FOOD + DRINK
THE MARKET HOUSE
SITUATED WITHIN THE BUSTLING STREETS OF MAIDSTONE TOWN CENTRE STANDS THE MARKET HOUSE . PROMISING HOME-COOKED PUB GRUB WITH A DIFFERENCE , THIS MUCH-LOVED TOWN FAVOURITE BOASTS AN INVITING SPOT TO MEET WITH LOVED ONES , ENJOY GREAT FOOD AND ECLECTIC TIPPLES , AND DELIGHT IN THE QUAINT ENGLISH PUB ATMOSPHERE ; PURE BLISS . BY MIA CHAPMAN
Part of the esteemed Shepherd Neame group , which has flown the flag for brewing for decades and champions holding on to the heritage and all that is loved about county pubs , The Market House prides itself on its central location and providing the perfect setting to relax , celebrate , toast , host , or simply enjoy a bite to eat .
In need of refuelling after a team building excursion , my insideKENT colleagues and I were ecstatic to escape the crisp spring air and into the warm , stylish pub to test out the exciting menu and it certainly did not disappoint .
Following on from an incredibly warm greeting , we were all struck with the welcoming and easygoing atmosphere of our surroundings , and once supplied with our drinks of choice , joyfully soaked up an opportunity to unwind .
Ticking all the boxes for our hungry party , the thoughtfully curated menu made up of tempting tapas dishes bursting with spices alongside hearty classics we know and love expertly caters to all tastes ; each dish freshly cooked and showcasing fantastic locally sourced ingredients full of rich flavour .
Eager to test out the unique and elevated ‘ Bar Snacks ’, which are ideal for sharing , we began with a selection of the tapas-style small plates . Roasted padrón peppers complete with garlic aioli , loaded halloumi fries generously layered with harissa mayonnaise , pomegranate and black olives and , a favourite amongst us all , hummus with braised fennel , pickled onions and basil oil that paired gorgeously with warm pitta bread ; the perfect lead-in for the mains that followed shortly .
As a team of individual tastes , each with our own ideas of what constitutes a dream meal , the varied but carefully selected and executed dishes were an all-round hit . After much deliberation , I settled on ‘ Our Butcher ’ s Sausages ’, which , when paired with Lyonnaise new potatoes , buttered fine fine green beans and topped with red wine gravy and crispy sage leaves , were a superb balance of tasty flavours showcasing the use of great produce .
We also sampled the fabulously presented grilled chicken , vegetable and pineapple skewer served with loaded fries and firecracker sauce , a must-try for your visit , and of course we had to test out the classic beef burger complete with dressings including Kentish tomato chutney , which certainly received a seal of approval from us burger fanatics . Spice-lover and account manager Alex excitedly tucked in to the global influenced Aztec Dog - a smoky hot dog filled with beef chilli con carne and jalapeňo slaw , finished with crispy onions , tandoori ketchup and American mustard - utterly drool-worthy and a perfect example of the pub ’ s innovative addition of intriguing new flavours .
Whether you are looking for a place to escape to after a busy day for a fulfilling meal , or a spot to meet with friends for a cocktail or local ale and some great live entertainment , The Market House awaits you .
The Market House 30 Earl Street Maidstone ME14 1PS
www . markethouse . pub www . insidekent . co . uk • 109