Events at The Source Cafe Bar, Maidstone

About The Source Bar / Cafe Bar

The Source Bar (often just called “The Source”) is a long-running nightclub and music venue in Maidstone town centre, Kent. It opened in summer 1999 and quickly became “an overnight success” on the local dance scene (www.skiddle.com) (wanderlog.com). Tucked away in the pedestrianised Rose Yard (off High Street/Earl Street), this two-storey venue is known as “Kent’s finest music emporium” (www.skiddle.com). It specialises in underground dance music (house, techno, drum & bass, etc.) as well as R&B and hip-hop nights, and even big sports screenings. The venue’s roster of famous DJs is unrivalled locally – for example Pete Tong broadcast live from The Source on Radio 1, and top producers like Nic Fanciulli and Mark Knight began their careers spinning here (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). International acts and legends (Carl Cox said it was “one of his best gigs”) have played here, making The Source a minor UK club legend (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) (wanderlog.com). With a capacity of roughly 500–600 people (24-hour licence up to ~600) (www.kentonline.co.uk), it’s Maidstone’s only late-night venue dedicated to quality music. The Source outlasts many pubs and clubs, and it even doubled as a local World Cup hangout (cheering on England at Euro 2021 and 2022) (www.kentonline.co.uk) (www.kentonline.co.uk). In short, this hidden dancebar is special for its cutting-edge vibe, history of top DJs, and loyal local following.

Events and Programming

The Source is primarily a nightlife club with a busy events calendar on weekends. It typically opens Friday and Saturday nights (door around 10pm) for its own club brand and guest DJ shows (thesourcebar.co.uk) (thesourcebar.co.uk). Regular residents play genres from deep house and techno to UK garage and bassline. There are also themed midweek nights and one-off parties (for example R&B/hip-hop “Raunch” nights or “Bass Nation” garage events), as well as occasional live shows by local bands. In peak season you’ll find dance legends on the deck – past highlights include sets by Carl Cox, Zane Lowe, Deadmau5, Fatboy Slim, and Chase & Status (www.skiddle.com) (www.ents24.com). Even outside DJ nights, the venue can host pop-up events: e.g. street-party barbecues, or sports screenings on big screens. During major tournaments (e.g. Euro 2020, World Cup 2022) hundreds of fans packed The Source to watch England matches (www.kentonline.co.uk) (www.kentonline.co.uk). In recent years the club has also opened for private and community events (licensed for up to 600 inside, 1,300 outdoors) (www.kentonline.co.uk).

Tickets and Booking

For most club nights and events, The Source operates on a ticketed or on-the-door basis. Advance tickets (often free or cheap early-bird offers) can be booked via the venue’s events announcements. In practice, it’s “never too late to get a ticket on the night” (thesourcebar.co.uk) – you can queue at the door or buy entry until the last admission (typically around 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays) (thesourcebar.co.uk). The Source explicitly notes that last entry is 1 am on both Friday and Saturday nights (thesourcebar.co.uk). Photo ID is mandatory: even free entry passes must match the bearer’s name on ID (thesourcebar.co.uk). Ticket prices vary – many nights have a low cover (often free entry or a low fee until midnight), rising to about £5–£10 after midnight for peak periods and special guest DJs. There are no traditional box-office windows: most tickets are sold online via the venue’s channels or on-site. For very popular headliners (big-name DJs), buying in advance is wise, as events can sell out. Box-office resales or unofficial ticket sites are not advised – only trusted sellers. If planning to attend, check local listings or contact the venue for announcements.

Seating and Layout

The Source lounges in an L-shaped, two-floor space with mostly standing room. The ground floor is the large dance club and main bar area. It has two separate dance floors: a front floor leading into the large main bar (with four service counters) (www.kentonline.co.uk), and a rear dancefloor/cocktail bar area behind it (www.kentonline.co.uk). Out the back is a small covered courtyard with additional standing and an outdoor DJ booth. The ground floor also houses the ladies’ and gents’ toilets, with an extra disabled-access toilet available there (www.kentonline.co.uk). The ground floor generally holds the main crowd and has the big sound system and light rig (so omnipresent noise/bass – avoid standing right by the speakers if you want moderate volume!).

The first floor is a mezzanine lounge and club room. Upstairs features a second bar and a more relaxed seating/lounge area, plus a balcony overlooking the ground floor. One section is a general chill-out lounge (sometimes called the “Spirit Lounge”), while another section is an elevated dance area. Both have their own bars. There are also balcony smoking terraces on this level (www.kentonline.co.uk). The first floor does not usually stand to full capacity (it’s cozier), but it provides a good view down onto the main floor and DJ. There are no dedicated VIP boxes or reserved seating: most space is open plan. In short, all areas are general admission – front and centre on the dancefloor gives the most immersive DJ experience, while the upstairs bar/lounge and balcony offer slightly quieter viewing spots. Visitors often use the bar stools or benches in the cocktail area to sit sparingly, but expect to stand and dance on the main floors.

