MARKET HOUSE Pub of Maidstone

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Maidstone, April, 2024.

Page Updated Maidstone:- Saturday, 13 April, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1861

(Name from)

Market House

Open 2023+

30 (14 in 1871) Earl Street

Maidstone

01622 751286

https://www.markethouse.pub/

https://whatpub.com/market-house

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo date unknown.

Licensees Geoff & Edna Fletcher on their first day at the pub, circa 1950s.

Above photo 2018.

Above photo 2019.

Above sign left, May 1991.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above sign right, 2020, kindly taken and sent by Roger Pester.

Changed name officially from the "Coal Barge" in 1863 and to "Earl's Public House" in the late 1990s. This then became the "Market House" again having been bought by Shepherd Neame from Enterprise Inns in June 2016.

Kentish Gazette, 23 April 1850.

An inquest was yesterday se’nnigbt held at the "Market House Inn," Earl-street, before the Mayor, C. Scudamore, Esq., deputy coroner of the borough, and a respectable jury of which Mr. John Tyler was the foreman, to inquire into the circumstances touching the death of John Saunders Haslam, aged about 33 years, attorney’s clerk, who was found dead in his bed on the previous Saturday morning. Mr. Morgan, solicitor, in whose employ the deceased had recently been, was present during the proceedings.

South Eastern Gazette, 4 April, 1860.

DEATH.

On the 30th ult., at the "Market House Inn," Earl-street, Maidstone, after a long illness, Jane, wife of Mr. James Bushnell, aged 34.

From the Maidstone Telegraph, Rochester and Chatham Gazette, 25 May 1861.

Benefit Societies.

The members of the Working Men's Friendly Society held their festival at the "Market House," when a good and substantial dinner was provided by the host, Mr. James Bushnell. The funds of the society, which only numbers 49 members, are in a flourishing condition, having a balance in hand of £96 - thanks for their indefatigable secretary, Mr. Marton, who has exerted himself greatly on this Society's behalf.

The members of the Young Friendly Society dined together at the "Union Flag," Union Street, Mr. Edward Bonner providing (as "Poor Ned" always does) an excellent dinner. The report of the society shows, after liquidating all debts, a balance in hand of £113 and upwards.

The oldest society in the town, the Old Jolly Waterman club, as it is called, did not hold their usual anniversary. This club musters nearly 400 members, and has an excellent stock. During the past year these several societies have expended very large sums of money in sick payments, but notwithstanding this we are glad to learn they are all in a flourishing state.

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 1 May 2018.

Inside the Market House pub in Maidstone after its stunning £900k transformation by Shepherd Neame.

It has been closed since January while it was comprehensively re-modelled inside and out and reopened to eager punters to on Friday (May 27).

Inside, the pub’s ground floor bar area has been opened up to create more space for customers, the stairs have been moved and a former storage area has been converted into a kitchen.

The new roof terrace at the Market House.

Also on the first floor, a new function room has been created that can accommodate up to 30 people. It boasts its own bar and separate entrance to the pub’s new roof terrace.

In addition to the structural improvements, the pub has undergone a full internal and external redecoration, incorporating stylish new furniture and décor combining contemporary influences while also drawing upon the pub’s history.

A delicious new food menu has been introduced, with ingredients sourced locally wherever possible, including fruit and vegetables from Maidstone’s RJ Kingsland & Son, seafood from Chapman’s of Sevenoaks, and meat from Joseph & Henry in Ramsgate.

All dishes are cooked from scratch, with an emphasis on fresh, healthy choices including Spinach Tortilla Wraps and Superfood Salads, along with more traditional favourites such as the Smithfield Burger and open sandwiches.

Customers can also choose from a selection of Small Plates, perfect for a light snack or to share over lunch. For early risers, breakfast is now available every weekend from 9am to noon, offering on-trend dishes such as Avocado Toast and Baked Spicy Beans and Eggs, along with a range of delicious smoothies.

The drinks offer has also been refreshed, with an extensive range of beer and cider on draught and in bottle, along with a choice selection of premium wines and spirits, and cocktails. A new coffee station has also been installed serving freshly ground Fairtrade organic Grumpy Mule coffee, available to take away, along with a full hot drinks menu and selection of cakes.

As "Earls," the pub was renowned for great live music, and performances will continue at the Market House from 9.30pm every Friday and Saturday, and late afternoon every other Sunday.

Lou Davies has been appointed as the pub’s new General Manager, and has overseen the recruitment of 17 new full and part-time staff.

Lou, who has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the fantastic feedback we have received since opening the doors to the new Market House.

“The pub looks absolutely fantastic, and we have a great team in place, working hard to ensure that the Market House fulfils its incredible potential.”

Director of retail and tenanted operations Nigel Bunting said: “We are delighted with the results of this major investment. Our objective was to retain the pub’s historic character and atmosphere while creating an exciting environment in which to drink and dine.

“We are confident that with its expanded facilities and stylish new look, the Market House will prove a popular destination in Kent’s County Town.”

The Market House is open from 11am, Monday to Sunday, with food served from 12 noon to 8pm every day.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Luke May, 20 June 2019.

The Market House in Maidstone wins Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year.

A popular pub has won top honours at an annual awards ceremony this week.

The Market House in Maidstone was crowned Pub of the Year by brewery Shepherd Neame on Wednesday, beating competition from other pubs owned by the beer maker across the country.

The historic pub reopened in May 2018 after a £900,000 refurb, returning with food, drink and live music performances.

The Market House has won Pub of the Year at the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards.

Manager Lou Davies said “It has been a fantastic first year and we are absolutely delighted to win this award.

"We are lucky to have an amazing team of dedicated, talented staff, and it is great to have their efforts recognised in this way.

"When we opened, our aim was to carve a unique niche by marrying fantastic drinks, food and entertainment with the best service, and we are really proud of what we have achieved.”