Bar & grill · Maidstone
Tucked onto the Maidstone high street and easy to miss, this place turns out to be an unexpectedly good bet with children in tow. There's indoor soft play, so someone can burn off energy while you finish a plate, plus high chairs, buggy access and tables outside when the weather holds. Food arrives quickly and the team are attentive and unhurried — one family found them careful and thorough about a nut allergy, which counts for a lot. The meat platter is genuinely enormous, enough for three or four adults, and the fillet steak gets rapturous praise; there's a Mediterranean lean to the menu and good chicken wings too. Prices are fair for the portion sizes. It's prettily decorated with music playing, which does mean a lively rather than hushed room — no bad thing when your toddler is the loud one.
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
Maidstone steakhouse with indoor soft play, a kids' menu, high chairs and step-free access — lively, and worth booking ahead.
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