The Redstart Inn in Maidstone

Great food....time for new ovens?The wife and I went for a 1:30 Sunday lunch, it was busy and noisy, or you might say vibrant, depending on your point of view. The staff were attentive, the food was hot, well presented and tasty (if a little over seasoned) , the cost was mid-range.The downside on this occasion, was that I found a sizable chunk of metal and plastic in my food. Luckily I saw it before trying to eat it! Or it could have been an expensive and painful trip to the dentist or A&E.Accidents happen, we've eaten there before, and probably will eat there again, probably...maybe.Upon showing the waitress the intruding metalwork on the plate, she was nonchalantly apologetic and took the plate and offending article away to show her colleagues. She came back a minute later and said a colleague said it probably came from the oven. She offered free desserts as an apology.In hindsight, I think this was a disappointingly poor apology given what COULD have happened; but at the time we were so shocked we didn't really push-back.As their own staff think the lump of metal and plastic came from their oven, perhaps an inspector needs to pay the kitchen a visit to see if their equipment is fit for purpose!

I'm not local so went here for lunch because of the reviews. Definitely not let down, burger was delicious (hand made) beautifully seasoned, well cooked chips and had 2 lattes because I enjoyed that too. Service perfection also, like they can mind read. 😋👏

Great local pub with tasty food. Ideal for couples, families and dog friendly. Plenty of outside seating space including a children's play area.

Lovely garden for children to play in but better food can be found elsewhere. Service is a bit slow but the staff very friendly and helpful.

Excellent value Sunday roasts with 8 different vegetables (that's a big plus in my view) and generous portions of meat.A really good mix of local people when we went on a busy Sunday lunchtime - mostly seemed to be friends, and families with children - which makes for a great atmosphere.Staff were very pleasant and helpful and no issues with any of our meals.Recommended!

Went for Sunday dinner and it was overly service was fast and polite and efficient. They even e plined they were short of staff but it was perfect. *****

Worked all over Kent for years, but only came across the Redstart 2 weeks ago. Dined lunchtime on a Thursday with 4 friends. All agreed that the various choices of meals were superb. Served by a very efficient female European bar person who was readily available when required. In all, a very pleasant dining experience, we will return.

Good atmosphere, nice service. Sunday roast is so so. Potatoes are so hard, not freshly cooked, they are from fridge, impossible to eat. All 3 of us left all the potatoes. Quite disappointed!

Very good service and the food is excellent quality 👌

It’s surprising how good pub food can be. The RedStart exemplifies this.Walk inside and it looks like a standard looking sociable drinking space. Sit down, look at the specials board, you begin to realise there is something special about this place. Yes it does prepare the traditional British dishes. The RedStart goes one step further and throws in European dishes into the mix. When these dishes arrive they ooze quality. Presentation, piquant and professional. These were some of the best tasting dishes I have sampled at a pub in Kent. For 3 courses I had change from £30, unbelievable given the standard of food.European pub food at it’s best.