked so much that would wake you up each time one turned over. Other than that was such a comfy mattress.

Tons of outside space, nice old wooden pub and a decent priced pint!

Stayed overnight for a wedding down the road and could not fault the room or the service. We were able to check in early which was a life saver. Breakfast the next morning was fantastic despite one guy on his own serving a packed front of house. Highly recommend.

Some pubs have really upped their game in recent times, and the Tickled Trout is right up there with them. The interior has been updated in a charming and unfussy way; the staff have personality and excellent customer service skills; and the menu has interesting dishes with good quality ingredients well cooked and presented. All this makes a visit here a really pleasant experience. The beer on tap was from Musket brewery and was in good condition.

We only booked the restaurant. We all, 4, enjoyed our dinner. The service was desperately slow but otherwise good.

Lovely location very helpful barstaff, we havent tried the rooms yet but its on our to do list!

Had a birthday meal with a group of 10. Food was very good quality, with a price to match. Service was fantastic and the place is beautiful. Slightly let down by some litter that was there for hours until I pointed it out.

Haven't stayed here but the food is great and, as you'd expect for a pub owned by a vineyard, the drink selection is stellar.

Fantastic setting and will return for a meal another time as was in a rush

Stayed for 2 nights with 2 rooms. Ate breakfast twice, dinner once, and did the Sunday roast. Wonderful clean rooms, very friendly staff. So nice to have a public footpath on the side of the property to walk on after dinner. Some reviews say the food cost was high - we found it to be in line with every other pub and restaurant of this caliber and suspect these people don’t go out often. Would recommend and would come back again

A very nice bistro pub with rooms

Fabulous quality food, great menu, efficient professional staff. We had delicious crab croquettes, scallops, lamb and trout. All cooked to perfection and good size portions.

What a great evening, new head chef & new menu; food was delicious and they are very accommodating for food allergies lots of Gluten free options and also vegan, staff & chef were able to adapt my meal as I am gluten free, dairy free & have a mushroom allergy Millie our waitress was lovely, friendly and nothing was too much Will be coming back even signed up for the locals discount card ...fab idea

We had lunch there, very good quality.

Me and my partner went here lovely atmosphere was friendly. Food was okay. would definitely go again location is nice only a couple minutes from the lovely teston park.

Lovely fresh and open plan pub. The staff are friendly and thd food great. Chicken pie was s pure delight.

My Partner and I have stayed in 7 hotels in the last 15 days in the south of the UK, and we can say without doubt that we kept the best till last. The tickled trout is a beautiful boutique hotel with gorgeous large rooms ,and a spacious modern bathroom.Check in was easy, done by Charlie and a young girl who both came out to help us with our luggage. We went down for dinner later on which was wonderful, and even with a loud family in the dining room, the young staff handled them very professionally, what a credit to this business they are, I’m sorry I didn’t get the girls names but Charlie was a fabulous guy and a pleasure to deal with.Well done team.

lunch, birthday get together , all had fish and chips, fish huge, made us all laugh when we saw the presentation of our dinners. servis was great, waitress was lovely, food was brilliant , fish well cooked and fresh.

A really lovely setting and really lovely helpful staff. Have been here before for food and it was superb. They have gone above and beyond to ensure your safety during the coronavirus. There is an app you order and pay on. Hand sanitizer as you enter.

Was rather disappointed that with the limited menu that at least 5 items were not available. However the food we did have was excellent. Service was a bit hit & miss but staff very pleasant

The recent past;...lunch with friends...menu reasonably good...food "adequate"...cost high...value for money = poor...service was dreadfully slow with waitress frequently seemingly getting lost carrying plates of food....and with a mandatrory added service charge to "pump up the bill"...and really for what?...do they not pay their staff? First and last visit.

Thanks guys, stunning rooms and breakfast 😀

Had a really nice Sunday Roast... would highly recommend 👌🏻

Lovely pub, but the lunch deal is not worth the effort, small and very limited. There were three choices, but only 2 available sausage and mash or small fish pie.

Service and food excellent. Had a really good meal. Will be back.

Lovely place if your about that area

Popped in as we do for spot of lunch, Staff extremely friendly and polite service could not be faulted. The food was as we have come to expect, everything hit the right spot. Thank you for your diligence today. Margaret & Roger.

