
The Wishful Thinker
A charming rural restaurant offering outstanding food and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for celebrations or a relaxed meal.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Wishful Thinker

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming rural restaurant offering outstanding food and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for celebrations or a relaxed meal.
"The food was completely outstanding and have been prepared by a very talented chef."
Book for Special Occasions
Consider booking in advance for special occasions to enjoy personalized touches like birthday treats.
Avoid Peak Noise Indoors
Visit during off-peak hours or opt for outdoor seating to avoid potential noise indoors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pub, Restaurant
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1622 232272
Address
Lenham Heath Rd, Maidstone, ME17 2HY, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outstanding Culinary Creations
Talented chefs craft unforgettable dishes, receiving rave reviews for their quality and unique offerings.

Exceptional Service with a Smile
Attentive and friendly staff, like Agnieszka and Julie, ensure a welcoming atmosphere and memorable dining experience.

Charming Rural Ambiance
Nestled in a charming rural location, the restaurant boasts a spacious garden and a beautifully designed interior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book for Special Occasions
Consider booking in advance for special occasions to enjoy personalized touches like birthday treats.
Avoid Peak Noise Indoors
Visit during off-peak hours or opt for outdoor seating to avoid potential noise indoors.
Enjoy Outdoor Seating
Try outdoor seating for a more relaxed dining experience in their spacious garden area.
Explore Local Walks
Explore the local area after your meal with nearby walking trails for a complete day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book for Special Occasions
Consider booking in advance for special occasions to enjoy personalized touches like birthday treats.
Avoid Peak Noise Indoors
Visit during off-peak hours or opt for outdoor seating to avoid potential noise indoors.
Enjoy Outdoor Seating
Try outdoor seating for a more relaxed dining experience in their spacious garden area.
Explore Local Walks
Explore the local area after your meal with nearby walking trails for a complete day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Wishful Thinker is praised for its outstanding food and exceptional service, with staff like Agnieszka and Julie frequently highlighted for their attentiveness and friendliness. Diners love the charming rural setting and spacious garden, though some note that the interior can be quite noisy during peak hours. While the food quality is consistently high, a few reviewers found certain dishes to be slightly overpriced for the portion size.
"My partner n I had a brilliant time. Agnieszka, looked after us and was absolutely lovely. Everybody there was so so attentive. The food was completely outstanding and have been prepared my very talented chef.
We’ve added the bill because we had large roast meals lovely pudding and two drinks and two coffees. We can only say that the overall cost was completely anatomy, deserved. It included a 12 1/2% tip to the waitress and waitresses which is lovely thing to do . If you’re thinking of going to The Wishful Thinker, “go“ !!"
Driverless Bus
"Pub large with good garden space . Inside is open plan so very noisy. Food good. We ordered 2 pizza for grandkids on adult menu. Pepperoni and Margareta . 2 Margareta came instead. Not what we ordered. 12.5 percent service charge (discretionary) but the staff were pleasant so we paid it.
Overall not a bad place to have a meal. If you want a quite environment then look elsewhere.
Pizza 13 pounds . Good adult size. We wouldn't go back due to the noise. Sometimes difficult to hear conversation. Car park ample . Garden has wooden benches but there is an outside patio area building side with comfy seats."
JOHN MCMANUS
"This restaurant is in a rural location. The building itself has been generously extended and sympathetically designed to blend in with other buildings in the local area. The main restaurant seating was in a lower area accessed by a number of steps. There was also outside seating, a children's play area, and a large overflow car park. The toilets were top-class.
We had a family gathering and due to time constraints opted for brunch.
I do not normally mention staff, but I will suggest our server name, with a few letters ladra. In our opinion, he was one of the best restaurant staff we had encountered for a long time. He was professional, funny, cautious, and a great asset to the business, obviously enjoying his role.
The food was of good quality, well-presented but we felt was overpriced for what you were served, table service was well timed, service charge was added to the bill. Our coffee was not very hot but Was promptly changed.
We enjoyed our meal and the pleasant surroundings. After our fill, we selected a 2/3 mile walk in the local area."
Fred Gogle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, The Wishful Thinker is ideal for special occasions, with staff often providing complimentary Prosecco and birthday treats.
Absolutely, The Wishful Thinker is highly recommended for its consistent quality Sunday lunches.
The interior can be very noisy, especially during peak times. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or dining in the garden.
Dishes like the meatballs and steaks receive high praise, and pizzas are also popular.
Yes, it features a spacious garden with ample seating, offering a more relaxed dining experience.
The menu does offer vegan options, and TripAdvisor mentions a 'large menu' which suggests variety.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit