2 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
ALL THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A GREAT MEAL OUT
WELCOME Welcome to the Autumn/Winter 2018 edition of MMM’s Kent’s Best Places to Dine – and with this year’s superb harvest in, what better time to explore some of the finest eateries the Garden of England has to offer? Many of the restaurants featured here source their food locally, making it even more fresh and delicious. And we are lucky in Kent to have a choice of dishes from around the globe, too. Eating out is one of our favourite pastimes – not only for the chance to try new and exciting dishes, but to enjoy quality time with that special person in our lives, as well as family and friends. And it’s a great way to celebrate, whatever the occasion. Cooking has become a national passion following TV shows such as MasterChef and the Bake Offs, and local chefs have risen to the culinary challenge with wonderful creations of their own. The range or restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafés is growing all the time. From seafood coming straight from the fishermen on our coast to the finest cuts of meat from top local farms and more and more venues offering vegetarian and vegan options, Kent’s Best Places to Dine has something to suit every taste and every budget. And when you go, don’t forget to tell them where you spotted them!
MMM Media Ltd GHL House, 2nd Floor, 12-14 Albion Place Maidstone, Kent ME14 5DZ t: 01622 299035 e: sales@mmm-media.com w: mmm-media.com mmm-magazine.co.uk
@MediaMmm
Publisher: Rasa Dregva Editorial: Tom White, Sarah Bond, Sarah Vince Design: Becky Appleton, Briony Chaplin-Mabbutt Sales: Claire Byfleet, Alice Kemp, Maryanna Dailly
mmm.magazine.kent
@mmm_media_ltd
All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. ©MMM-Media Ltd 2018
Smoke & Liquor
11 A GUIDE TO FINDING THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN KENT
Pad Thai
Powder & Magazine
The Cheese Room
10
34
39
Cafe Nucleus 33
Hengist Restaurant
28
Rochester Chatham
15
Longfield
Aylesford Maidstone
18
West Malling Tonbridge
Anno
Boughton Monchelsea
Distillers Ltd
44
16
Sittingbourne
Gillingham
The Swan
Seventeen, One Warwick Park Hotel
Hempstead Valley
Tunbridge Wells
Lenham Grafty Green
The Village 20
Mercure Hotel
Frédéric Café
17
35
The Cock Inn 14
Buenos Aires
Nights
Leeds Castle
24
7
Who’d A Thought It 12
The Square Fish Café 32
The BarnYard
The Cheese Box
Contemporary
Turner
Flavours by Kumar
31
37
30
27
The Red Lion Shepherd Neame Brewery
8
Herne Bay
2
ICON KEY
Margate
Breakfast and brunch
Ramsgate
Whitstable
à
À la carte menu Afternoon tea Gluten-free options
Faversham
Local produce
Canterbury
Cuisine style
Wingham
Sandwich
AA
Cheesemakers
Tasting menu
37
Cocktail menu Child friendly
The Dog at Wingham
Dover
Award winning
22
Al fresco dining
Ashford
Private dining
Folkestone
Hotel rooms
Hythe
Ashford
International
Tenterden
AA Rosettes
29
P The Cliffe Restaurant 21
Raja of Kent 26
5 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
Free parking Pet friendly
6 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
CASTLE VIEW RESTAURANT At spectacular Leeds Castle – offering diners a relaxed atmosphere while gazing at ‘the loveliest castle in the world’
S
et adjacent to the moat of beautiful Leeds Castle, the oakbeamed restaurant offers delicious meals which you can enjoy while taking in the stunning, quite unique outlook over the terrace to the historic building once owned by Henry VIII. During the day, take time out from exploring the castle and grounds to enjoy a light lunch or delicious homemade meal from the seasonal menu. Choose from hot or cold dishes bursting with flavour and variety, or indulge in a choice of cakes and desserts produced by the dedicated pastry team. A valid admission ticket is required to visit during castle opening hours. In the evening, the menu changes and the restaurant takes on a more intimate look and feel. Dinner tables can be reserved offering unrivalled views of the castle all lit up at night. Parking is free, and an entrance ticket to the castle is not required for evening dining.
MUST-TRY DISH Rump of Lamb
7 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
Maidstone ME17 1PL 01622 767777 @leedscastle @leedscastleuk e dining@leeds-castle.co.uk w leeds-castle.com/restaurant OPENING HOURS Monday to Sunday: Brunch/lunch: 10.30am-4pm Open for dinner: 6.30pm-9.15pm
à
THE RED LION Seamlessly mixing old with new, this medieval country pub’s style can be described as contemporary Kent Crockham Lane Hernhill ME13 9JR 01227 751207 @theredlionhernhill @hernhillredlion tables@theredlionhernhill.co.uk e theredlionhernhill.co.uk w
MUST-TRY DISH Scallops
OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday: 11am-10.30pm Food: 12noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9pm Sunday: 11am-7pm Food: 12noon-4pm
à P
8 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
T
he Red Lion features incredible local lunchtime specials, a walkers’ menu and Butcher & Trawler boards to share. Sunday lunches are as popular as ever, with the finest cuts of meat (the highlight being the sirloin of beef). Whether it’s for a quiet family lunch, a birthday or special occasion, the Crown Post restaurant upstairs can hold up to 50 seated guests. At the bar you will find a drink for whatever mood you’re in, from premium lagers Peroni and Curious Brew to real ales Master Brew, Harvey’s and a local guest beer. And the pub works closely with their vintner to select wines from all over the world to complement their dishes. Open all day, the Red Lion is a quintessential English pub set in the
picturesque hamlet of Hernhill, just a few miles from the historic towns of Faversham and Whitstable, and the City of Canterbury. Steeped in history, the pub is a 13th-century hall house that has been totally refurbished by the White family. It retains many distinctive character features, including exposed beams, flagstone floors, crown post ceiling and an inviting log fire, while tables at the front have a beautiful view across to the church.
