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Secret Drinker reviews the Coach House pub in Maidstone formerly The Queen Anne gay bar

The last time I was in this pub I challenged a young SD apprentice to a frame on the purple baize pool table before hurriedly ushering him out when two oiled-up fellows started slobbering over each other on a makeshift stage.

I noticed the name is now the Coach House and wondered what else might have changed at this Maidstone boozer on Sittingbourne Road that was once a gay bar.

Greeted by two very friendly, hefty British Bulldogs with diamante encrusted collars, just for a second I thought I was back in the old Queen Anne.

Landlord Steve quickly marshalled his hounds and directed us to table 1 at the front of the pub and, having gone through the necessary preliminaries required these days, took our orders. Real ale on tap wasn’t available as there hasn’t been sufficient demand since coronavirus to justify stocking it. Instead he recommended, and offered me a taste of, the Shipyard IPA. This 5% American pale ale had plenty of fruity flavour and passed the test so I instructed him to pour away.

By now Bulldog #1, Stanley, had reclaimed his position in front of the attractive, and very warm, log burner whilst #2 had just about managed to hop onto a wing chair.

It changed its name to the Coach House two years ago, but the pub took on a new personality when Steve and Kate took charge just over a year ago
It changed its name to the Coach House two years ago, but the pub took on a new personality when Steve and Kate took charge just over a year ago

There was a good crowd of folks in and whilst everyone maintained the correct distance at their own tables it was really good to see plenty of discussion going on across the pub – just as it used to in the good old days.

Steve, who took over the place a year ago, was attentive and good natured with a lively sense of humour. He explained the Coach House changed its name two years ago and tried being a gastro pub for 12 months but it didn’t really work. Since he and Kate took the reins they’ve kept it simple and created a great, welcoming pubs for the locals which offers decent, well-priced pub grub.

By now Kate had joined the throng and there was some great banter exchanged with local Ringo who was in celebrating his birthday with three pals.

I’m not sure why Stanley looks so sad – doesn’t he realise he’s lucky to live in the best pub in Maidstone?
I’m not sure why Stanley looks so sad – doesn’t he realise he’s lucky to live in the best pub in Maidstone?
As you walk into the pub the area to the right is set aside for pool and darts. There is also a screen (which was off) and a fruit machine (which wasn’t used while we were in).
As you walk into the pub the area to the right is set aside for pool and darts. There is also a screen (which was off) and a fruit machine (which wasn’t used while we were in).

At this point I, and a number of others, experienced a strange rumbling through our lower regions which left us thinking that either a helicopter was flying low or a hefty juggernaut was passing. Kate displayed a wry smile before admitting she’d just put her washing machine, situated directly above the bar on the first floor, on a spin cycle and had forgotten how powerful it was.

This information led to two further topics of conversation – the one I can repeat here relates to the day the new darts team was in and the bath over-ran. I’m sure the other claims about Kate and her spin cycle weren’t true anyway!

There were three large dog bowls at the back of the pub and the customers’ hounds are clearly just as welcome as the resident ones.

There has been a good deal of effort put into creating an effective covered shelter in the patio area – not surprising it’s mainly used by smokers
There has been a good deal of effort put into creating an effective covered shelter in the patio area – not surprising it’s mainly used by smokers
Bulldog #2, I didn’t catch the name, made a beeline for the wing chair, it’s clearly his favourite spot
Bulldog #2, I didn’t catch the name, made a beeline for the wing chair, it’s clearly his favourite spot

A black Cockapoo called Rufus was in and was very well behaved, though he took some persuading to sit when the fish and chips were delivered. It was obviously fish and chip Friday and the meals looked good.

The waitress, I think her name was Em, was also very upbeat and cheery as she went about the business of delivering meals and drinks in her jazzy arm furniture.

To keep ‘Concrete Kent’ happy I can report both the gents and ladies’ toilets were clean, fresh and well maintained. Although I’m not sure why the doors were wedged open? Still being able to listen to conversations in the pub while you pee is a little strange.

The doors on both the gents and ladies’ toilets were wedged open for some reason. It’s a little strange to be taking a pee and yet still be able to hear conversations in the pub.
The doors on both the gents and ladies’ toilets were wedged open for some reason. It’s a little strange to be taking a pee and yet still be able to hear conversations in the pub.
In line with current recommendations, there is a one-way system operating from the pub to the garden patio area, with a separate entrance and exit
In line with current recommendations, there is a one-way system operating from the pub to the garden patio area, with a separate entrance and exit

I took the opportunity of visiting the facilities to follow the one-way system and take a look at the garden patio area outside which is also impressive.

Back in the pub, the conversation had switched from vibrating washers to Scalextric as one of Ringo’s presents was a new rally car.

The incredibly friendly, upbeat and welcoming atmosphere continued for the rest of our visit and we were truly disappointed when it came time to leave.

After a full-on greeting Stanley returned to his position in front of the log burner and resumed his very chilled approach to life
After a full-on greeting Stanley returned to his position in front of the log burner and resumed his very chilled approach to life
There are plenty of tables outside at the back and it’s well-lit in the evening
There are plenty of tables outside at the back and it’s well-lit in the evening

It’s not surprising this pub has such a loyal band of locals, but it also fair to say visitors receive an equally warm welcome – Steve is as keen to encourage newcomers to drink just as much as he is his locals!

To conclude, all I can say is that I desperately wish the Coach House could be my local pub – the only problem is I’d never be out the place.

I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such a great transformation to a pub, this is the best boozer for miles around.

The Coach House, formally the Queen Anne, is on Sittingbourne Road - a five minute walk from the town centre
The Coach House, formally the Queen Anne, is on Sittingbourne Road - a five minute walk from the town centre

Coach House – 11 Queen Anne Road, Maidstone ME14 1HA

Decor: The pub has everything you’d expect from a good local in town and, without being over-trendy is full of character. I liked the outside area too. ****

Drink: There wasn’t a huge amount of choice but landlord Steve was right about the Shipyard IPA, it’s a very decent pint. ****

Price: The Shipyard was £4 a pint and a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc just £1 more – good value. ****

Atmosphere: By far the most enjoyable time I’ve spent in a pub since the horrible ‘C word’ inflicted itself upon us all. Absolutely brilliant. *****

Staff: Perfect hosts, you will not find more pleasant, more professional or more welcoming landlords or landladies than Steve and Kate. Waitress ‘Em’ was lovely too. *****

The entrance porch, like the rest of the pub, has been redecorated in lighter colours and is now much brighter and more airy
The entrance porch, like the rest of the pub, has been redecorated in lighter colours and is now much brighter and more airy

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The Shipyard IPA is every bit as good as BrewDog but is a good deal cheaper. It also seemed to produce a creamier head.
The Shipyard IPA is every bit as good as BrewDog but is a good deal cheaper. It also seemed to produce a creamier head.
The name change is writ largest on the back of the pub
The name change is writ largest on the back of the pub
There can’t be too many pubs left which still have ashtrays in place between the urinals
There can’t be too many pubs left which still have ashtrays in place between the urinals
The sign outside the Coach House says it all
The sign outside the Coach House says it all
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