The two pubs I suggest are

(1) the Ringlestone Arms near Maidstone. 20 years ago it had no electric. 40 years ago the two old biddies who ran it kept the door locked and opened it only with a shotgun to hand. If they did not like you, they peppered you!!

(2)   the Three Daws in Gravesend. In Nelson's despatches -- need to take a double pressgang because of the maze of interconnecting corridors and stairs (and, in those days, tunnels out to the river). Now restored but not plasticised, and a nice pint of Nelson's Blood. Beware of the local crims who use it - Gravesend is a bit of a time warp and there are locals who think they are Charlie Richardson. A risk worth taking.

Gravesend is also good for curry, because of a large local asian population. The most authentic food is the Curry Mecca (not good if you object to ghi). THere is also a good Thai in Manor Road, but don't go on a Friday or Saturday. Go on a night when they have no other customers and you have time for them to do things from scratch.

If you want a nice but expensive English/French restaurant try the Knowle in Higham. A nice old Rectory-style building. Ring and make sure that Pam is the chef that night. She does tend to hang her game for quite a long time so if you don't like game ripe stay off the pheasant.