Autumn/Winter Collection 2014
The
BEST P aces to D
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elcome to the autumn and winter 2014 edition of mmm’s Best Places To Dine – your essential guide to some of the finest places to eat and drink in Kent. The county’s reputation as a food and drink hotspot has been established for years – we’re not known as the Garden of England for nothing after all – but in recent years the quality of dishes has risen dramatically. With many restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local producers, the distance from field to plate is now shorter than ever. And that means you get the freshest produce, prepared to the highest standards. What’s more, the level of service now is as high as the quality of the food and drink. No self-respecting eatery would expect to offer you anything other than a warm welcome and attentive service throughout your stay. We really are spoilt. Truly, we’ve never had it so good. All of which means whatever food excites your taste buds the most there’s somewhere you can have a magical evening. From cuisine around the world, to the very best local dishes, you don’t need to venture outside of the county to find somewhere which will serve up an atmosphere and dishes which will live long in the memory. So enjoy this special guide – and remember to tell them who sent you! Published by mmm Media Ltd GHL House 1st Floor 12-14 Albion Place Maidstone Kent ME14 5DZ
Tel: 01622 299035 www.mmm-media.com
To advertise for the mmm Spring/Summer Collection 2015 please contact sales@mmm-media.com
TUDOR PARK MARRIOTT HOTEL The Conical Grill restaurant combines stylish interiors and a superb menu. Executive head chef Tom Biddle serves up an exquisite dining experience, offering both British classics and contemporary dishes with a focus on sustainable and local fare. The views across the championship golf course from the Zest Sports Bar are stunning. Tudor Park cleverly incorporates a wealth of natural features and distinctive surroundings giving social and business events the glamour and prestige they deserve. Meet before dinner in the Mezzanine Bar. Enjoy delicious snacks or sassy cocktails in chic, contemporary surroundings featuring luxurious leather booths. For more information please call 01622 632006 or visit www.MarriottTudorPark.co.uk
THE RED LION A picturesque 14th century pub situated in a small village near the town of Faversham. Surrounded in history the pub dates back to the 1300s and still contains many original features. The Red Lion offers a selection of traditional English food alongside the frequently changing seasonal specials. Facilities include an upstairs restaurant, available for dining or large functions, a front patio overlooking the church and village green and a well established pub garden with many historical features and a large play area for children. A new champagne lounge bar is now open too. Whatever your event The Red Lion can cater for you, in the newly refurbished function room. For more information please call 01227 751207 or visit www.theredlion.org
THE HENGIST RESTAURANT The Hengist is in the heart of beautiful Aylesford village. The Grade II listed building was originally two houses, and was converted into a restaurant in 1980. Downstairs is an informal brasserie-style dining room with bar which offers casual all-day dining, serving breakfast from 8am, and is open right through until closing time. Decorated in a traditional style but with a quirky twist, downstairs is the place to come in for a coffee or a relaxed lunch. For more information please phone us on 01622 885800 to reserve a seat downstairs for any time from 8am to 9pm. Or visit www.hengistrestaurant.co.uk
THE OYSTER PEARL Famous for its oysters, Whitstable now has another pearl in its collection. The award-winning Oyster Pearl Bar and Restaurant at Seasalter has set the taste-buds tingling of reviewers and judges with its high quality and creative dishes. All served in a pleasant environment with friendly and helpful staff, it’s little wonder its reputation is ensuring its popularity continues to grow. Voted best newcomer at a major food and drink awards last year, the Oyster Pearl prides itself on creating an eclectic menu. It serves up a British and Asian fusion with its seafood dishes and locally sourced seasonal ingredients – truly the best of all worlds. This transforms into an ever evolving creative menu that will suit all tastes. One visit and you’ll see just what all the fuss is about. For more information please call 01227 272705 or visit the website www. oysterpearlrestaurant.vpweb.co.uk
