The Royal Paper Mill

You'll find yourself on Tovil Hill heading towards what feels like proper Maidstone—away from the town centre bustle. The Royal Paper Mill has that lived-in feel of a pub that knows exactly what it is: a place where regulars nurse their pints and newcomers are welcomed without fuss. The bar's the heart of things, and you're likely to strike up a conversation whether you're after a quiet evening or something with more energy. It's the kind of spot where locals actually spend their evenings, not somewhere you're shepherded through for Instagram purposes.