We spent our wedding night here and it was lovely. Rooms are very cosy and comfortable. Staff are friendly and accommodating. The location is pretty and easy to get to. Have yet to dine there, but it is on the list. Beautiful pub

Went mothering Sunday with family. Lovely meal was served promptly. Trout was wonderful. Very impressed two accessible toilets. Will be back

Second visit and still impressed Try the cheese burger 🍔

We stayed here for one night for Mother’s Day and were blown away! The rooms were stunning which was especially delighting as it was such good value. We had a small issue and we were taken care of so well by Mark that it made it a non issue, resolved quickly and professionally. Our Mother’s Day lunch on the Sunday was absolutely fantastic, we’d definitely love to come again! Thank you!

Friendly staff, tasty food, and a wide choice of drinks make this period pub a wonderful place to visit.

Good food, fair pricing, lovely place but the 10% service charge will prevent me from repeating the visit.

Popped in just after breakfast had finished,no problem, lovely ladie happily sorted us out with a breakfast ,great,

Highly recommended, lovely food and brilliant, friendly staff. I attended this lovely pub/restaurant on Monday the 8th January with my wife and son. The food was excellent, especially the "plate" options that we had instead of starters. The service was really efficient and friendly.

Pre booked tables for breakfast with Santa. Shambles. 20 min wait to get seated. 25 mins wait for order. We had ti leave the table and leave, as they were disorganised hadn't set up properly and couldn't cater for all pre booked tables. I think maybe 6-7 tables walked out. Wasted 90 mins of our morning a family together. Poor waitresses working, as clearly was a management issue with organising the whole set up. Usually a lovely place and decent service but you guys seriously dropped the ball.

Myself and a friend treated each other to an overnight stay here as our Xmas box let me just say we were treated 5 star all the way from arriving to being taken to our room the staff are lovely and chatty the rooms are beautiful and the food was gorgeous dinner and breakfast. We had the best time and we will be visiting again for food

Cosy place. Got there super late however so no time to properly enjoy it.

The food here is lovely. I had the bass with samphire and potatoes and the limoncello tiramisu, both of which were so tasty. You don't get silly small portions either. I think for what you get it's worth the money and would recommend it. I'll be going again for sure.

Food excellent but waiters seemed quite bored and disinterested

The meal was average at best. The Yorkshire pudding was too dry and crispy and there was not a lot of gravy. One of the party had gluten free fish and chips but the fish was just a plain bit of cooked fish so really bad at catering to gluten free, especially for the price.the sticky toffee pudding was good though. Had to pre order and the service was still really slow. One of the staff was rude to me when I said we had been told there was custard available. I wouldn’t rush back here, which is a shame as I had heard good things about it.

We visited the Tickled Trout for our anniversary celebration. We stayed overnight and ate our evening meal in the restaurant. The evening meal and breakfast was outstanding and the service was also very good. We had several issues during our stay but the General Manger ensured we left satisfied so thank you for that. We will definitely return for a meal in the future.

We had a lovely Monday night stay at this hotel. The food is incredible (dinner and breakfast) And the value for money is great. Lovely local sparkling wine! Staff are very attentive, rooms are clean and warm. Lovely stay. Thank you

Invited out for a Sunday roast. Changed since I last visited. Taken over by a small chain. Interior has been nicely relaid, extensive menu, prices a bit higher than my normal spend. Staff all young and pleasant with time to talk to customers. Really nice atmosphere. A lot of dogs, (very wet ones) assumedly been out with owners for a Sunday walk.

Amazing location, fantastic food, and the accommodation was first class. Highly recommended and wouldn't hesitate to stay again had such an amazing time.

Friendly staff, Sunday roast was really tasty. Plenty of it. Sweets were different and lovely

Fantastic Sunday roast in a lovely country pub. The pub was really busy and had a great atmosphere. We had lamb and beef, both cooked perfectly, and the veg was equally well cooked. We have eaten here a few times over the last few years and it's always been good but they just seem to have raised their game the last few times we've attended. This probably explains why they get so busy now. Also an area that's dog friendly is a bonus.

I really enjoyed staying here 2 nights and eating each evening. The decor and atmosphere was great and the staff really friendly and attentive.

Dropped in for a soft drink on a hike. What a lovely pub!

Was recommend by a family friend to visit the Tickled Trout. We all had the Sunday Roast. Absolutely, gorgeous and the Yorkshire puddings were delicious. The food was piping hot and very enjoyable.

