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The Early Bird
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Is this restaurant a hidden gem or off-the-beaten path?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 - 22:30
Monday
12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
12:00 - 23:00
Thursday
12:00 - 23:00
Friday
12:00 - 0:00
Saturday
12:00 - 0:00
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4.4
98 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
13
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
8
Spanishpaul
Mazarron25 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
Went for lunch not knowing what to expect
After a slight delay getting a table, I was pleasantly surprised by a good varied menu and very helpful staff. We chose the sea food plater for two, which was very tasty with a good variety of shellfish. There was enough on the plate for our size appetites, but may not be sufficient for larger ones. When I'm the area again I will return.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie
Tonbridge2 contributions
Oct 2021 • solo
This is as close as I’ve been to heaven n a plate! The Early Bird never fails to make my tummy smile as well as my tastebuds. It really is the best vegan roast ever have ever tasted.
The veg is plentiful and cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crunch without being undercooked. The nut roast is full of flavour as is the gravy. The roast potato’s and Yorkshire pudding are the best vegan ones ever.
If you have not tried before then I strongly recommend as you won’t be disappointed. Even the pickiest of people I am sure would be unable to find fault.
Thank you Early Bird for never failing to serve 100% quality meals.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod T
Maidstone16 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
After having a less than perfect lunch 2 days ago at The Oak on the Green, Bearsted where our main course was forgotten & took 40 minutes to arrive, today was a completly different experience at The Early Bird!! This is a very friendly local pub/restaurant. We have eaten there many times & the service & the staff cannot be faulted. They are very efficent & friendly & also our lovely lunch was served in a timely manner. The last time we went there was 2 days before Christmas & they were extremely busy. There were 6 of us on that occasion & the service & food was just as impeccable. Maybe The Oak on the Green could learn something from The Early Bird!!
I know which pub I would recommend to friends!
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara C
13 contributions
May 2022 • family
Visited with family and friends. 4 adults and 2 children, most vegetarian.
There were a few choices for vegetarians which was nice , and when I emailed to ask about vegetarian children's dishes they were able to give me a list of things not even on the menu. It was fantastic my 6 year old had a choice of veggie nuggets, pizza, pasta, burger, and curry I think.
The pizzas were really good, and apparently the fish amd chips was amazing, it was massive! The mushroom stroganoff was sadly very bland and watery which was a shame as it looked amazing! The veggie curry was OK bit again quite watery and whilst they were both edible, we wouldn't get them again. The hallumi poke bowl was nice but very small pieces of hallumi.
Service was fantastic and we will return I'm sure.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie B
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • family
Wow what can I say! From the moment I first contacted Andrea she was wonderful, helpful and efficient. I enquired about Sunday lunch for 30 people and she was so accommodating. We were all made to feel so welcome and all our food came out piping hot, delicious and perfect! We love this place and cannot thank the staff enough for making our celebration a perfect one. Can’t wait to come again. Thank you X
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andreea0488
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and letting us know that you enjoyed your meal with us. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Andreea
Written 13 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul M
20 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Since being under new management we have visited here a couple of times. Previously everything was very good .. but tonight was the best yet! Fantastically good pea & ham soup, proper ham off the bone and lovely pea soup. Followed by Chef's Pie of the day .. wow, what a dish. Scrumptious filling of chicken bacon and red peppers in light flaky filo pastry with perfectly cooked veg & mash. And no, I'm not related !!
Great service from the young man who waited our table too.
If your over that way the food is worth the visit.
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danny B
Maidstone112 contributions
May 2020 • family
Great place to go to either meet your mates for a catch up or enjoy a meal with your family.
I've been using the early bird for many years and the current landlords are the best we've had.
The takeaway roast dinners are just as nice as the ones served in the restaurant.. and you can't beat the pizzas!
Written 17 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie
Tonbridge2 contributions
Jun 2020 • family
My daughter and I have had many vegan roast dinners from The Early Bird. To date we have not been disappointed. The veg are cooked to perfection and not mushy they have a delightful bite. The nut roast is so filling, the Yorkshire puddings and potatoes are also faultless and the gravy, well It is so tasty. If you are the kind of person to find fault with things this is one dinner you would fail to do so.
The staff are amazing, extremely helpful and friendly.
I can honestly say this is the best roast dinner ever.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire C
5 contributions
Sept 2020 • family
Just finished our takeaway lunch. 4 different dinners for 6 people including 2 kids. Empty plates and full bellies all round. Was really really lovely. The 2 kids both cleared all of the fish they had, despite large portion for kids and the fact it was proper fish!
Had my first pint in a pub since lockdown while we waited for pick up. Everything was clean. Groups were well distanced and all in all it was much more comfortable than I thought it would be. Pint tasted cold and lovely too
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne
4 contributions
May 2020 • family
We have enjoyed various take away meals whilst in lockdown. The ordering, value for money, Menu selection , portion sizes, and collection was brilliant. We can’t wait to visit again.
Thanks to all involved at the Early Bird.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie
2 contributions
May 2020 • family
The ordering, payment and collection was all very easy and very well organised. Great value for money. Portion sizes are very generous and the food was delicious. We’ll definitely be ordering again. Thankyou Early Bird Team
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crakajaxx
Maidstone95 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
We had a young lady serve us. She was really attentive & accommodating. Food was impressive. We was all very happy with our meals (there was 8 of us). I had lasagne. Some had burgers, fish & chips & another had chicken. It was all so delicious!
The place has a very light & airy feel with big windows. Very clean. Toilets are very clean with quirky wall paper, with a bird theme throughout. Would recommend to anyone. We all thoroughly enjoyed it!
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Hughes
Maidstone2 contributions
Jun 2020 • family
Can not fault any of the takeaways we have had from the Early bird whilst the Pub has been shut. Roast dinners are fantastic and great value for money. Pizzas are such a good choice too.
Great work from everyone at the Early bird as usual. Really friendly staff!!
Written 7 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa F
London10 contributions
May 2020 • family
We have been using the take away service during the current lockdown. The Sunday roasts are superb and so much food for the Cost.
We ventured for the fish cakes last week. I have never had such delicious fish cakes.
The staff are lovely. Very Friendly, professional service. Easy ordering and payment.
Looking forward to it reopening to show our support and enjoy the great food.
Lisa
Written 21 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Travels
Bearsted61 contributions
Dec 2021 • family
Can’t comment on the food. Booked a 7:30 table for Xmas Eve (by email) and got there for a nice Xmas Eve meal. They waited until we’d bought a drink before coming to the table to say “did anyone tell you we aren’t doing food this evening”. Given I’d specifically said we’d take a table in the restaurant and not the bar……..
I’m told the food is good. Will have to take that on somebody’s word. We were left to wait for 90mins to get a take away delivered to home.
Written 27 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabrielNistor
Hi Dave,
My sincere apologies that you were disappointed on Christmas Eve, this was definitely not our intention. We clearly advertised our Christmas Opening Hours both on Social Media and with Posters located throughout the Pub to let all the customers know in advance. When you booked the table with us via email, you did not specify that you were looking to eat as we would have let you know there and then that the kitchen would be closing at 5pm, as it usually does on Christmas Eve. All of the other tables that evening in the restaurant had also been booked for drinks only and we unfortunately assumed you were looking for this also. Again we apologise for the misunderstanding and hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your Festive Period. We hope this will not hinder you from visiting us in the future and hope to see you again.
Written 8 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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