9 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
POWDER & MAGAZINE Medway’s award-winning gastro dining experience with jazz lunches and a variety of menus 72 Ordnance Yard Upnor Road Lower Upnor ME2 4UY 01634 710872
P
owder & Magazine is a casual gastro dining restaurant in Lower Upnor offering a creative and consistently excellent dining experience showcasing the very best of British and European cuisine. One happy customer commented: “Was immediately struck by the beauty of the setting as it sits close to the banks of the Medway and in view of the stunning Upnor Castle.” Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, they serve a classic Sunday lunch menu each week and have regular live music events. The drinks list includes cocktails and local beers and wines, and there is an extensive wine list. There is plenty of parking available, and it’s a great location for walking along the Saxon Shore Way.
@powderandmagazine @powderandmagazine restaurant@powderandmagazine.co.uk e powderandmagazine.co.uk w OPENING HOURS Sunday: 9am–3.30pm Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12noon–3pm, 7pm–11pm Wednesday: 12noon–3pm, 7pm–11pm Thursday: 12noon–3pm, 6pm–11pm Friday: 9am–3.30pm, 6pm–11pm Saturday: 9am–3.30pm, 6pm–11pm
à
P
MUST-TRY DISH
Braised Venison Haunch
10 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
SMOKE & LIQUOR The menu is inspired by open-fire cooking, seasonal produce, bold flavours and great ingredients
O
pened by the team behind the award-winning Topes, Smoke & Liquor brings a fresh, on-trend dining experience to the High Street. This new fusion restaurant and bar for Rochester cooks its meats and fish over charcoal and has an eclectic menu of soft tacos, bowl food, steaks and tapas. With a Gin and Rum Menu available for you to choose your drink, they also have draught beer, over 30 British bottled craft beers and an extensive wine and bubbles list. You can either book a table or just pitch up in the new bar area to enjoy everything on offer. Smoke & Liquor also serves breakfast at the weekend.
60 High Street Rochester ME1 1JY 01634 845270 @smokeliquorrochester w smokeliquor.co.uk OPENING HOURS Wednesday to Friday: 12noon-till late Saturday: 9.30am-till late Sunday: 9.30am-4pm
Ă
MUST-TRY DISH Braised Pork Cheeks, Boston Baked Beans & Coriander
11 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
WHO’D A THOUGHT IT The Who’d A Thought It is a beautifully-restored 16th-century building set in the picturesque Kentish countryside Headcorn Road Grafty Green Maidstone ME17 2AR 01622 858951
C
ombining cosy intimacy with eyecatching decor, the Who’d A Thought It boutique hotel is the perfect setting for any occasion. Its restaurant boasts an award-winning chef and two AA rosettes, and offers diverse menus to suit different tastes. There is a wide and varied choice of delicious homemade food, with locallysourced ingredients prepared with flair and imagination. For lunch, it has relaxed seating in the bar area and the colourful outside terrace is particularly appealing in the warm summer months. Inside, the sumptuously decorated restaurant offers considerable variety – from modern English cooking and
@whodathoughtitbar @whodathoughtit joe@whodathoughtit.com e whodathoughtit.com w OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday: 11am-9.30pm Sunday: 12noon-7.3opm
à
AA
P
12 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
fine dining options to European dishes and platters. House specialities include Chateaubriand and the Who’d A Thought It signature Plateau Rouge, a substantial and eye-catching selection of seafood. The Who’d A Thought It is well known for, and enormously proud of, its extensive Champagne selection, which includes more than 60 varieties. It also has a broad range of wines, and staff will always be delighted to advise guests looking to perfectly pair their wine with their meal. As well as the restaurant, The Who’d A Thought It provides 5* accommodation in its range of luxurious, highly individual decorated rooms and suites. Perfect for a memorable weekend away!
MUST-TRY DISH Tomahawk Steak
13 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
THE COCK INN Whether it’s bar snacks, a sit-down meal or special occasions, the food at this charming, centuries-old traditional pub cannot be missed! Heath Road Boughton Monchelsea Maidstone ME17 4JD 01622 743166
S
ituated 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 the best in Kent – is well known for its freshly prepared country cuisine as well as its chocolate-box looks, cosy log fires, ancient beams and Elizabethan ambience. Owned by local brewers Shepherd Neame, and leased by Jo and Dave Whitehurst, the team are like a big family, giving a genuine welcome to all. Many front of house and kitchen staff have been at the inn for over five years, providing a wealth of experience. Dishes are cooked from scratch using the best in seasonal produce to produce an extensive menu range that caters for all. It’s advisable to book for the restaurant. Alternatively, you may choose to dine in the atmospheric bar area.
theboughtoncock@btconnect.com e cockinnmaidstone.co.uk w OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday: Lunch: 12noon-2.30pm Dinner: 6pm-9pm Sunday: Lunch: 12noon-4pm
à P
MUST-TRY DISH Crispy Belly of Pork
14 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
HENGIST RESTAURANT With a village bar and dining rooms, the Hengist offers a range of eating options. The dishes are freshly made to order and include local ingredients
T
MUST-TRY DISH Donegal Rock Oysters
his renovated16th-century building retains traditional features as well as housing an elegant, modern restaurant and bar. The brasserie offers a relaxed dining area, and is often described as traditional British with a quirky eccentric twist. The use of the room changes throughout the day, with lunch served from 12 to 3pm, and dinner served until 9pm. You’re welcome to pop in for a drink at any time. An exclusive wine list, cocktail list and a number of special gins are available. The restaurant also boasts comfortable banquette seating with an open fire and bar, as well as dedicated dining rooms. On the first floor, The Crystal Room is one of the more contempory rooms available for private hire, and offers formal dining in truly beautiful surroundings. Furnished in white, silver and grey, it is light and bright with an overhead chandelier and stunning light feature built into the wall. For tables in any of the formal dining rooms, please phone to choose and book.
15 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
7-9 High Street Aylesford ME20 7AX 01622 885800 @TheHengist @hengistaylesford e info@hengistrestaurant.co.uk w hengistrestaurant.co.uk OPENING HOURS Sunday: 9am-7pm Monday to Thursday: 10am-11pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-12midnight
à P
SEVENTEEN
ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL Located in Tunbridge Wells’ charming Chapel Place, near The Pantiles, the restaurant SEVENTEEN breathes new life into British dishes 17 Chapel Place Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TA 01892 520587 @seventeenatonewarwickparkhotel seventeenatonewarwickpark info@onewarwickpark.co.uk e onewarwickpark.co.uk/seventeen w OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday: Food served 7am-10pm Sunday: Food served 7.30am-5pm
à
W
ith the restaurant sourcing local produce, a seasonal changing menu using the freshest and most seasonal ingredients, and a warm interior featuring a stunning, double-height glass atrium, eating at SEVENTEEN will always be a pleasure. There is something for everyone, every night of the week. Monday and Tuesday you can enjoy a three-course meal from just £15, choosing from selected items of the Á La Carte menu. Wednesday is Steak Night, enjoy two steaks, triple-cooked chips, salad and a glass of house wine for just £25 a couple. Thursday is the famous ‘Burger and Bubbles’ night, where you can tuck into a delicious home-cooked burger and a glass of bubbles or beer from only £10. To start the weekend right, you can enjoy a four-course tasting menu from the Head Chef, with wine pairing and advice from the talented food and beverage team – available every Friday. On Saturday, they offer their incredible Á La Carte menu, which promises a dining experience you won’t forget. Lastly, every Sunday you can enjoy one of their roast lunch dishes – the perfect way to end the week with family and friends.
MUST-TRY DISH Monkfish & Serrano Ham
16 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
MERCURE
MAIDSTONE GREAT DANES HOTEL Dine in the beautifully refurbished Bar & Brasserie. Enjoy a meal, afternoon tea or a cocktail in picturesque surroundings
E
njoy the atmosphere in the hotel’s newly renovated, contemporary Bar & Brasserie, set on three levels, overlooking the landscaped grounds. They have a great new menu, with favourites such as chicken, smoked duck & wild mushroom terrine served with toasted bread and orange & walnut salad. Also on the menu are great steaks, succulent burgers, their delicious Beef & Doombar Ale Pies, and British classics such as prawn cocktails and scotch eggs. There is a good selection of wine and beers, or you can treat yourself to one of the exciting cocktails. They also offer a tremendous Sunday lunch and a range of mouthwatering desserts. The Bar & Brasserie is open throughout the day for informal dining, breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
Ashford Road Hollingbourne Maidstone ME17 1RE 01622 528565 @mercuremaidstone e info@mercuremaidstone w mercuremaidstone.co.uk OPENING HOURS Breakfast Monday to Friday: 6.30am-10am Saturday: 7am-11am Sunday: 7.30am-11am (lunch: 12.30–3pm) Brasserie open all day Lunch: 12noon-10pm Dinner: 6.30pm–9.30pm
à
MUSTTRY DISH
P
Beef & Doombar Ale Pie
17 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
THE SWAN The Swan is a leading independent Kent restaurant bringing modern dining to the lively market town of West Malling 35 Swan Street West Malling ME19 6JU 01732 521910 @SwanWestMalling @swanwm info@theswanwestmalling.co.uk e theswanwestmalling.co.uk w OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday: Brunch: 9am-11.45am Weekends: 10am-11.45am Monday to Saturday: Lunch: 12noon-5.30pm Sunday: 12.30pm-5.45pm Monday to Saturday: Dinner: 5.30pm-10pm
à
T
he Swan’s restaurant adds a taste of the classy and contemporary to the historic town of West Malling. Led by Executive Chef Lee Edney, the talented kitchen team deliver fresh and exciting flavours seven days a week, using seasonal and local produce. The creativity continues into the inviting bar, where guests can enjoy stunning cocktails, thoughtfully selected wines and great coffee. The brunch is one of the best served in the area, while the à la carte menu boasts robust and creative combinations with a selection of grills and seasonal favourites. In addition, the midweek set menu also offers fantastic value.
AA
18 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
MUSTTRY DISH Sticky Pork Belly, pickled carrot salad, cashew nuts, chilli and soy caramel
With autumn upon us, menus at The Swan will feature a range of new dishes such as slow-cooked short rib of beef, root vegetables and prime cuts of game, including venison, pigeon and pheasant. During the fabulous festive period, Christmas party organisers can choose from a variety of dining options and drinks packages. Dishes set to feature include beetroot-cured salmon with avocado puree, dill and apple, sliced lamb rump with puy lentils and spiced aubergine puree, and, of course, roast Norfolk bronze turkey with all the trimmings. Guests will be able to enjoy their festivities in The Swan’s stylish brasserie or in one of its three private rooms, which provide the perfect space for entertaining, group dining, drink and canapé receptions, meetings, weddings and civil partnerships. There is also the stunning winter marquee, which is the ideal backdrop for a Christmas celebration or event. Regardless of the reason for your visit, The Swan is a sleek, stylish and inviting place where friends, colleagues and families can come together to enjoy high quality food, drinks and service. 19 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
VILLAGE HOTEL CLUB Newly refurbished pub and grill opening from October 2018. Village Hotel Club also have live sport & a Sunday Carvery lunch Castle View, Forstal Road Sandling, Kent ME14 3AQ 01622 235170
@Villagehotels @village_hotels village-hotels.co.uk w OPENING HOURS Breakfast Monday to Friday: 7.30am-9.30am Weekends 7am-12.30am All-day dining: Monday to Friday from 10am Weekends from 11am
à
T
his pub and grill is The Village Maidstone’s brand new dining outlet, combining the former restaurant space and the atmosphere of the pub to create a laid-back yet modern space. The bespoke furnishings create a sleek look where guests can relax, dine and watch live games on the new 84-inch televisions. The opening hours are new, too – offering all-day dining, including old favourites like the burger stacks, as well as fresh new dishes such as avocado on toast, poke bowls and energy bowls. The á la carte menu offers skewers, steaks and specials for the lavish diner, while the club dishes are nutritionally balanced with lower calorie counts. The new pub and grill will remain a family favourite on Sundays with an unlimited, great value carvery being served from 12noon.
P
MUST-TRY DISH
Steaks Sirloin Steak
300g prime sirloin steak with balsamic vine roasted tomatoes
Fillet Steak
8oz fillet steak with balsamic vine roasted tomatoes
Steak with Pepper Sauce and Rustic Chips £ 26 £ 29
All served with a choice of black rice, rustic chips or house green salad Choose a sauce, Béarnaise or Peppercorn for £1 Add a little something... Garlic Prawns £6 Crusted Blue Cheese £3
Specials Village ½ Pound Burger
£ 16
Fillet Steak Stroganoff
£ 18.5 0
Mussels and Fries
£ 18.5 0
Sea Bass
£ 18.5 0
A prime beef burger loaded with cheese and bacon, served with rustic chips and kale slaw Tender pieces of fillet steak cooked in a mushroom and mustard cream sauce, served with basmati rice
20 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
Steamed mussels in a garlic, white wine, parsley and cream sauce, served with fries Pan fried sea bass fillets, served with soy, ginger and
THE CLIFFE RESTAURANT The eagerly awaited food and drink destination on the famous Leas of Folkestone, with panoramic views of the stunning seafront
T
MUST-TRY DISH The Cliffe Burger
he Cliffe Restaurant at The View Hotel is a fantastic food and drink destination on the famous Leas in Folkestone. The building has been beautifully restored to its former glory and is now a 4* boutique hotel and contemporary bar and restaurant with views overlooking the English Channel. The restaurant offers a variety of menus available throughout the week, including Brunch, Lunch & Tapas, Sunday Lunch, À la Carte and Afternoon Tea. The Head Chef has designed the menus to incorporate only fresh, Kentish produce from local suppliers. The bar is also very popular in the local area, offering a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages and contemporary cocktails to suit everyone’s tastes. Live music nights are held at the venue every month with an incredible line-up of local musicians and bands, creating a relaxing environment for all age groups to enjoy. The bar terrace is also a perfect spot for the summer months, with comfortable seating and spectacular views.
21 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
The Leas Folkestone CT20 2EF 01303 847880 @TheCliffeRestaurantFolkestone @cliffe_restaurant_folkestone e reservations@clifferestaurant.co.uk w clifferestaurantfolkestone.co.uk OPENING HOURS Sunday: 12noon-4pm & 5pm-8pm Monday to Saturday: 12noon-4pm & 5pm-9pm
à P
THE DOG AT WINGHAM New ownership & refurbished in 2016, Kent Pub of the Year 2017 and retained in 2018, Two AA Rosette restaurant with rooms near the historic City of Canterbury Canterbury Road Wingham Nr Canterbury CT3 1BB 01227 720339 @thedogatwingham @DogWingham info@thedog.co.uk e thedog.co.uk w
MUSTTRY DISH Venison loin, swede fondant, pickled blackberry, braised shoulder pastilla, piccolo parsnips with venison & port sauce
OPENING HOURS Monday to Sunday Breakfast: 8am-10am Monday to Saturday Pub: 11am-11pm Kitchen: 12noon-2.30pm 6.30pm-9pm Sunday Pub: 11am-9pm, Kitchen: 12noon-5pm
à
AA
P
22 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
T
he Dog at Wingham serves modern British dishes made from the finest locally-sourced ingredients. They pride themselves on giving every guest a warm welcome, delicious drinks, fabulous food and special service. In the two years since they put new life into the old dog, they won an AA Rosette and then achieved two more recently, came runner-up in the Kent Life Food & Drink Awards 2017 Restaurant of the Year category, and were the National Pub & Bar Awards 2017 County Winner – which they retained in 2018! Their aim is to serve the finest food in the region and they look forward to welcoming you with your friends and family very soon.
THE CHEFS: Head Chef Samuel McClurkin has trained under Heston Blumenthal at Dinner, Tom Kerridge at The Hand and Flowers, Stephen Harris at The Sportsman and Dev Biswal at The Ambrette. He’s competed internationally at Cannes in the South of France to represent his college and won the ‘Entente Cordial’. Sam is supported by Sous Chef Roberto Mantegna, who has cooked in some of the finest establishments in Kent, including Reads, Chapter One, The Sportsman and Eastwell Manor. Together they were awarded Two AA Rosettes within six months of taking over the kitchen at The Dog.
23 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
BUENOS AIRES NIGHTS Argentine cuisine is quite unique, and may be described as a cultural blend influenced by Italian and Spanish populations 63 High Street Maidstone ME14 1SR 01622 688655
L
ocated in the heart of Maidstone town centre, you will discover Buenos Aires nights is a restaurant with an elegant and cosy ambience, with the best charcoal-grilled meat from Argentina and a fine selection of wines. It is part of an international EnglishSpanish group where the Head Chef and Managing Director are both originally from the Argentinian capital. They will offer you a high quality steak, excellent service and a list of the best Argentinian wines. There are many different varieties of grapes cultivated in the country, reflecting its many immigrant groups. The French brought Malbec and the Italians brought vines thatthey called Bonarda and
@banights @banights_steakhouse info@ba-nights.co.uk e ba-nights.co.uk w OPENING HOURS Monday: 6pm-10pm Tuesday to Thursday: 6pm-11pm Friday to Saturday: 12noon-11pm Sunday: 12noon-9pm
à
24 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
Torrontés, which makes most of Argentina’s best-known wines. Within Buenos Aires Nights you can discover 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 there so special is that they serve natural grass-fed beef. Argentine cuisine may be described as a cultural blend influenced by Italy and Spain, and their style of cooking and eating steak makes it unique and most interesting to the hungry carnivore. Don’t wait too long to go along and try this great South American experience.
MUSTTRY DISH Chef Special Churrasco Steak
25 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
RAJA OF KENT Restaurateur Rezaul Raja, who owns The Raja of Kent group of Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, welcomes you to the Tenterden eatery… Biddenden Road High Halden Tenterden TN30 6SX 01233 851191
@TheRajaofKent info@therajaofkent.com e therajaofkent.com w OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday: Lunch: 12noon-2.30pm Dinner: 5.30pm-11.30pm Sunday: Lunch: 12noon-3pm Dinner: 5.30pm-11.30pm
R
ezaul Raja’s reputation is such that customers are drawn from across Kent to Tenterden, while celebrity diners have included Joanna Lumley and Jan Francis. “Our mission is to provide the very best Bangladeshi and Indian cuisines, served by attentive and professional staff within a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere,” he says. New to the menu are some exciting specialist dishes created authentically, so they are exactly as they would be if they were served in Bangladesh. They include: Mozadar Mangosh (diced beef and aromatic Bangladeshi spices), Chicken Raas (flawlessly cooked chicken leg), Lamb Shank (slowly cooked), and – both perfect for the season – Spicy Sea Bass and Kudu Goost (sweet pumpkin with lamb).
MUST-TRY DISH Sizzling Beef
P
26 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
FLAVOURS BY KUMAR Discover true delights of Indian cuisine with Anil Kumar, the proud owner & Head Chef of this Ramsgate restaurant & newly opened Garlinge restaurant
W
MUSTTRY DISH Spiced Squid
ith a delicate infusion of spices, Anil brings a taste of the traditional food of the Indian sub-continent to the Kent coast. “For me, food has always been an adventure,” he says. Anil started his journey in India, then moved to Dubai and London and finally settled in Ramsgate. His aim is to convey his passion for Indian cuisine in a way that gives you a taste of perfect Indian dishes. Here are just some of those you will find on the menu: Stir Fry Squid – spiced squid tossed with onions, peppers, ginger, lemon juice and mango powder. Masala Dosa (vegetarian) – South Indian crêpe made from rice and lentil batter and stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes, served with coconut chutney. Double Ka Meetha – Very popular dessert from Hyderbad. It is a bread pudding cooked with milk, saffron, cardamom and dry fruits served with Vanilla Ice Cream. You will always find specials on the board, too, like Lamb Shank served with mint and coconut sauce, or Spiced Crispy Whitebait.
27 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
2 Effingham Street Ramsgate CT11 9AT 01843 852631
176 Canterbury Rd Garlinge Margate CT9 5JW 01843 226666
@IndianRestaurantamsgate @flavours.by.kumar e flavoursbykumar@gmail.com w flavoursbykumar.co.uk OPENING HOURS Lunch 12noon-2.30pm Evening sitting 5.30pm-9.30pm Outside catering also available
à
PAD THAI RESTAURANT At Pad Thai, Manta and the team do their upmost to adhere to authentic methods in all their dishes 15 High Street West Malling ME19 6QH 01732 870000
F
manta@pad-thai.co.uk e pad-thai.co.uk w OPENING HOURS Tuesday to Saturday Lunch: 12noon-2.30pm Dinner: 5.30pm-11pm on Friday and until 11.30pm on Saturdays Monday & Sunday: Closed
à
P
MUST-TRY DISH Duck with Tamarind Sauce
or over 20 years, Pad Thai at West Malling 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 Maythachatchaval, the proprietor (left), whose relatives in Thailand have previous connections with the Royal Thai kitchens. Manta and her all-Thai ‘brigade’ at Pad Thai use their extensive expertise to prepare all the starters and special sauces. Manta herself is solely responsible for the unique Thai dessert Kanom Tuoy – a steamed Thai coconut dessert made with tapioca and rice flour, hand-mixed with coconut milk and pandan leaf – a dessert which is very rare to find in the UK. With fresh ingredients flown in weekly direct from Thailand, authenticity is guaranteed, which has culminated in Pad Thai being one of very few Thai restaurants in the UK to hold the Thai select ‘Premium’ award from the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Affairs at the Royal Thai Embassy since its introduction in 2012.
28 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL This 4* hotel offers a menu to tantalise the taste buds, whether it’s a social occasion, a business meal or a great outing for all the family
MUST-TRY DISH Chicken Wellington
W
e know the importance of good food and drink. From a light snack in the bar to a romantic meal in the Horizon Restaurant, the team are continually sourcing new produce and developing menus to suit all palates. The Horizon Bar is an elegant area in which to enjoy a predinner drink while perusing the mouthwatering menu. The seasonal menu is designed by the Head Chef and delivers modern British cuisine using locally-sourced produce where possible. And attentive waiters are on hand to advise you on the best wine to complement your meal. So whether you are visiting the hotel on business, or treating family and friends to a delicious Sunday lunch, a gourmet delight awaits. In the summer, you can also enjoy al fresco dining in garden surroundings on the restaurant terrace. And when the sun goes down, heated lamps will make your evening just as comfortable.
Simone Weil Avenue Ashford TN24 8UX 01233 219988 @ashfordinternationalhotel e ashfordrestaurant@qhotels.co.uk w qhotels.co.uk OPENING HOURS Breakfast Monday to Friday: 6.30am-9.30am Saturday to Sunday: 7.30am-10.30am Evening Meals Monday to Sunday: 6.30pm-9.30pm Sunday: Lunch-1pm-9.30pm
à P
29 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
TURNER CONTEMPORARY With stunning views across Margate Sands and an outdoor terrace, you can enjoy the gallery café’s seasonal cuisine whatever the weather Rendezvous Margate CT9 1HG 01843 233022
@turnercontemporary @turnercontemporary café@turnercontemporary.org e turnercontemporary.org w
T
he café menu at Margate’s famous Turner Contemporary gallery is changed monthly to focus on the freshest seasonal ingredients. They go into creating exciting dishes with special attention given to vegetarian choices and fresh local seafood. You can savour delicious all-day breakfasts and lunch, and a children’s menu is also provided. The cooks aim to prepare their food with ingredients sourced from local independent suppliers, and are a member of Produced in Kent. Free Wi-Fi is available, and the café is also free to hire.
OPENING HOURS Tuesday-Sunday & bank holidays 10am-5pm Café: 10am-5.30pm
30 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
THE BARNYARD A restaurant and two shops set within a beautiful oak-beamed barn with steps leading to a beautiful patio overlooking acres of orchards & woodland
O
pen seven days a week, The BarnYard serves hearty breakfasts, a great choice of lunches/light snacks and afternoon tea. On a Sunday, the roast dinners are yummy! They celebrate local and seasonal produce and are proud to source the very best in Kentish ingredients wherever possible, a theme that runs throughout the regularly changing menus. They are even prouder of the fact that they have produced, on-site, their own BarnYard apple and pear juice, pressed and bottled directly from their own award-winning orchards. Their scrumptious homemade cakes and scones are available every day, includingChocolate Fudge. Enjoy afternoon tea al fresco on the patio, or treat yourself and book the special High Tea menu. A lot of what they serve is available to purchase in the fantastic artisan farm shop. Pay a visit and sample Kent produce at its finest.
MUST-TRY DISH Shredded Crispy Duck Salad
31 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
Oak Lane Upchurch Sittingbourne ME9 7EZ 01634 235059 @TheBarnYard.Upchurch e restaurant@the-barnyard.com w the-barnyard.com OPENING HOURS Monday to Sunday: 9am-4pm Farm Shop & Gift Shop: Monday to Friday: 10am-4pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am-4pm
Ă P
THE SQUARE FISH CAFÉ A fine fish & chip restaurant and café on The Square in the delightful village of Lenham. Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Square Lenham Maidstone ME17 2PH 01622 858268
A
@thesquarefishcafé @thesquarefishcafé info@squarefishcafe.co.uk e OPENING HOURS Tuesday-Saturday: 11.30am–9.30pm (last orders) Sunday: 11.30am-8.30pm Monday: Closed
à
P
MUSTTRY DISH Beer-Battered Haddock and Chips
long the North Downs way, midway between Maidstone and Ashford, is the pretty little village of Lenham. In the centre of its medieval square is the 15th-century building known as The Chequers. For the past 20 years it has been a traditional fish and chip shop serving the local rural community. Owner Marino Michaelas has always insisted on using the finest ingredients, with fresh fish sourced from the fishermen of Rye and Folkestone and potatoes from the Smiths of Sandwich. It was a desire to make the most of these strong sourcing relationships that the ‘garage’ end of the building was added and The Square Fish Café was born. The café serves all the items you would expect from a fish and chip shop, with fine fresh fish delivered daily (sometimes twice daily, thanks to their friends at Chapmans!) From fresh mussels, scallops and sea bass to cod, haddock and plaice and local wines and beers, everything is served in a wonderfully modern interior contrasting with the medieval views afforded by the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, making this a must for all fish lovers.
32 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
CAFÉ NUCLEUS An oasis nestled in a surprising hidden courtyard by Chatham High Street, where you’ll be welcomed by Mediterranean-themed gardens
C
afé Nucleus is a haven of fresh, local food with a particular focus on produce and suppliers within Kent, following the ethos of the trade organisation Produced in Kent, of which they are members. The café menu pays particular attention to Brunch, with dishes such as Eggs Benedict as well as their own take on a traditional Full English, to name just a couple. As a fully-licensed, continental-style café, they have 106 gins to sample, over 20 Kentish and English wines, and a spirit list to impress. The menu offers a host of plates from their famous Croque Monsieur to traditional afternoon tea. You can find Café Nucleus within the award-winning Nucleus Arts Centre, home to the Halpern Gallery and over 40 practising artists in studios. The perfect location.
MUSTTRY DISH Kentish free-range eggs on a bed of avocado
33 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
272 High Street Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 406971 @cafenucleus @cafenucleus e hello@cafenucleus.co.uk w cafenucleus.co.uk OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday: 9am–5pm Sunday: 11am–4pm Closed on Sundays during winter from 30 September
THE CHEESE ROOM When people started popping in to Topes restaurant for a cheese board or meat platter and a sneaky G&T, the idea of The Cheese Room was born 74 High Street, Rochester ME1 1JY 01634 831616
@TheCheeseRoomRochester info@thecheeseroomrochester.co.uk e thecheeseroomrochester.co.uk w
OPENING HOURS Tuesday to Thursday: 9.30am–4pm Friday to Saturday: 9.30am–9pm Sunday: 10am–3pm
à
V
isit The Cheese Room in Rochester High Street, where you can browse their cheese counter full of British, local and artisan cheeses and continental meats. Meanwhile, the shelves are packed with lovely chutneys, honey, crackers, wine and local beers. While you are there, you can enjoy a coffee and cheese toastie, their fabulous mac ‘n’ cheese and raclette or a British cheese board and a glass of Kentish wine. Either sit up at the counter or on the sharing table in the Cheese Cellar. No booking required, just turn up and enjoy all the tasty treats – a must for cheese lovers everywhere!
MUSTTRY DISH Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Chorizo & Harissa
34 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
FRÉDÉRIC CAFÉ This French café is adding to its joie de vivre all the time. Now, as well as a bistro/café and wine and cheese bar, they have a patisserie…
F
rédéric Café in Maidstone has opened a French Patisserie specialising in traditional French cakes and pastries.The team of patissiers make all the cakes on site in their bespoke pastry suite, using classical French techniques. Patisseries are available both to eat in or take out, and include favourites like Éclair, Millefeuille, Baba au Rhum, St Honoré, Paris Brest and Macaron.
Market Buildings Maidstone ME14 1HP 01622 297414 @cafe.frederic @fredericbistro e fredericbistro@gmail.com w fredericbistro.com OPENING HOURS Monday & Tuesday: 9am-4pm Wednesday to Saturday: 9am-12midnight Sunday: Closed
MUST-TRY PASTRY
à
Millefeuille
35 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
A GUIDE TO CHEESE & WINE IN KENT HAMMERED METAL WINE COOLER £29.50 M&S
ETCHED WINE GLASS £10 LAURA ASHLEY
WINE GLASS £8 DEBENHAMS
THE CHEESE ROOM ROCHESTER Julie and Chris Small opened the doors to The Cheese Room in June 2017 to meet the demand of the ever-diverse, foodsavy crowd who now call Rochester their home. A more casual dining experience, The Cheese Room is your local, independent modern deli and stop-off point, with the opportunity to buy some of the lovely local and artisan products that have been hand-picked for you – including local cheeses, cured meats, chutneys and the very best local wines. Serving only the best ingredients, according to the seasons, they aim to provide good healthy food that hits all the taste buttons and makes you come back for more.
