The Yew Tree, Kent — Restaurant in Maidstone

Booked the day before and arrived a little early, third member of our party arrived on time and we were shown to our table. Young waitress apologised that the order taking would be a little delayed as she had another order to take. When we ordered I asked for the pigeon as my starter and the triple roast as my main. I specifically asked for no gravy, no pork and asked if the beef was rare, I was assured that it as. The starter was nice, one small slice of the pigeon was a little chewy the rest delicious, before the mains were served the complimentary cauliflower cheese arrived about 2-3 minutes before them strangely. Mine arrived coated in gravy so was sent back. The replacement was very overcooked beef very fatty lamb and potatoes with residual gravy on. The waitress who took our original order came over and was very appologetic about the first mistake, when I failed to eat the new plate she asked if there was a problem, I listed the above so she went to get the “senior” who had an astonishing approach. Firstly she totally denied that I had asked for no gravy until she went away and came back having learned she was wrong. Was that the end of it, oh no I got a patronising lecture about presentation and reheating the meat, oddly enough as you see from my reviews, this isn’t exactly my first meal experience. I asked specifically if I could have very rare beef (still moo’ing) one of our group has worked in one of the worlds top hotels I have eaten at an astonishing number of restaurants in the past few years (totalling 36 Michelin stars, I suggest I have some experience in gastronomy too. I found the only saving grace being not charged (quite rightly) for my course. To the Inn’s credit my fellow diners enjoyed theirs. My dessert was a Strawberry Eton mess, the kindest thing I can say is, a nice collection of ultra sweet cream with the occasional additive if you could find them The music was too quiet and mainly 60’s and 70’s from what I could hear. I guess the theme was continued in the gents with its bottle of Brut, Old Spice and a tub of Brylcream. Toilet reasonably clean.

Astonishing attitude from manager/owner I came for a nice meal as indicated by the Inn’s current rating not an ill informed series of arguements or “education”. Customer service skills missing, apologise don’t argue please.

Unsurprisingly won’t be returning.

The owners response was to post abuse allegedly said by others about me to fail to address calling me a liar about the gravy and the abysmal quality of the lamb. She seeks to deflect from the review by posting inaccurate comments about us. Sadly she deleted my facebook review but my 980th review on trip advisor stands. I have reviewed from cafes to Michelin. Stars and the review is always fair and takes into account the...

Phoned and booked a table for 5 people, at the time of booking I was asked whether this was all adults. I advised this was 3 adults and 2 children, however with one of the children being 15 and eating like a grown man that it was really just 1 child who was 6. On the day of our booking I received a call about 5 hours before to confirm the booking and to advise they were running on a reduced menu. This was a little disappointing but we appreciated the fact that a phone call was made in advance as a pre warning. When we arrived, the place was almost empty and was a very dull vibe. The menu was very limited as expected from the phone call but also with 1 of the main courses also being unavailable. We asked for a children's menu for our 6 year old to be told they dont have a kids menu!!! And that 'normally' they are predominantly over 18's. I queried this and asked why I was not advised at the time of booking especially given the fact that I was specifically asked whether the booking was for all adults, only to be told that it 'does say on our website!!!'. Given the fact we booked this through a recommendation, we didn't feel the need to check the website so seems a bit of a stupid response. I then asked whether they offer children's size/small portions of the mains on offer and this was another blunt no!!! There was such a lack of care or service from the staff and the lady who I assume is the manager/owner. She come across as very rude and certainly no ethos of the customer is always right!!!! Needless to say, we called around and managed to get a table at The Swan in West Malling instead so swiftly left!! I would not recommend the Yew Tree solely on their poor attitude and lack of customer care and service. The Swan on the other hand was world apart and I we will be certain to go...

Came here with family for my parents anniversary after reading some reviews as my mum is notoriously hard to please when it comes to restaurants. She's always finds something to complain about. 3 different roasts were ordered, lamb, rib of beef and the mixed roast which had all 3 meats. One had the sea bass, and another had a starter but brought out with the mains. First off, the size of the roasts are massive. Normally at a restaurant you'll be given a small amount of meat, usually 2 or 3 thin slices. Here at least half of the plate is meat. All meats were thick, tender, mouthwatering cuts. The gravy was lovely and thick and tasted beautiful, didn't even need extra gravy. 2 large roasted potatoes which were nice and fluffy, none of your frozen spuds here. 1 large yorkie pud, light and crisp. Broccoli and carrots cooked to perfection (I imagine different veg at different seasons?). To top it all of a big dish of cauliflower cheese was placed onto the table to share. I cannot fault any of the dishes that were brought out. Even my mum loved every bit of it and was upset she was unable to finish it all. I am told the sea bass was good too but I didn't manage to try any as it was gone very quickly.

Dessert choices were good and large in portion.

Customer service was great and very attentive. Quick to clear up and very polite.

Great choice of beer available but I was driving so couldn't review all of them for this post.

I would like to thank all of the staff for such a wonderful dinner.

I would say it is best to book in early to avoid...