Getting There and Parking

• Address: The Source is at 4–6 Rose Yard, Maidstone, ME14 1HN. Rose Yard is a pedestrian alley half way between High Street and Earl Street, off Queensway near the town centre.
• By Car: There is no on-site parking at Rose Yard (kentdjacademy.com). The nearest pay car parks are the King Street multi-storey (the former House of Fraser car park) or the Fremlin Walk multi-storey in the pedestrian mall, both a short walk (5–10 minutes) south of Rose Yard. After parking, head on foot up Earl Street and turn right into Rose Yard just past the Wagamama restaurant (kentdjacademy.com). (Note: the narrow Rose Yard alley is foot traffic only, so you must park off-site and walk in.)
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis can drop you right at either end of Rose Yard (kentdjacademy.com). The High Street (Northern) end of Rose Yard is near Wagamama and Queensway; the southern end meets Earl Street by the Bentlif Theatre. This is the easiest drop-off point in vehicles (note you cannot drive down Rose Yard itself).
• By Train: Maidstone is served by three stations: Maidstone East (on the main line to London), Maidstone West (on the Medway Valley line), and Maidstone Barracks (Sheerness line). Of these, East is closest (about a 5–10 minute walk north on Earl Street). Maidstone West and Barracks are slightly farther (around 10–15 minutes on foot). All stations are within 1 mile, but East is most convenient for a short walk (kentdjacademy.com).
• By Bus: Several town bus routes stop near The Source. Good stops are on the High Street at the Rose Yard entrance or on Earl Street at Week Street – both are a minute’s walk from the club. (In fact, buses “stop right outside the High Street entrance for Rose Yard” (kentdjacademy.com).) The main Bus Station (near Friars) is about a 5-minute walk north, and Wilko/Tesco bus loops to the south can also drop outside the Rose Tavern on Week Street.
• Walking: If you’re staying in town, just head for High Street (the shopping street) and look for the narrow Rose Yard alley near Wagamama. The venue’s What3Words address (///drops.other.plans) is often given for precise direction. Walking through the pedestrianized mall (Fremlin Walk) also leads close to Princes Street and Earl Street, which run into Rose Yard. (kentdjacademy.com)

Inside the Venue

• Entry & Security: On arrival, you’ll queue at the entrance to Rose Yard. There will be a door host checking tickets/passes and scanning IDs. Everyone must present a valid photo ID (passport, driver’s licence or similar) – no ID, no entry (www.ticketfairy.com). Under-18s are not admitted (strict 18+ policy). Expect a quick frisk or bag check for security. Tickets/pass list may be checked by handheld scanner.
• Atmosphere: The Source has a dark, clubby vibe with flashing lights, lasers, and heavy music. Music can be very loud throughout – often chart or house tracks in main areas. The crowd is typically young (20s–30s, urban clubbers). The main floor is packed dancing, while the upstairs lounge stays slightly calmer. Sound carries everywhere, so bring earplugs if you’re sensitive. Be prepared at busy shows to move with the flow of dancers (the floor does get very busy at peak times).
• Bars & Drinks: Several bars serve drinks on each level. Expect a full range of beers (bottles and spirits on tap), house spirits, wine, cocktails and alcopops. One notable feature at some events is a cocktail lounge upstairs (sometimes running 2-for-1 cocktail happy hours early on) (www.ticketfairy.com). Drink prices are standard club rates (e.g. £2–3 pints early, more after midnight). No outside alcohol or glass bottles are allowed. Credit/debit cards and cash are accepted at the bars.
• Restrooms & Facilities: Bathrooms are on both floors. The ground floor has separate ladies’ and gents’ toilets and a disabled-access restroom (www.kentonline.co.uk). Upstairs also has its own toilets for convenience. There is often a coat check on ground floor (typically for a small fee), so you won’t have to juggle coats or bags at your table.
• Connectivity & Extras: There is no guarantee of free Wi-Fi inside. Mobile signal (3G/4G) usually works on the ground floor but can drop upstairs or in back rooms. You can expect some minimal seating (e.g. bar stools in lounge areas), but bring patience: peak nights can be standing-room only. Merch booths or food stalls are rare; it’s primarily a drinking-and-dancing venue. The decor is modern industrial – exposed brick, neon lights and DJ booth – giving it an “underground” club feel.