thecheeseroomrochester.co.uk LEE BROOM ON THE ROCK WINE GLASS £95 NEST.CO.UK
WINE RACK WITH WINE £30 DEBENHAMS
FROMAGE & FRENCH TUNBRIDGE WELLS This delightful shop in the ‘village’ area of the town is a small part of France on your doorstep. Step inside and you will breathe in a heady mix of cheese and nostalgia for sunny holidays on the continent. The owners love France and source the best of French produce from smaller independent suppliers. fromageandfrench.com 36 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
FRÉDÉRIC CAFÉ MAIDSTONE
JEAN-LUC COLOMBO CHÂTEAUNEUFDU-PAPE £32 JOHN LEWIS
Frédéric’s new Wine & Cheese bar is now open! It offers an impressive 350 French wines, 30 French cheeses, 100 gins and cocktails. Open Monday and Tuesday in the daytime and Wednesday through to Saturday until midnight. fredericbistro.com
LAURENT PERRIER LA CUVÉE ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE £59.99 VERY
THE CHEESE BOX WHITSTABLE
The Cheesebox is the only specialist British Artisan Cheese shop in Kent. thecheesebox.co.uk
WORLD OTHER SILVER SELECTION RED WINE £24.99 SELFRIDGES
TUSCANY TIGNANELLO 2014 £120 SELFRIDGES
CHEESEMAKERS OF CANTERBURY, FAVERSHAM
LSA INTERNATIONAL WINE GLASSES & CHEESE BOARD GIFT SET £75 JOHN LEWIS
CHARBONNEL ET WALKER LUXURY CHAMPAGNE GIFT SET £95 SELFRIDGES 37 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
Home to the award-winning Ashmore Farmhouse and Kelly’s Canterbury Goat and a wide selection of other unpasteurised and pasteurised cheeses. cheesemakersofcanterbury.co.uk
HOLWOOD FARM, KESTON
This family-owned farm shop and deli is housed in a beautifully restored barn. It nestles in rural Kent between Keston and Downe village. Passionate about supporting local producers, Holwood go out of their way to offer you the very best, from traditionally-reared meat to Wealden fruit and veg; and from local beers to cakes baked especially for Holwood. holwoodfarm.co.uk
SMOKE & LIQUOR ROCHESTER Smoke & Liquor is the new venture from the team that brought you Topes restaurant. Housed in the same timber-framed building in central Rochester, they bring you a new way of eating out and relaxing with friends. A new, non-bookable bar area is available all day for drinks and food. Chill out with a gin and tonic, bottle of wine or coffee and enjoy a selection of bowl food or sharing platters. smokeliquor.co.uk
ENGLISH WINES
CHEESE BOARD & TOOLS £50 DEBENHAMS
Have grown such a great reputation they are now a ‘must-drink’!
CHEESE TOOLS £50 DEBENHAMS
THE SWAN WINE-TASTING DINNER WEST MALLING Join the team at The Swan at 7pm for fizz and canapes, followed by a 5-course dinner with paired wines from the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions. The Wine Dinners are always popular, so don’t leave it too late to book your space. For more details, please contact the Events Team on 01732 521918 theswanwestmalling.co.uk 38 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
SET OF CHEESE KNIVES £22 OLIVER BONAS
CHEESE BAKER £12.50 DEBENHAMS
39 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
COCKTAIL CORNER Sparkling Cosmopolitan INGREDIENTS 75ml Grey Goose Vodka 1 tbsp orange liqueur Squeeze of fresh lime juice 100ml cranberry juice Sparkling wine Cranberries, to serve
Peach Apricot Punch Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS Ice cubes 2 clementines, thinly sliced 100ml brandy 50ml orange liqueur 750ml bottle J2O Peach & Apricot Spritz
THE CLEAN CRISP TASTE of vodka makes a great base for cocktails
METHOD 1. Stir together the vodka, orange liqueur, lime and cranberry juice. 2. Pour into 2 Champagne flutes and top up with the sparkling wine. Drop in a few fresh cranberries and serve.
y This drink reall is just peachy!
METHOD 1. Fill a large jug or a punch bowl with ice. 2. Add the clementine slices and stir in the brandy and orange liqueur. 3. Stir in the J2O and serve. RECIPE SUPPLIED BY
40 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
s r e l l i t s i d o n n A h wit Strength
ELDERFLOWER G&T
Difficulty
GIN YUMMY! Strength Difficulty
Season: All Spirit: Elderflower & Vodka Glass: Copa
We like playing this game…
INSTRUCTIONS Build in a glass over ice. Stir. Serve in a chilled goblet or highball glass. Garnish with edible floral ice cubes and lemon.
CRANBERRY ROYALE
Season: All Spirit: Cranberry & Gin Glass: Flute
41 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
INSTRUCTIONS Pour your favourite bubbles and simply add Anno Cranberry. Serve in a fluted glass. Garnish with sugar coated cranberries.
s
r e l l i t s i d o n n A h t i w GARDEN OF ENGLAND
ULTIMATE KENTISH G&T Strength Difficulty Season All Spirit Anno Kent Dry Gin Glass Copa
BERRY GOOD Fabulous and fruity Strength Difficulty
Season Summer Spirit Anno Kent Dry Gin Glass High Ball
INSTRUCTIONS Muddle blackberries and strawberries in a shaker. Add other ingredients, shake with ice, strain and serve in a tea cup. Garnish with strawberries and blackberries 42 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine
INSTRUCTIONS Build in a glass over ice. Stir. Serve in a chilled gin balloon with lots of ice. Garnish with samphire and lime.
& grill OPEN NOW VillageHotels.com
43 | Kent’s Best Places to Dine