The Kings Arms — Restaurant in Maidstone

So very disappointed in attitude of serving staff! After spilling the entire contents of a hot coffee all over my husband, table and chair, including his phone and wallet that were on the table, he got asked do you want another one?! I dried off the phone, wallet and checked he wasn’t scalded whilst they mopped up. At least the female server had the decency to ask if he was ok! But no real apology received. His shorts and shirt were splattered with coffee and he dried off his legs and arms with napkins from neighbouring tables. We got the bill in entirety so I questioned this and received a rather sarcastic response in ‘well we can take the coffee off the bill if you want ‘. Whereas I didn’t expect a free meal as we had eaten and enjoyed our food I expected an acknowledgement of the fact we were leaving with coffee stained clothing and our evening had come to a disappointing and abrupt end. We have frequented the Kings Arms on numerous occasions as a couple and as a family and consider ourselves to be good customers we have spent a fair bit of money there and have always enjoyed our experiences to the point we were planning my husband’s 70th birthday meal there. I have to say though the complete lack of customer care tonight has made me rethink returning there...

Such a lovely place to go to. I went here for dinner on the Friday and Saturday with family whom I was visiting. It was our first time, and we had been recommended by a local bnb.

Wasn't disappointed, the food was so delicious. The duck was a definite winner.

The service was lovely for most parts, with waiters being very friendly (thank you so much) their a credit to the restaurant.

I returned on Sunday for some Sunday dinner with myself and my daughter, and the food was again delicious.

The waitress was lovely and so friendly. Made us feel so comfortable considering we were not locals.

However, the bar man was rude and obnoxious. I had been waiting for my daughter to come back from the toilet (before I paid my bill) which I had previously done at the table but for some reason this wasn't possible this time. As I waited, the bar man made a snidey comment about the bill not being paid to a customer sat drinking who he had been talking to the whole time I'd been standing there awkwardly. Rather then speaking to me directly I found the bar man to be very unprofessional (4th August).

Otherwise, I enjoyed the food and also meeting the owner or manager on Saturday who greeted us so nicely. We will most certainly visit again to try some more of the...

NOT DOG FRIENDLY!!

We recently visited The Kings Arms after planning a countryside walk in the area, specifically because it is described as “dog friendly.” Unfortunately, we were denied entry because our dog was wet. While we understand the need to maintain cleanliness and standards, the situation was particularly disappointing given the stormy weather conditions that day, which also left us soaked through.

As outdoor enthusiasts, we chose this pub with the expectation that it would accommodate those who embrace nature—dogs and all—regardless of the weather. Being turned away felt at odds with the “dog-friendly” reputation advertised.

The refusal not only disrupted our plans but also left us feeling unwelcome after what should have been a warm, hospitable experience. It’s worth noting that many pubs in similar rural settings find ways to accommodate walkers and their pets, wet or dry, which is part of what makes them special.

While the pub may have valid reasons for their policy, we would encourage clearer communication about this limitation for visitors planning their trip. Regrettably, our experience means we’re unlikely to return or recommend it to...