The Redstart

Head down to North Street in Barming and you'll find The Redstart doing what gastropubs should actually do — taking pub food seriously without getting precious about it. The kitchen clearly knows what it's doing, turning out the kind of dishes that make you want to linger over a pint rather than rush through. It's the sort of place where locals genuinely want to eat, not just drink, and the real ale selection means there's usually something worth trying on tap. The room itself has that comfortable, unfussy feel that works whether you're coming solo for a quiet meal or bringing a group.