This inn, known by name and sigh "The Red Bull", was
built in the 15th year of Charles the second, in the year 1675.
When first built, the property was a farm dwelling, forming part
of the estate of one Thomas Kemp esq of the town of Maidstone,
who owned the land on which the house was built. He quite
probably had this constructed in order that he may install a
tenant to cultivate and farm the land. The property remained in
the hands of the Kemp family until Kemp's son, William, disposed
of it in 1697. Subsequent tenants continued to use the property
for farming specifically for the cultivation of hops.
From the beginning of the 19th century, the property was
registered to a succession of hop growers and brewers, until it
was eventually owned by one Joseph Butler and his wife in 1872.
Butler is recorded as a beer seller and in September of thhat
same year, he applied for, and was granted, a license to sell
ales and ciders from the premises. The house at this date
remained untitled other than that of a beer house run by Joseph
Butler, beer seller of Bull Lane. In 1885 he applied for and was
granted a full license for the house and in doing so registered
the house under the title of "The Red Bull".
Joseph Bulter died in 1900, whereupon his wife took over as
licensee. She retained the tenancy until she was succeeded by
John J Manser, who for some reason changed the title to the
"Bull", a name it retained for many years.
On the 20th May 1998, Emmet Hannan became your host with the
intent to create the blend of traditional hospitality twinned
with fine italian cuisine.