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elcome to the autumn/winter 2016 edition of mmm’s The Best Places to Dine guide – your perfect place to start planning for a great meal out. Now when we go out to dine we all want something a little different. Whether you’re after a fun-packed night out, a relaxed family atmosphere or a cosy romantic table for two, just like our taste buds, we desire a wide range of places. And, what’s more, we need a range to suit all budgets. Sometimes we want the very best money can offer, others simply fabulous value for every penny. The one thing we all expect, and in this day and age demand, is great customer service and choice. Inside the pages of this essential guide, you will find a venue to suit you and, perhaps just as importantly, the occasion. From great pub food to fine dining, there is always something to whet the appetite and worth exploring. This is our fourth edition, and diners and eateries alike cannot get enough of a guide which is designed to help point you in the right direction. After all, Kent is a county renowned for being the Garden of England, and therefore its culinary offering is highly prized. So whether it’s the tenderest cuts of mouth-watering meat, the freshest of fish caught off our shores, the depth of flavours of the vegetables grown in our soil or the succulent fruits nurtured in our orchards, you can be sure of finding a menu to inspire you. Or perhaps you are seeking a light lunch or where the wines complement the food to make your taste buds tingle; there really is no better place to start your search than right here. But don’t just take our word for it – choose one of the venues featured and take the plunge; we’re convinced you’ll not forget it. And when you book up a table at one of the restaurants listed here, don’t forget to tell them that mmm’s Best Places to Dine sent you!
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Riva Waterside Restaurant
The Shozna Dining Room The George Vaults
RM Restaurant
Topes Restaurant
The Command House Castle View Restaurant Leeds Castle The Tudor Rose
GRAVESEND The Vineyard Restaurant
SITTINGBOURNE
ROCHESTER
The White Horse Inn The Tyler’s Kiln
MARGATE
Marlowe’s Restaurant
CHATHAM WROTHAM WEST MALLING
The Swan
MAIDSTONE
Pad Thai Restaurant 4Degrees
Buoy and Oyster CANTERBURY
LEEDS BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA
The Stag
BRIDGE
ASHFORD
Gem of Kent GRAFTY GREEN
The Drawing Room Restaurant Townhouse Hotel
TENTERDEN
Horizon Restaurant Ashford International Hotel DOVER
HYTHE
Buenos Aires Nights
The Swan Inn
HAWKHURST
The Coastguard Who’d A Thought It Raja of Kent The Cock Inn
The Queen’s Inn
FOR THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE PLEASE VISIT:
www.mmm-magazine.co.uk
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Hythe Brasserie
topes restaurant
Address 60 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1JY Telephone 01634 845270 Website www.topesrestaurant.com
Opening Times Wednesday - Sunday: Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm Wednesday - Saturday: Dinner 6.30pm - 9pm Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Topes Restaurant in Rochester’s historic High Street is Medway’s only two AA rosette restaurant. The restaurant is housed in a Tudor, half-timbered Grade II listed building on the corner of Rochester’s Northgate. Chris Small, Head Chef and co-owner has an eye for presentation and a knack of putting together flavours and textures that make every dish interesting to eat and a delight for the palette. Topes Cookery School has proved tremendously successful with Chris Small, running day courses on a number of differing themes, from bread-making to butchery, cooking with fish to hosting a dinner party. For course dates, please refer to the website: topesrestaurant.com.
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The Tyler’s Kiln
Address 27 Hackington Road, Tyler Hill, Canterbury, Kent CT2 9NE Telephone 01227 471912 Email talktous@thetylerskiln.co.uk
Website www.thetylerskiln.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Thursday: 11am - 11pm Friday - Saturday: 11am - midnight Sunday: 12 noon - 11pm Located in the medieval hamlet of Tyler Hill, surrounded by ancient woodland and only five minutes from Canterbury and 15 minutes from Whitstable, The Tyler’s Kiln is a destination pub not to be missed. Since opening in January 2015 following a multi-million pound two year renovation project, this unique venue has wowed more than 30,000 visitors in its first year and has quickly risen to become the top pub in Canterbury and surrounding areas on TripAdvisor. The restaurant has seating both upstairs and downstairs, and boasts mouth-watering lunch and evening menus that change with the seasons. The Tyler’s Kiln has gained a reputation for serving high quality home-cooked British cuisine using locally
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sourced produce wherever possible. Lamb and beef raised in Tyler Hill feature on the menu from time to time, and the traditional Sunday roast, offering a choice of four meats and vegetarian options, is extremely popular. A children’s menu is available at all times and half sandwiches are on offer for those with smaller appetites. Regular events include ‘steak and wine night’ every Tuesday (£19.95), ‘pie and pint night’ every Wednesday (£13.25), the Ceramic Sessions live music on the first Sunday of every month, Bingo Lounge night on the 2nd Monday of every month and a quiz night on the last Monday of each month, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
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the swan, west malling
Address 35 Swan Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6JU Telephone 01732 521910 Email info@theswanwestmalling.co.uk
Website www.theswanwestmalling.co.uk Opening Times Lunch Monday - Saturday: 12 noon - 5.30pm Sunday: 12:30pm - last orders for the kitchen - 5.45pm Monday - Saturday: 5.30pm - 10pm The Swan is an independent leading Kent restaurant bringing modern dining to the lively market town of West Malling. The recently refurbished restaurant and bar combines stylish design and bespoke furnishings, creating a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Along with the sleek cocktail bar and restaurant, upstairs there is a lounge bar and three private dining rooms, perfectly suited for both social and business gatherings. In the warmer months, the elegant garden is open for diners, drinkers and events. The peaceful top terrace is the perfect wedding venue.
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Open all day The Swan offers imaginative dining seven days a week. The brunch is one of the best served in the area; choose from healthy options such as granola, caramelised grapefruit, fresh juices or classic dishes including eggs Benedict, salt beef hash and a full English. The à la carte menu reflects the best of British comprising a selection of grills and seasonal classics with robust and creative flavours. In addition, the midweek set menu also offers fabulous value. The bar is an inviting place to meet at any time of the day with creative cocktails, thoughtfully selected wines and great coffee.
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Castle View Restaurant Leeds castle
Address Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL Telephone 01622 767766 Email dining@leeds-castle.co.uk The 17th century, oak-beamed setting of the Castle View Restaurant offers diners a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular views across the terrace of the 900 year old Leeds Castle which is beautifully lit at night. The chef’s aim is to use the best local and seasonal ingredients and allow the quality of the produce to speak for itself. Choose from mackerel caught off the south coast, East Sussex succulent beef Wellington, complimentary home baked breads and locally grown fresh vegetables. For pudding, a signature dish of sticky toffee pudding with homemade ice cream is simply delicious; or ask about the Daily Specials, dishes that showcase the team of chefs’ creativity and flare. Parking is free and an entrance ticket to Leeds Castle is not required.
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Website www.leeds-castle.com/restaurant
Opening Times Monday to Sunday - open for dinner at 7pm - 11pm
Horizon Restaurant Ashford International Hotel
Address Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8UX Telephone 01233 219988 Email ashfordrestaurant@QHotels.co.uk
Website www.QHotels.co.uk Opening Times Breakfast:Monday - Friday: 6.30am - 9.30am Saturday - Sunday: 7.30am - 10.30am Evening Meals: Monday - Saturday: 6.30pm - 9.30pm At Ashford International Hotel they know the importance of good food and drink. From a light snack in the bar to a romantic meal in Horizon Restaurant, the team are continually sourcing new produce and developing the menus to suit all palates. The Horizon Bar is an elegant area in which to enjoy a pre-dinner drink, whilst perusing a mouth-watering menu. A seasonal menu is designed by the head chef and delivers modern British cuisine, using locally sourced produce where possible. There are attentive waiters on-hand to advise you on the best wine to compliment your meal. So whether you are visiting the Ashford International Hotel on business or treating family and friends to a delicious Sunday lunch, a gourmet delight awaits.
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the coastguard
Address The Bay, St Margarets Bay, Dover, Kent CT15 6DY Telephone 01304 853051 Email info@thecoastguard.co.uk
Website www.thecoastguard.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Saturday: 10am - 11pm Sunday: 10am - 10pm Dating back more than 300 years, The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover boasts panoramic sea views across the small bay. The location is unique, right down on the seashore below the cliffs. The Coastguard is an historic seaside pub restaurant which reopened in April 2016 following a £200,000 refurbishment. In keeping with its enviable seafront position, The Coastguard’s new look is inspired by maritime heritage, with red and white lighthouse-style pub fascia and signwriting, complete with boat-shaped planters and lifebuoys as decoration. An outside bar and barbecue have also been installed, along with outdoor feature ‘living room’ lamps.
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The interior of the pub has also been completely refurbished, repainted in contemporary colours with a new fireplace installed. There is also new lighting and furniture and more nautical decoration throughout. Food is high on the agenda and the kitchen turns out memorable fish pies, potted prawns with ginger and lime, baked devilled crab and superb local cod in Hoegaarden beer batter with chips and a ‘garden of Kent’ salad. Other treats include savoury tarts, local beef sirloin with haggis, smoked oysters and a ‘haystack’ of chips, plus desserts such as lavender-scented chocolate pot or upsidedown apple cake.
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buoy and oyster
Address 44 High Street Margate, Kent CT9 1DS Telephone 01843 446631 Email enquiries@buoyandoyster.com
Website www.buoyandoyster.com Opening Times Monday: closed Tuesday - Saturday: Lunch 12 noon - 3pm Dinner 6pm - 9pm Coffee/Cocktails: 11am - 11pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm Lunch: 12 noon - 3pm Buoy and Oyster is an independent, family owned restaurant and cocktail bar set in a Grade II listed building over looking the beach in Margate, Kent. Ideally located a stone’s throw from the Turner Contemporary and Dreamland and with stunning views across the bay; whether you are dining inside the restaurant or outside on the terrace overlooking the beach, it is the perfect location to enjoy the stunning views and beautiful Margate sunsets in a relaxed and stylish setting. Owners and husband and wife team Simon and Nadine are passionate about showcasing the best of the local produce that Kent has to offer and are proud to be a part of this beautiful town’s regeneration. With exciting menus that change with the
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seasons there is always something new to try when visiting and their extensive menu offers a wide range of options for both seafood or meat lovers. Seaside classics such as fish and chips and mussels are nestled next to more adventurous choices such as mojito cured halibut, brasied beef cheek with oyster stout sauce or a 16oz Rose veal T-bone. Every Sunday a traditional roast dinner is offered alongside the full menu and with live music nights on the first and third Wednesday of each month, be sure to subscribe to the mailing list to keep up to date with upcoming events.
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MARLoWE’S RESTAuRANT
Address 55 Street, Peter Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BE Telephone 01227 462194 Email marlowesrestaurant@yahoo.com Set in the heart of Canterbury’s bustling high street and just a stones throw from the cathedral, Marlowe’s restaurant offers something a bit different to other eateries in the area. Named after the city’s famous playwright and just yards from the theatre, Marlowes makes a great place to grab something to eat before or after a show. Opened in 1984, it is believed to be Canterbury’s longest-established restaurant and offers a unique range of meals from across the globe. The good music and the grotto feeling to the restaurant makes for an excellent atmosphere and a fun service. There is also a children’s menu- great for family or Christmas parties.
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Website www.marlowesrestaurant.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Sunday: 11:30am - 10pm
the queen’s inn
Address Rye Road, Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4EY Telephone 01580 754233 Email info@queensinn.co.uk
Website www.thequeensinnhawkhurst.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Thursday: 9am - 11.30pm Friday - Saturday: 9am - midnight Sunday: 9am - 11pm Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are combined, expertly cooked and served in stylish, yet welcoming surroundings. The meals are their pride and joy, having a passion for creating a complete dining experience. Their menus show flair and imagination; never sacrificing taste or satisfaction. So if your grabbing a light lunch, enjoying bar food with a drink or savouring a long dinner as you while away the evening by the fire, they can offer you the perfect dinner. Why not treat the family to a delicious Sunday roast (a choice of two roasts every Sunday) and with children’s roasts half price you can even afford to bring them as well.
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who’d a thought it
Address Headcorn Road, Grafty Green, Maidstone, Kent ME17 2AR Telephone 01622 858951 Email joe@whodathoughtit.com
Website www.whodathoughtit.com Opening Times Monday - Saturday: 11am - 9.30pm Sunday: 12 noon - 7.3opm Who’d A Thought It is a lovely restored 16th century building set in the beautiful Kent countryside and is the perfect setting for any event. The new award winning chef has put together a selection of incredible menus to fit any occasion. Each one provides two distinctly diverse menus, offering a wide and varied choice of delicious home-made food, designed with chef’s experience and imagination; it is very proud to have recently been awarded two AA rosettes. For lunch it has relaxed seating in the bar area and, in warmer weather, the terrace and delightful gardens provide guests with an al fresco dining experience. The sumptuously decorated restaurant offers a more formal choice of modern English and
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fine dining. It is enormously proud of its extensive champagne selection which includes more than 60 varieties. It also has a broad range of wines and is always delighted to advise a perfect match to your food choices and to suit your individual palate. Choose between modern English dishes and fine dining; house specialities include Chateaubriand and The Who’d A Thought It’s signature Plateau Rouge, a sumptuous and eye-catching selection of seafood. Who’d A Thought It have a range of luxurious, highly individual decorated rooms and suites that make the perfect stay for any special occasion.
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The DRAWING ROOM restaurant Townhouse Hotel
Address 74 King Street, Kent, Maidstone, ME14 1BH Telephone 01622 663266 Email reservations@tthh.co.uk
Website www.tthh.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Saturday: lunch 12 noon - 3pm Monday - Saturday: 6pm - 9.30pm Sunday: 12 noon - 6pm Afternoon tea only The Drawing Room Restaurant at the Townhouse Hotel has a newly refreshed menu offering some of the best food in Kent. The Townhouse is a Grade 2 Listed building. A Georgian gem in the heart of Kent’s County Town of Maidstone. In the understated but stylish restaurant, a team of young chefs from Michelin backgrounds have infused the traditional dishes with modern flavours and innovative combinations of ingredients. This unique restaurant takes pride in using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The menus are seasonal to reflect the available produce from Kent’s wide range of vegetables, fish and meat.
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The Drawing Room Restaurant has recently revamped its menus and offers superb food for all tastes. The light lunch and evening menu provides great value with prices from £5 to £15. On a Wednesday they run a steak night menu, £10 for a main course, £15 for two courses with a drink included. The à la carte menu offers high quality fine dining with two courses at £24 and three courses at £27.50. Relaxed intimate dining is the aim of the Drawing Room recalling the elegance of a bygone age but with classic dishes served in a modern style, supported by a wine list that complements both menus with a range of wines to suit all tastes and pockets.
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hythe brasserie
Address Hythe Brasserie, Douglas Avenue, Hythe, Kent CT21 5JT
Telephone 01303 267 912 Email info@hythebrasserie.com Personally managed by husband and wife team Nicki and Darragh Cartmill, Hythe Brasserie offers classical cuisine with a contemporary twist. Simple, warm decor creates an intimate ambiance and is complemented by first class service without fuss to create a great dining experience. All of their Ă la carte menus are carefully produced with emphasis on delicious flavours, everything is homemade and cooked from scratch, using produce sourced from local suppliers. The comprehensive wine list is well chosen and sensibly priced. Light and tasty lunches are prepared using seasonal ingredients for optimum freshness. The main menu is complemented by specials which change daily.
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Website www.hythebrasserie.com Opening Times Tuesday: Private dining events Wednesday - Saturday: Lunch 12 noon - 2pm Wednesday - Saturday: Dinner 7pm - 9pm
the cock inn
Address Heath Road, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone ME17 4JD Telephone 01622 743166 Email theboughtoncock@btconnect.com
Website www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/maidstone/cock-inn Opening Times Monday - Saturday: 12 noon - 11pm Sunday: 12 noon - 10.30pm The Cock Inn is situated in the rural surroundings of the pretty village of Boughton Monchelsea, close to Leeds Castle. This consistently high quality pub - often quoted as being one of best in Kent - is well known for freshly prepared country cuisine. Dishes are cooked from scratch using the best in seasonal produce. It is advisable to book for the restaurant, alternatively you may choose to dine in the bar area. Owned by local brewers Shepherd Neame and leased by Jo and Dave, the whole team are like a big family giving a genuine welcome to all. Many front of house and kitchen staff have been there for over five years, providing a wealth of experience. The Cock Inn were finalists in Kent Food and Drink Awards as Pub of the Year. This was run by Kent on Sunday and Kent Life.
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the white horse inn
Address 53 High Street, Bridge, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5LA Telephone 01227 833830 Email info@whitehorsebridge.co.uk
Website www.whitehorsebridge.co.uk Opening Times Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 12 noon - 5pm Dinner: Monday - Friday: 5pm - 9pm Saturday: 5pm - 9.30pm Sunday: 12 noon - 8pm Leaving Canterbury by the Dover road, you will come after three miles to Bridge, and there in the centre of the village The White Horse stands to welcome you. This inn was once a ‘baiting’ or halting house, hardly distant enough from Dover for a full stage but convenient for a change of horses. It is ideal and proper that the forge should be next door, thus providing yet another example of that happy English disposition to live by taking in each other’s washing. Shoeing the horses changed at the inn would be hot work and the pint of Kentish ale literally at the elbow a pleasant means of returning patronage; and so, no doubt, both smith and innkeeper prospered through the centuries until the New Iron Age.
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The White Horse is old, as may be seen from the Tudor fireplace in the large bar with its moulded beams above. Dimly seen in the background of the cellar behind the bar are many barrels with neat linen covers, waiting to be broached, for here all beer is drawn direct from the wood. The front of The White Horse is Regency, or very early simple Victorian. There is a car park and, behind, the kind of garden only Kent can produce — but then it is in the heart of the Garden of England and Bridge is surrounded by orchards, parks and the seats of the gentry and nobility, most of whom, one is glad to hear, are content to share their wide domains, temporarily at least, with those who can appreciate to the full the beauties of nature.
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Buenos Aires Nights steakhouse
Address 63 High St, Kent, Maidstone ME14 1SR Telephone 01622 688655 Email info@ba-nights.co.uk
Website www.ba-nights.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Tuesday: 6pm - 10pm Wednesday - Thursday: 6pm - 11pm Friday - Saturday: 12 noon - 11pm Sunday: 12 noon - 10pm Located in the heart of Maidstone town centre you will discover an elegant and cosy ambience within the restaurant, with the best charcoal grilled meat from Argentina, and a fine selection of wines. Buenos Aires Nights are an international English-Spanish group where the head chef and managing director are originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They will offer you a high quality steak, excellent service and a list of the best Argentinean wines. There are many different varieties of grapes cultivated in Argentina, reflecting the country’s many immigrant groups.
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The French brought Malbec and the Italians brought vines thatthey called Bonarda and Torrontés which makes most of Argentina’s best known wines. You can discover within Buenos Aires Nights these three grapes with a long list of Malbec wines. Buenos Aires, the world’s most intense city believes quantity is not as important as quality, and one thing that makes the dining experience here so special is that they serve natural grass-fed beef. Argentine cuisine may be described as a cultural blend and is influenced by Italy and Spain, and their style of cooking and eating steak make it unique and most interesting to the hungry carnivore. Don’t wait too long to come and try this great experience.
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The Command House
Address Command House, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TX Telephone 01634 921543 Email manager@thecommandhouse.co.uk A beautiful Georgian building, set in the heart of historic Chatham, The Command House is a traditional and inviting pub which is open seven days a week. Serving a great range of real ales, fine wines and premium spirits. With a beer garden out the front, guest’s can enjoy al fresco dining and drinks. Overlooking the stunning view of the river with Rochester in the background, you can watch the world go by over a quiet drink or bite to eat. Enjoy the exceptional food and drink served 7 days a week, along with some of the daily deals available as well as a traditional English roast, which is served every Sunday.
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Website www.thecommandhouse.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Thursday: 12 noon - 10pm Friday - Saturday: 12 noon - 11pm Sunday: 12 noon - 9pm
The Stag
Address The Stag, 11 Middle Row, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1TG Telephone 01622 296420 Email manager@thestagmaidstone.co.uk
Website www.thestagmaidstone.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Sunday: 11am - midnight A traditional and inviting pub, set in the center of Maidstone, open seven days a week. Serving a great range of real ales, real ciders, fine wines and Belgian beers. The Stag offers traditional and freshly prepared food from fresh steaks, fish to the classic Sunday roast. There’s also plenty of choice for those looking for a varied Vegan menu. To the front and rear The Stag has plenty of outside seating for those who wish to watch the world go by over a quite drink or bite to eat. Experience the delicious food and drink along with some daily deals. Food is served throughout the day. Customers can enjoy free wifi, a separate smoking area and is ideal for those looking to celebrate a special occasion.
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The tudor rose
Address Chestnut Street, Borden, Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8BT Telephone 01795 842575 Email thetudorrose@btconnect.com
Website www.tudorroseborden.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Saturday: Lunch 12 noon - 11pm Sunday: Lunch 12 noon - 10:30pm The Tudor Rose bar, restaurant and carvery extends a warm welcome amid a family-friendly atmosphere in surroundings of great character. The carvery offers a selection of four meats and a wide selection of fresh vegetables while the restaurant provides an à la carte menu with a wide range of options from ham, egg and chips, mixed grill and fillet steak to the regularly changing specials board consisting of crispy belly pork, pan fried seabass and braised lamb shank. Traditional favourites – such as fish and chips and burgers – are available daily.
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There are a wide range of starters, a vegetarian option, a selection of potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and a delicious variety of desserts which means that diners have an extensive choice before them. Originally two cottages, the building dates from the 1750s and great care has been taken to preserve its warm, comfortable feel. The pub’s hardwood floors, oak furniture and cream dÊcor are complemented by chandeliers, paintings and drawings of the local area and an antique brewery clock in the conservatory. Tudor Rose also have a private function room catering for all occasions that include: weddings, funerals, birthdays and christenings.
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the Shozna dining room
Address 153 Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 1RR Telephone 01634 847847 Email shoznarochester@yahoo.co.uk
Website www.shozna.com/shozna-pages/Rochester Opening Times Open seven days a week: Lunch 12 noon - 1pm Dinner 5.30pm - midnight Shozna continues to be a pioneer of change in the perception of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. At The Shozna Dining Room, you will experience a new way of dining. You will savour a combination of modern and traditional techniques where all the dishes are prepared using seasonal produce and freshly ground spices. All this takes place under the professional eye of Executive Chef, Jay. Their indisputable knowledge, attention to detail and proffessional team will give you the finest dining experience. They were also the winner of the 2015 South Asian Resturant of the Year in South East.
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Authentic Indian cooking is an art achieved through generations of experiment and studies. Here at Shozna, they bring the best of these to give you an eating experience which will allow you to enjoy all the rich, exquisite tastes and flavours of the East. The Shozna Dining Room are proud to present mouth-watering dishes to suit every taste and fancy, including Moghul food, the so called mythical “Food of Kings�. Exotically flavoured and often colourful in appearance, spices are at the heart of the rich flavours of Indian cooking.
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gem of kent
Address 62 High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1SR
Telephone 01622 675000 Email contact@gemofkentrestaurant.co.uk Not what you expect: Gem of Kent believe Turkish food is more than just kebabs and chips, it is in fact representative of many centuries of tradition and heritage passed down through the generations. Gem of Kent employs the best chefs and offers the finest foods so that hopefully you too will see that there is more than meets the eye. There are three set menus for you to choose from that are designed to offer you the fullest experience of Turkish cuisine. Starters and desserts are pre-chosen by the chefs. Set Menu A (£12.95 per person), Set Menu B (14.95 per person) and Set Menu C (£29.95 per person). Upgrade with Prosecco for just £5 per bottle. Please see online for the full set menus.
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Website www.gemofkent.co.uk Opening Times Monday - Thursday: 12 noon - 10.30pm Friday - Saturday: 12 noon - 11.30pm Sunday: 12 noon - 10.30pm
riva waterside restaurant
Address Town Pier, West Street, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0BJ Telephone 01474 364694 Email info@rivaonthepier.com
Website www.rivaonthepier.com Opening Times Monday - Thursday: 12 noon - midnight Friday - Saturday: 12 noon - 1am Sunday: 12 noon - 8pm Riva pride themselves on their fine cuisine, served in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Situated on the oldest cast iron pier in the world their restaurant and bar combine to make a truly unique venue. Located in the heart of Gravesend’s Heritage Quarter Riva is the perfect destination to have that special meal, try one of their delicious cocktails or fine wines and enjoy time with family and friends. Riva have live events throughout the year, with Dr Jazz playing every second Thursday of the month, which are proving an extremely popular way to enjoy some fantastic music whilst watching the sun setting over the Thames. Whatever the occasion, from an informal lunch, romantic dinner, business meeting, family celebration to a wedding extravaganza, Riva are the perfect venue to cater for everyone.
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The vineyard restaurant
Address London Road, Wrotham Heath, Kent TN15 7RU Telephone 01732 882330 Email dine@thevineyardrestaurant.co.uk
Website www.thevineyardrestaurant.co.uk Opening Times Tuesday to Saturday: Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm Dinner 6pm - 10.30pm Monday: closed Sunday: open all day Set in the picturesque village of Wrotham Heath, The Vineyard is one of the finest restaurants in the region, where your dining experience will almost certainly exceed your expectations. Boasting a diverse European menu and a carefully handpicked list of fine wines, they have something to offer all customers who are looking for an excellent culinary experience complemented by attentive service which is second to none. Reputed for its exquisite seafood menu as well as its French and Italian specialities, The Vineyard offers authentic dishes cooked with fresh ingredients that have been carefully market sourced by the team.
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They also have over 20 years’ experience in cooking authentic European cuisine for the region, and are the winner of the 2008 Kent Messenger ‘Best Restaurant in Kent’ award. The Vineyard offers fine dining at an affordable price, and warmly welcomes couples, groups, parties and families for an enjoyable meal. It can also be booked for wedding receptions and other special functions. Arriving there is hassle-free as they have a large car park, and the atmosphere is relaxed, warm and friendly. If you are in the area, why not try this rather special venue?
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4degrees, maidstone
Address Unit 10, Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone Kent ME14 1JL Telephone 01622 324444 Email craft@4degreesmaidstone.co.uk
Website www.4degreesmaidstone.co.uk Opening Times Tuesday - Friday: Lunch 11am - 4pm Wednesday - Friday: Dinner 5pm - 11pm Saturday: 10:30am - 11:45pm Always using locally sourced produce where possible and with a mantra of “keep it simple and make it tasty” & “quality over quantity”. 4Degrees is a family run business with strong local connections and a focus on customer service. Craft Beers brewed in Kent are the centre piece of their offering, well supported by Kentish ciders and wines with a handful of carefully selected liquors all offering something different but always priding themselves on having the highest quality. There will not be a common beer in sight. Guest drinks are changed regularly meaning visits to the venue will always offer variance along with the drinks people have come to love.
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Beer is making a quiet and classy comeback from the days when the town was home to the famous Fremlins Brewery. Usually synonymous with long-established locals and males of a certain age, real ales and proper craft beers are finding their way into cooler quarters. In the last year or so, Maidstone has seen a bevy of newly revamped pubs, bars and coffee houses open, but this is the first “Craft Bar� to open that offers a uniquely fresh option. In a marked departure from how most pubs operate, they deal directly with domestic and most often Kentish brewers and coffee roasters, or else import their own beers from abroad rather than rely on the work of wholesalers.
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THE SWAN INN, LITTLE CHART, ASHFoRD
Address The Street, Little Chart, Ashford, Kent TN27 0QB Telephone 01233 840011 Email swaninnlittlechart@btconnect.com Website www.swanlittlechartashford.co.uk
Opening Times Monday: 12 noon - 10.30pm (lunch served 12 noon - 2pm) Tuesday - Thursday: 12 noon - 11pm Lunch 12 noon - 2pm Dinner 6pm - 9pm Friday - Saturday: 12 noon - 11.30pm Lunch 12 noon - 2pm Dinner 6pm - 9pm Sunday: 12 noon - 10pm Sunday Roasts served 12 noon - 4pm Welcome to The Swan Inn, Little Chart, Ashford, Kent. This historic building is late 16th century and still boasts the original coaching stables, set in the historic village of Little Chart in the heart of the Kent countryside. With a lovely riverside garden, delicious home-made food using only the finest local produce, specialising in traditional English cuisine. They offer a varied range of ales, beers and wines with something to suit everyone’s taste. The Swan Inn won the regional heat for Enterprise Inns ‘Pubs In Bloom’ Competition. They hold live music events. They also cater for wakes, weddings, birthday parties and much more.
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In the late Medieval period this building was built on the road between Pluckley and Hothfield. It has been the Swan Inn for centuries but was part of the Dering estate and one time the Dowager House. The original entrance on the front has gone and the whole building has been refaced in brick, with Dering windows added. With wonderful walks leading to a number of beautiful locations including the famous church that was tragically destroyed by a V1 flying bomb during the Second World War in 1944. They have become well known for their homemade lasagne and the Gruyère cheese fritters are a must for a starter. As well as the Chef’s cheesecake for dessert.
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raja of kent, TENTERDEN
Address Biddenden Rd, High Halden, Tenterden TN30 6SX Telephone 01233 851191 Email info@therajaofkent.com
Website www.therajaofkent.com Opening Times Monday - Saturday: Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm Dinner 5.30pm - 11.30pm Sunday: Lunch 12 noon - 3pm Dinner 5.30pm - 11.30pm Kent restaurateur Rezaul Raja who owns The Raja of Kent group of restaurants, welcomes you to The Raja of Kent at Tenterden. Rezaul Raja’s reputation is such that customers are drawn from across Kent, with many regulars travelling on a weekly basis. New to the menu are some specialist dishes that are created authentically so they are exactly as they would be served in Bangladesh. The exciting new dishes include: Mozadar Mangosh (diced beef & aromatic Bangladeshi spices), Chicken Raas (flawlessly cooked chicken leg), Lamb Shank (slowly cooked) and perfect for the season, Spicy Sea Bass and Kuda Goost (sweet pumpkin with Lamb).
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Tribute Nights in Tenterden: Grease/Dirty Dancing - 30th November. Kylie Minogue - 7th December. Rod Stewart - 14th December. Elvis - 20th and 21st December. £25 per person (drinks not included) 7pm till late. New Years Eve Party 2016 with international vocal entertainer: Tina Turner. First sitting £20.00 - 6pm - 8.30pm, children under 10 £15 (first sitting only). Second sitting £35.00 - 9pm till late, with a free glass of champagne (second sitting only). Includes a fabulous four course dinner - papadom and chutney, starter, main course, tea or coffee and star cabaret. Book early limited tickets available.
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the george vaults
Address 35 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LN Telephone 01634 817165 Email enquiries@georgevaults.com
Website www.georgevaults.com Opening Times Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 11pm Thursday: 9am - 12 noon Friday: 9am - 1am Saturday: 10am - 2am Sunday: 11am - 11pm The George Vaults is celebrated as a Conservation award winner originally the George Inn, it boasts a vaulted Crypt dating back to AD1325. The chamber is 54ft long, 16ft wide and 11ft high with 4 quadripartite vault, the shell of the vault being made up of chalk ashlars. There are ribs on the groins with 9 carved ornamental bosses at the intersections. Closed for nearly one year during restoration, the Crypt owes its origin to a chamberlain of the priory during the time of Bishop Gundulph. Originally known as Saint George and Dragon, the building burned down in 1768 and the present structure was created over the vault. The Crypt is also said to mark the site of the Church of St Mary, within The Walled City of Rochester, but has never been found. They do believe the ghosts and spirits still visit the vault regularly .
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For generations residents and visitors have delighted in the rich history and architecture that combine to make Rochester, Kent’s shining light in the Garden of England. At the George Vaults they have continued in this rich history and added a modern twist with a touch of class. The brasserie chef works closely with local suppliers, creating mouth- watering seasonal specials and tempting dishes throughout the year, to suit everyone’s palate and appetite. The a la carte menu is created from locally sourced produce, with delicate flavours providing you with a wide choice of dishes. The weeks culminate with traditional Sunday roasts, for all the family to enjoy. They are also able to offer creative buffet selections for large groups and private functions.
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pad thai restaurant
Address 15 High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QH Telephone 01732 870000 Email manta@pad-thai.co.uk West Malling, near Maidstone has become one of ‘THE’ places to eat, having a varied choice of restaurants and gastro pubs. For nearly twenty years, Pad Thai Restaurant has built an enviable reputation as one of the best and most authentic Thai restaurants in the south east of England. This is entirely due to Manta, the proprietor, whose relatives in Thailand have previous connections with the Royal Thai kitchens. With fresh ingredients flown weekly direct from Thailand, authenticity is guaranteed, which has culminated in Pad Thai West Malling being one of only sixteen Thai restaurants in the U.K. to receive the Thai Select “PREMIUM” award from the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Affairs at the Royal Thai Embassy.
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Website www.pad-thai.co.uk Opening Times Tuesday - Saturday: Lunch 12 noon - 2.30pm Dinner 5.30pm - 10.30pm Monday and Sunday: Closed