THE ROFFEN CLUB The Roffen Club is situated in Rochester and has been serving the Medway towns for 33 years as the area’s leading private members’ club. Situated at the heart of the towns, in New Road, The Roffen offers its members an amazing range of facilities from a complete health club, a private nightclub, a large function rooms, and also a smart and sophisticated social club - which includes a wonderful restaurant. Restaurant 41 at The Roffen is led by head chef Aaron Flett who creates a completely new menu every month of the year (the October menu is illustrated). This gives the club members tremendous variety and top quality a la carte dining. To make its dining experience even more enjoyable it runs an amazing offer that allows diners to enjoy all three courses - and unlimited house wine with their meal - for just £27.50. Unsurprisingly that offer is very popular! As a special offer to readers it would like to invite you to try its restaurant. Simply call on 01634-404770 and make a booking quoting ‘The Best Places to Dine Offer’. The staff will be delighted to welcome you to The Roffen. Enjoy a relaxing drink in the bar and then have a wander round the club after dinner, who knows, you may want to book the ‘Venue Bar’ for your next big birthday party. Full details, and all its current menus, are on its website at www.roffen.com. You can also find it on OpenTable.com
LUNCH & DINNER In our Resst st staurant t in Octtober
LUNCH - 12.00 -2.30 (last orders)
Starter Starters
sstarter
SOUP OF THE DA DAY FRESH CLAMS
PLEASE ASK YOUR OUR W WAITRESS FOR TODAY ODA ’S CHOICE IN A WHITE WINE HERB CREAM WITH HOMEMADE T TAGLIA GLIATELLE TELLE P PAST ASTA ASTA
LOBSTER OBSTER & A AVOCADO SALAD AROMATIC CRISPY DUCK AROMA
WITH ROCKET ROCKET,, GARDEN LEA LEAVES VES & CHERRY TOMAT OMA OES OMAT
main
£8 £9
SEARED RIB EYE STEAK £12
GARDEN LEA LEAVES, PICKLE & POMMERY MUST MUSTARD DRESSING
£6
£9
SIMPLY SERVED WITH LEMON & HOMEMADE T SIMPL TART ARTARE ART ARE SAUCE
£5
£8
£5
£8
GOLDEN FRIED WHITEBAIT
TANDOORI CHICKEN WINGS T
SERVED VED WITH CUCUMBER & MINT RAIT RAITA
S Salads
STIL ON MASH, RED ONION CONFIT STILT
BRAISED RUMP OF LAMB
£14 £12
HAM HOCK TERRINE
Meat Meats
£4.50
£7.50
CUCUMBER, SPRING ONIONS, P PANCAKES, HOI SIN SAUCE
DINNER 6.00-9.30 (last orders)
IN TOMAT OMA O WITH OLIVES & FRESH BASIL, SAFFRON RICE OMAT
ESCALOPE OF PORK
CREAM OF WILD MUSHROOM SAUCE, HERB MASH
LEMON & PEPPER CHICKEN BREAST
BUTTERED NEW POTATOES & GREEN BEANS
HAND BATTERED COD OR HADDOCK
CURED IT ITALIAN ALIAN BEEF WITH ROCKET & P PARMESAN ARMESAN SHA SHAVINGS VINGS BOCCONCINI MOZZARELLA , CHERRY TOMAT OMA OES, A OMAT AVOCADO, BALSAMIC DRESSING
CLASSIC NICOISE
TOMATO OMA , GREEN BEANS, POTATO OMATO TA , BOILED EGG & ANCHOVIES TATO
GARLIC MUSHROOM & PINENUT (V)
£8 £6 £6
TOSSED OSSED WITH ROCKET & MIXED LEA LEAVES
£6
V Vegetarian THAI GREEN VEGET VEGETABLE CURRY
SERVED VED WITH STEAMED BASMA BASMATI RICE
£8
IN A RICH TOMAT OMA O SAUCE, SERVED WITH A SIDE SALAD OMAT
£7
STIR FRIED VEGET VEGETABLES & RICE
£7
SPINACH & RICOTTA TA CANNELLONI T SWEET & SOUR TOFU
CHUNKY CHIPS, MUSHY PEAS, T TART ARTARE ART ARE SAUCE
SERVED ON THE BONE WITH CAPER BUTTER & GREEN BEANS
LIME & CHILLI SALMON SUPREME
MOZZARELLA, TOMAT OMA O & A OMAT AVOCADO SALAD (V)
WOK FRIED P PAK CHOI, SWEET CHILLI SAUCE
HADDOCK FISHCAKES
CRUSHED NEW POTATOES OES & LEEK CREAM
All our meals are served ed complete but we off offer er these side dishes ffor or your enjoyment BOWL OF STEAMED VEGET VEGETABLES CREAMED LEEKS SAUTEED SPINACH BUTTERED MANGE TOUT BOWL OF CHIPS BUTTERED NEW POTAT TA OES TAT CREAMED POTAT TA OES TAT
TWO SCOOP ICE CREAM
PROFITEROLES
Please tell your waitress you would like this off offer er when ordering
Unlimited red or white house wine is available ailable from when we serve your starter ter until we serve e your dessert The unlimited wine off offer is with your meal at your table and we serve your three courses within a reasonable period not to be extended please. Ideally everyone yone at your table should take the off offer - All menu items are included.