Lovely little Inn with a great menu. We were there for breakfast and the staff was very helpful and polite. The food was delicious, the service was excellent and high quality. Will visit again for lunch or dinner.

First time I have been to a Balfour pub. The food was ok, but the service completely unexceptional. There was only a table of three when we arrived (later another group of three came, then a two over two hours) so not busy at all, and yet we had to wait for everything. Ordered a bottle of water to start and then never asked if we wanted a drink again. It took ages to clear our plates away, or for anything to happen really. Just felt like an after thought. Would not recommend or return, or bother with another Balfour Restaurant. Quite simply if you want to look like an upmarket restaurant you have to provide attentive professional service.

After knowing this was lovely many years ago we decided to go for a family lunch. We arrived early and ordered drinks whilst awaited the rest of party. It then took 35 mins to order a drink at the bar as the staff hadn’t yet turned up for shift or didn’t know what they were doing. We finally sat down for our table and we’re told they had run out of menus and would be back.15 mins later no menus so I asked and they said we had pre ordered. After speaking to the team and realising that they had muddled us with a later family that had preordered they brought us menus. It had now been 30 mins since we had seated and we had an order taken. Another hour to get the starters out of Camembert, bread and pork bites. The breads were stale and just heated to a crisp in an oven.. mains came out 15 mins later these seemed a little better but no staff came to ask if all ok etc. we decided we wouldn’t go for puddings as we had now been here for so long. We asked for the bill never came. Asked another waiter never came 20 mins later I had to go and get the bill myself from the bar. I get you could be understaffed but I think on observation staff needed more hospitality training and awareness. With one on bar and two staff on front of house and it wasn’t overly busy this should have been done with ease if competently trained.. Would I return again or recommend??Unfortunately not.

Never been here before, but will definitely be returning. Excellent food. Friendly staff. Nice atmosphere 👌

We visited this restaurant on a Saturday evening, we were surprise at how empty it was, unfortunately we found the food to be average at best, the starters are small portions and overpriced. For main I had the trout which was cooked nicely but the noodles didn’t have much taste and the vegetables were just warm and dumped on top of the noodles and tasteless. The desert was microwaved. The staff were all very young and appeared to be inexperienced, whilst they were polite they didn’t tell us about the changes on the menu or that some sides were not available until we ordered. We were asked if we wanted water for the table it didn’t arrive, and I ordered a 2nd glass of wine which also didn’t arrive. We went to the bar to pay as no one came to us, and when we mentioned the 2nd glass of wine had not been served they said they didn’t know what one I had had before so didn’t bring it. This was the first time of using this restaurant for many years and we thought we’d give it a try, we won’t be returning.

Disappointing lunch at The Tickled Trout today. My wife's burger and chips was cold and had to go back to be re-heated. When she got it back she said it was bland. My sole was a small portion and was served on the bone on top of the potatoes, under the veg. It should be served filleted or if on the bone then should be served next to the rest of the food so the bones can be seen. Or at least the waiter should mention it is on the bone. I didn't realise it hadn't been filleted until I got a mouthful of bones! It was dangerous. My sister had Roast beef and said it was good. The main waitress/bar manager was surly. The rest of the staff were ok.

From previous reviews I must’ve gone to a different pub to eat!! We had a couple of drinks at the bar before sitting down to a lovey Sunday roast, which 3 of us had it was really nice, 1 of us had fish n chips which was really lovely too and the desserts really good, the atmosphere was nice and all the staff were really lovely and would recommend this place and will definitely come back

We visited for Sunday lunch. Staff were friendly and efficient. Car parking was easy. We both had Sunday roasts. Quality was mixed - the sides of Pigs in Blankets and Cauliflower Cheese were very good, roast potatoes were average - not crispy enough and a big stodgy. Unfortunately the roast meat itself was disappointing- the roast pork was too thin and was really no better than school dinners. The beef was worse - very overcooked and dry and not a great piece of meat. We had one dessert, the chocolate brownie with miso caramel, which was good. There is a good selection of wine - including most of the Balfour range and the overall price is reasonable

We'd booked a two night stay and ate in the restaurant on our first night. Five of us ate and we were all very disappointed with our food. My husband said it was the worst fish and chips he'd ever had. I had pea and mint ravioli which was bland. We had a very nice bottle of local rosé.I definitely would not go back to eat. We had breakfast the next morning which was very nice but they'd run out of milk so no lattes available.

