Pub of the Week: The Oak on the Green, Bearsted

In one of the prettiest locations in Kent you’ll find The Oak on the Green, at Bearsted near Maidstone.

Records show that the pub has been here since at least 1665, when it was known as the Oake Inn. Local archives also show that Christopher Longley, a local merchant, paid £200 to acquire the business.

At one time the part of today’s building that houses the kitchen was used as a holding jail for those waiting to appear at a nearby courtroom.

Customers over the years have included local residents Baroness Orczy, creator of The Scarlet Pimpernel, and legendary Kent spin bowler Alfred Percy ‘Tich’ Freeman. The pub, which is dog friendly in both the bar and patio areas, retains strong links with the local cricket team, who play on the green opposite.

The pub is renowned for using largely local produce throughout its extensive menu. Food is served Monday to Thursday from 12 noon to 9.30pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 noon until 10pm, and on Sunday from 12 noon to 9.30pm. Booking is recommended at busy times.

The menu includes starters such as Scottish scallops, a sharing platter of antipasti, goats cheese salad and vegan nachos.

Among the main courses are a selection of burgers, dry-aged steaks, slow cooked belly of pork, fajitas and chicken enchiladas.

In addition to the extensive food menu, the pub offers an extensive range of ales and lagers. These include Spitfire Lager, Whitstable Bay Blonde, Curious Brew Lager, San Miguel and Kronenbourg 1664. Ales include Spitfire Gold, Harvey’s Best Bitter and a changing guest beer. Also available are Guinness Extra Cold and Orchard View Cider.

There is also a wide range of spirits and an extensive wine list.

For more information call 01622 737979 of visit the pub’s website.