Nearby Amenities

• Eating Out: Rose Yard is surrounded by many High Street eateries. Within a few minutes are casual chains and local restaurants. For example, the Wagamama (pan-Asian) and the Franco Manca (artisan pizza) are just outside in the square, and Pizza Express, cafés and Indian restaurants line Earl/High Road. Closer dining options include Nando’s (grilled chicken), Chopstix (Chinese) or locally-run Indian and Thai eateries on Week/Earl Streets. Most pubs in town (e.g. The Bell, The Coach, The Red Lion) also serve food.
• Bars/Lounges: If you arrive early, you can grab a pre-drink nearby. Maidstone Distillery (cocktail bar and vodka distillery) is literally next door in Rose Yard (www.visitmaidstone.com). The Hazlitt Theatre across Earl Street has a bar/coffee lounge. For sports or pints, “sports bars” like The Western or The Premier Vaults (both on High Street) are a short walk away. Newer venues like “Ballin’” (social sports bar) are also nearby if you want alternative fun.
• Hotels: Visitors often stay within walking distance. The King Street Hotel is almost adjacent (around 400 m) to Rose Yard, and the Premier Inn Maidstone Town Centre is about 600 m south (www.britinfo.net). Other nearby stays include the Innkeeper’s Lodge (King Street, 0.6 km) and a Travelodge near Fremlin Walk. All are within a 10-minute walk (www.britinfo.net). Taxi stands can also be found outside the main Crowne Plaza and Travelodge hotels in town, useful if you plan a late return.
• Late-Night Transit: Maidstone doesn’t have a night tube, so later travel may rely on night buses or taxis. Some evening buses leave the town centre (check Stagecoach 101/150/155 routes to nearby villages). If staying out past midnight, book a cab in advance or use rideshare; the club closes by ~5–6am (license until 6am) and there are usually queues for taxis at closing time.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Source stands out in Maidstone’s scene for its rich history and gritty character. First, almost all other outlets in town are pubs or family restaurants – The Source is one of the few genuine late-night music venues. It has earned a reputation as an incubator of talent: local DJs who cut their teeth here (like Nic Fanciulli, Mark Knight, and Young T & Bugsey) went on to global success (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Its “strict cutting edge music policy” (www.skiddle.com) and raw, urban vibe draws a crowd that can’t get that in a hotel bar or Wetherspoon. The industrial feel – brick walls, neon lights and multiple DJ decks – makes every night feel like a private underground rave.

A major aspect of its uniqueness is historical: on warm nights the courtyard really feels like a secret party alley, and during World Cup or Euro matches it turns into a communal fan zone (www.kentonline.co.uk). Few local venues have the cultural clout of The Source. Long-time patrons still reminisce about famous nights (Carl Cox’s rave nights, Pete Tong specials) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Plus, the fact that its owner also launched Maidstone’s new “W House” events venue highlights how The Source has driven the town’s nightlife forward (www.kentonline.co.uk). In short, The Source Cafe Bar is not just another pub – it’s a town institution that gave Maidstone a true dance music club. By focusing on real DJs and loud music, it offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else in town.

Visitor Tips and Information

• Bring ID: Security is strict. All guests must be 18+ with a valid photo ID (www.ticketfairy.com). Carry your ticket or proof of booking if you have one, even if entry is free. The Source will refuse anyone without ID. (thesourcebar.co.uk) (www.ticketfairy.com)
• Dress Code: There’s no fancy dress code, but it’s a nightclub – avoid sportswear or ill-fitting clothing. Smart casual is best. Heavy boots or baseball caps may be frowned upon by door staff. If you want to dance, wear what’s comfortable for you.
• Arrive Early: Popular nights can get busy. Doors are usually around 10pm, and early-arriving partygoers often get in free or cheaper. After midnight a cover charge (or climb) kicks in. If catching a special DJ, arriving well before 11pm or buying advance tickets avoids disappointments. According to the venue’s notices, they sell tickets right up to last entry (1am), but once it’s full you won’t get in (thesourcebar.co.uk).
• Know the Layout: There’s no smoking inside, so any smoke breaks are on the outdoor smoking terraces (balcony or courtyard). The sound system is very loud on the ground floor – if you need quieter space, step into the upstairs lounge or get some air outside. The raised upstairs bar has seating, which many use for drinks, but don’t count on guaranteed seats at a busy gig. Coat-check is available for convenience.
• Accessibility: The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible (there’s a ramp at the entrance) and has an accessible toilet (www.kentonline.co.uk). However, the first floor has stairs only. If you need such facilities, plan to stay on the ground level. Service staff will assist as needed.
• Avoid Common Pitfalls: Don’t bring large bags or prohibited items (like weapons or drugs). Phones and small cameras are fine for personal photos. Remember, The Source is active late – double-check travel plans home in advance (especially after 1am when buses thin out). Also be sure your phone is charged – coverage can be patchy upstairs.
• Bar Tips: Bar prices are typical for clubs. Look out for drink deals: for example, the venue’s events often feature early 2-for-1 cocktail specials (e.g. 10–12am) (www.ticketfairy.com) and cheap beers before midnight. Tipping bartenders is appreciated but not expected.
• Enjoy the Community: The Source fans are generally friendly. If it’s your first time, stick with a friend, and feel out the crowd. The vibe is energetic but respectful – treat staff and bouncers courteously. If a local heads-up is needed: occasionally the door staff can be firm (TripAdvisor reviews mention spot-checks), but ultimately they ensure a safe night for everyone. Follow their guidance happily and you’ll have a great time.