Very poor standard of accomodation, tired decoration, , stained carpets, paper thin walls, low ceiling heights without warmings, poor ventilation windows restricted opening, old noisy free standing fan , no staff on premesis after 11pm, Noisy road facing room. disappointing dinner, 4 out of 7 items were available. Dinner took 45 mins to prepare. Very expensive ie + £300 for 1 night accomodation dinner and breakfast for sub standard accomodation for my wife and I Friendly staff and excellent ice cream

Had the most delicious meal on Saturday night. We arrived to a warm welcome by the barman which makes all the difference, then seated into the restaurant by him. Our order was taken politely by the waitress and our food was served shortly after. We started with the pea arancini and the cauliflower and cheese veloute. We both had the pan seared salmon for main which was absolutely delicious, with a crispy skin to die for! Finishing with the rhubarb creme brulee and ice cream. It was such a treat to have fresh food served on hot plates. We can highly recommend and will definitely be back. Thank you. 😊

Had a family Sunday lunch here today to celebrate a 90 th birthday. The roasts were all Amazing , beautifully cooked and plentiful. We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and would visit again.

We had a great visit today. Rachael’s service was fabulous. Food was lovely in a nice relaxed atmosphere. We will be back!

This used to be a great pub some years ago, before the take over and re-furb. very disappointed in the menu, could not find anything that I really wanted after searching through, starters, main and sweet. just thought it was trying to be over clever...

What a lovely place - from the warm welcome on arrival to the cooked breakfast the following morning, we loved everything about our stay. Stayed 1 night and ate in the restaurant. Fabulous menu and food was fantastic. The room was so comfortable and very...

We just had a really nice relaxed roast. I had lamb husband had beef. Both piping hot and tasty, as was the cauliflower cheese side order. Would recommend and will definitely be back.

Myself and my partners family visited this pub on a quiet Wednesday lunchtime. We had 2 dogs and a wheelchair in tow and the staff could not have been more accommodating and helpful! The food was delicious (I had the chorizo starter and then the...

Lovely friendly pub and dining, really nice team of young lads on duty, very friendly and helpful. Attentive service and smiling! Popped in for a quick drink and ended up staying for dinner, food great. Overall lovely relaxed pub and felt well looked after

Terribly overpriced for what was poor > average food and average at best service. We were a large table and therefore had to pre-order which is understandable however things were missing when everything did come out and the dishes that did were either average and...

We went here because it looked nice... Didn't check any reviews, just booked online at 3.30pm for a 5pm table. We arrived about 4pm, and we happy to eat then. No..., kitchen not open until 5pm, the person in charge told us in a very...

We booked in for Sunday lunch, to treat my inlaws. Firstly my mother in law does not eat meat, so was looking forward to a fish dish, to which there is lots to choose from... Sat down was told by the waitress there is only...

I had a mixed match of starters and sides for lunch, it was lush. The staff are friendly and the service was pretty speedy. It's a gorgeous country pub with great surroundings. Deffo recommend.

Went for a Father’s Day meal, took 45 before our order was taken, I asked what the gluten free options were as I have an intolerance to which they pointed out the options. I ordered the lamb roast. In the meantime our drink orders were...

Decided to lunch at this venue for the first time today for my birthday. Was very busy so had high hopes! We were extremely disappointed with the food served. The portions were exceptionally small and certainly not worth the prices charged at all. Very disappointed....

We went to the tickled trout after a dog walk at teston country park ,we ordered some food I had burger wife had mussels,food was fine beer and wine all ok but 15 pounds for a burger ??come on !on any level that is wrong,luckily...

We were a bit unsure about booking here for lunch given some of the reviews but were swayed by the lovely-sounding menu. It turned out to be the right decision: the staff were extremely helpful and friendly and the food (risotto and mussels) were absolutely...

We gave a two on the review after Hanna our waitress what’s clearly heard saying you are really getting on my tits to the kitchen staff and a rum and coffee baba with coffee ice cream was a golden syrup sponge with vanilla ice cream...

Stayed Thursday evening just one night visiting family. Very warm friendly staff. Excellent from arriving to breakfast next day. Beautiful room, clean and comfortable. Excellent staff Amazing breakfast, generous portions. Very tasty food. Restaurant and bar very relaxing good lighting a d decor. Will definitely...

As you will see by my profile, I am no stranger to dining out. I review as I find and do so fairly I believe. The starter was superb, the triple trout platter was delicious. I asked if the roast beef was rare and the...