Maidstone has managed to hold on to more than its fair share of street corner pubs and I came across a typical old fashioned example this week.

Traffic passing the First and Last on Bower Street has been busier than usual recently due, in no small part, to yet another pesky road closure diverting drivers through the back streets.

First through the door at 4pm opening I was greeted by barmaid Emma and immediately felt welcomed.

There were a number of options available and I chose to sample two – the Timothy Taylor Landlord, which I know fairly well, was good but I decided upon a pint of Kent Brewery’s 4% golden pale ale. Obviously well kept, it was full of flavour with plenty of zest and hoppiness.

I asked Emma if she rated it but she said she’d only had one foray into the world of beer and, having shared some horror moments she asked me not to question her further about a night on Motorhead Ale.

By now we’d been joined by a true local who looked for all the world like a thin Micky Flanagan. As he sat huffing and puffing on his e-contraption he even had several of the Cockney comedian’s famous mannerisms and swept back his mop of curly, black hair at regular intervals.

Clearly cared for and well maintained I asked when the pub had last been done up but Emma said she only joined the team in September and wasn’t sure, although she said some new cushion covers had been introduced.

Micky had more knowledge and listed a variety of improvements, including a list of landlord/landlady changes right up to the current incumbents Kate and Steve. He even said his cricket club had inherited one of the pub’s old benches following a makeover.

There seemed to be a projector and a screen, which can be lowered, in front of the dartboard so I assume sporting events are shown on occasions, but generally this is a place for locals to drink and share nonsensical stories.

The dartboard is cleverly positioned in the narrowest end of the pub and I couldn’t resist picking up a set of arrows for a quick practice, even though I haven’t played for years.

Just as I thought I was improving another local walked in and his Jack Russell immediately took exception to the quality of my game, barking every time I threw – it clearly knew more about the game than me so I stepped back from the oche.

At this point a comfort break was required and I must give special mention to the gents.

These must be the narrowest toilets I’ve ever visited, but every spare inch of space is utilised and in the cubicle at the far, narrowest, end even the toilet itself has been adapted to create extra legroom. They were clean, fresh and well kept.

By the time I returned to the bar the pub’s playlist had shifted to the Weather Girls belting out Raining Men and several locals were happy to join in.

The barmaid was busying herself cleaning just about every bottle behind the bar and another couple of locals had joined the happy throng – they both ordered pints of Guinness but I must admit special admiration for Sharon who took a last minute decision to add a pint of Moretti as a chaser! And immediately after the Jack Russell owner ordered Sambucas all round.

It felt welcoming and inclusive, but there’s no doubt this is a strong locals’ haunt and everyone knows everyone else.

This sign on the door sets out the rules: “What we ask of you – no muddy boots, no children in the bar after 6pm, no vests and all dogs to be kept on their leads.”

Other signs advertised the next Sunday music club which, if you’re interested, will feature Andy White between 4pm and 6pm on February 26.

You’ll have to wait a little longer for the next pub quiz which takes place on Thursday, March 2, and costs £2 per player with all entrants encouraged to make up teams with a maximum of six quizzers – prizes will be given but were not specified on the notice.

And finally, if you are a good deal better player than me, I can inform you Steve is advertising for members in the gents, you just need to make yourself available on Wednesday evenings.

First and Last, 40 Bower Place, Maidstone ME16 8BH

Decor: A traditional street corner pub in the backstreets of Maidstone. It is comfortably furnished and well looked after with a number of homely touches. ***

Drink: There were two real options available on tap and I tried them both. I’ve enjoyed several pints of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord previously but hadn’t sampled Kent Brewery’s Pale before and was pleasantly surprised by this hoppy little golden coloured pint. ***

Price: The Landlord is £4.40 a pint, with the ‘guest pint’, Kent Brewery’s Pale, clocking in at 20p less. An Amstel would cost you £4.70 and a pint of Guinness £4.80. ***

Staff: Barmaid Emma was happy to chat, apart that is about her night with Motorhead, and worked hard behind the bar. ****

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