A discretionary y 10% ser service e charge will be added to restaur restaurant ant bills and paid in full to all our staff The service vice charge is ffor or full service in the restaurant - not ffor or ffood ood ordered and paid ffor or at the bar - The service charge is discretionary.
£9
£9 £15 £10 £8
£2.75 each
Desserts Dessert serts CHOOSE FROM V VANILLA, ANILLA, STRA STRAWBERR WBERRY CHOCOLATE OLATE & BANANA OLA
PLEASE ASK YOUR OUR W WAITRESS AITRESS WHA WHAT T OLD SCHOOL DELIGHT WE HA HAVE VE IN STORE
Three Courses & Unlimited Wine - £27.50 Two Tw o Courses Courses and half bottle of Wine - £20
£10
Sides
OLD SCHOOL PUDDING
Special S pecial Offer Offerss - Restaurant only
£13
Fish GRILLED LEMON SOLE
BRESAOLA
£14
FILLED WITH V VANILLA CREAM & COVERED IN HOT CHOCOLATE OLATE SAUCE OLA
VANILLA CHEESECAKE V
£4.50 £5.50
WITH A TRIPLE CHOCOLATE OLATE COA OLA OATED SHORTBREAD
£6
VANILLA SEED ICE CREAM & HOT CHOCOLATE V OLATE SAUCE OLA
£7
PEANUT BUTTER TER & BANANA P PARF ARFAIT ARFAIT
CHEESE PLATE
£5
SERVED WITH HOMEMADE CINNAMON ICE CREAM
STRA STRAWBERR Y CREME BRULEE
FRESH FRUIT SALAD
£4.50
WITH A RASPBERRY SAUCE & FRESH BERRIES
PEAR & FRANGIP FRANGIPANE FILO T TART
SPICED ORANGE SOUFFLE
£4
TUILLE BISCUIT BISCUIT, CINNAMON SAUCE
£6
A SELECTION OF SEASONAL FRUITS AND BERRIES WITH FRESH CREAM
£4
WOOKEY HOLE MA MATURE TURE CHEDDAR, FRENCH BRIE, TRADITIONAL STIL STILTO TON
£7.50
TAJ CUISINE Taj Cuisine is based in Walderslade, at the very heart of the Garden of England, producing a wide range of superb Asian dishes, offering you a dining experience second to none. Its outstanding selection of Indian and Bangladeshi dishes are specially prepared by its own experienced, award-winning chef. To enhance your dining experience further you will be served by well trained staff who are always available to make your stay memorable. Taj Cuisine prides itself in providing a sophisticated, warm, and friendly atmosphere, where you can choose from a wide range of mouth-watering, irresistible Asian dishes. For more information please call 01634 686648 or visit www.taj-cuisine.co.uk
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PAD THAI RESTAURANT West Malling, near Maidstone has become one of the places to eat, having a varied choice of restaurants and gastro pubs. Over the last ten years, Pad Thai Restaurant has built an enviable reputation as possibly one of the best Thai restaurants in the south east. This is due entirely to Manta, the owner, whose family in Thailand has worked in the Royal Thai kitchens. With fresh ingredients flown in direct from Thailand the authenticity is guaranteed which has culminated in Pad Thai being one of the first Thai restaurants to receive the prestigious award of a Thai Select Plaque, from the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Affairs at the Royal Thai Embassy. For more information please call 01732 870000 or visit www.pad-thai.co.uk
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MERCURE MAIDSTONE GREAT DANES HOTEL At Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel it understands everyone is unique, which is why it will create a bespoke package to ensure your event lives up to your individual expectations. It has a variety of suites where it can offer private dining and cater for dinner parties ranging from 10 – 300 guests. Here are a few ideas on what it can offer: The Hollingbourne suite with a maximum capacity of 120 dinner guests which in July 2014 had a full refurbishment with just over £100,000 of investment. The Medway Suite is perfect for those smaller family, corporate or special birthday celebrations and can cater for up to 20 guests while overlooking the greens of the 26 acres of landscaped lawns. Meanwhile, the Heart of Kent suite can cater for up to 300 guests with its own entrance, and bar complete with your very own red carpet arrival.
