Brenchley, Maidstone

Designed in a Neo-Georgian style by Frederick Charles Palmer for the Kentish Bank (later absorbed by NatWest) and built in around 1927 on the site of a former bank owned by Brenchley and Co. This Grade II building was converted to a pub in November 2013 preserving many of the original features. The splendid architecture of this building has been restored, revealing huge oak columns and wooden panelling. Modern lighting also shows off the large central glass dome. There is plenty of space within and a very high ceiling. A small Oval Room towards the rear also has a dome. At the rear, accessed via a staircase, is a large covered and heated drinking and smoking area with a separate bar. Accessed externally by a door to the right is the upstairs Harry's Bar that is available with music playing until late on Friday and Saturday evenings. An extensive menu is available all day and six real ale handpumps sit on the long bar. The very large safe remains in situ below the trading floor.