The Windmill, Pub and Restaurant, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent

* Please note that The Windmill pub and restaurant in Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent is under new management since our visit and posting. The Windmill in Hollingbourne is now owned and operated by The Balfour’s whose background is in producing awarding winning wines at the winery and vineyard in neighbouring Staplehurst, Maidstone, Kent. You can read more about the Balfour’s and their revised offerings at The Windmill here.

The Windmill, pub and restaurant in Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent is a beautiful country pub serving quality food and drink located in a quaint kentish village on the outskirts of Maidstone.

This beautiful village pub is cosy, with a friendly atmosphere and staff, with a manager who is passionate about the produce he serves. With a fantastic menu, and beautifully decanted wines, The Windmill in Hollingbourne is definitely worth a visit.

Although the pub mainly focuses on quality food, the restaurant layout throughout shouldn’t deter you from popping in for a drink at the bar.

Their comprehensive selection of wines, beers and spirits are worth perusing in their own right. Having said that, the beautiful scents coming from the kitchen invite you to take a seat, and place an order… which is exactly what I did on my last visit!

The Windmill serves a selection of decent local ales, fine wines and spirits, with a fantastic food menu, largely sourced from local farmers. Although I was going to order the Beef Wellington (for the launch of their Wellington Wednesday evening), it had sold out completely by the time I arrived, so decided to go for the local pheasant which was featured on the specials board at the time of my visit.

The pheasant was served medium rare, wrapped in pancetta, with carrot, parsnip, shallots and red wine jus served on a bed of mash. I also tried the pork belly too, which was also delicious. I have no hesitation recommending both should you get an opportunity to do so. Both dishes were exquisite in their own right, served with due care, diligence and impeccable attention to detail. You can take a look at The Windmill’s food menu here.

Well known for its richness, the waitress recommended the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Itynera, Abruzzo, Italy 2015 wine to accompany the pheasant. A beautifully rich, perfectly decanted deep red brought out the flavours of the pheasant perfectly! A match made in heaven; no less.

With a comprehensive range of locally sourced drinks from Kent, including local producers like Chapel Down, Hush Heath Estate and the Whitstable Brewery, top quality producers adorn the back wall, pumps and fridges behind the bar. You can take a peak at their drinks menu here.

The pub has a large beer garden and decking area, which features a full outdoor kitchen, grill and Big Green Egg BBQ.

The Windmill aims to please. With a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, informative staff and quality produce, The Windmill ticks all boxes on the hospitality front too. Whether you’re popping in for a quick drink, a lazy lunch or a quiet evening meal, rest assured, The Windmill’s got you covered.

With easy access to Leeds Castle and the A20, this pub is perfectly positioned for an escape to the country to enjoy a taste of Kent in a great English pub.

Before leaving the pub, I saw this beautiful illustration of the pub hanging on the wall. A stunning illustration of the building, as it was (and as it is now), so thought i’d take a picture so I could share it with you.