Choose from a diverse collection of mouth watering dishes prepared using fresh ingredients and locally sourced produce. To complement your meal, choose from its selection of fine wines; from Australia to Italy there’s something to suit every palate. Finally, indulge in one of its delicious desserts before sitting back, relaxing and allowing its experienced and helpful team to provide you with everything you need. If you’re looking for an intimate gathering or an extraordinary affair it is completely flexible and would love to discuss your specific requirements with you; from room layouts to menus, it wants to ensure it provides the perfect setting for you. Please call 0844 815 9045 for more information, or why not come in and try its new autumn/winter brasserie menu.
KITS COTY Located on the side of Blue Bell Hill between Maidstone and the Medway towns, Kits Coty is ideally located one mile from both the M2 and M20. The extensive view over the Medway Valley truly provides a unique dining experience. Kits Coty has been in the same family ownership for over 30 years and has evolved considerably in that time, currently there are plans to add six luxury bedrooms, a new entrance and refurbished bar to be completed by summer 2015. The 45-seat private dining room continues to be popular for family events, while the whole venue is bookable for your exclusive wedding. Music evenings have been a popular addition for 2014 and more dates will be added for 2015. For more information please call 01634 684445 or visit www.kitscoty.co.uk
LONDON BEACH HOTEL The London Beach is situated just outside the historic town of Tenterden and is surrounded by beautiful countryside with stunning views across the parkland golf course and beyond. The hotel has a superb restaurant with mouth-watering starters, delicious main courses and sinful desserts. The head chef makes it a priority to source local produce whenever possible, while the extensive wine list includes wines from famous local vineyards. The restaurant menu changes regularly – just see the website to whet your taste-buds. In addition to the main restaurant there is an excellent brasserie-style restaurant that serves all day with breakfast starting at 7am and a wide range of enticing meals from sandwiches and baked potatoes to lasagne or steak and chips and much more available throughout the day. There is also a new Sunday carvery with a choice of roasts and an exceptional selection of vegetables to choose from. There is a large conservatory and terrace with wonderful views across the golf course where you can relax and enjoy your meal and perhaps watch a magnificent sunset. There is plenty of free parking available. Please call 01580 766279 for more information or visit the website www.londonbeach.com
THE VINEYARD RESTAURANT 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, having something to offer all customers who are looking for an excellent culinary experience complimented with attentive service second to none. Reputed for its exquisite, specialised Seafood Menu as well as its French and Italian specialities, offering authentic dishes cooked with fresh ingredients carefully market sourced by its team. Also having over 20 years of experience in cooking authentic European cuisine for the region, and is the winner of the 2008 Kent Messenger ‘Best Restaurant in Kent’ award. The Vineyard offers fine dining for an affordable price, and warmly welcomes couples, groups, parties, and families for an enjoyable meal. For more information please call 01732 882330 or visit www.thevineyardrestaurant.co.uk
THE BARNYARD The BarnYard at Gore Farm in Upchurch, is set amongst 150 acres of beautiful scenery and encapsulates what is at the very heart of Kent. As members of Produced in Kent it celebrates local and seasonal produce and is proud to source the finest ingredients. This theme runs throughout its menus, from the eggs that are collected daily from its free range chickens on the farm and used for its hearty breakfasts, to cheese boards using Kent cheeses from its deli counter in its award winning farm shop, served with home-made spiced apple chutney using apples from its own orchards. Enjoy lighter bites, afternoon tea and traditional lunch favourites such as Whitstable Bay beer battered fish and chunky chips to tasty supper dishes such as smoked rump of Romney Marsh lamb with rosemary and garlic roast potatoes, creamy savoy cabbage and red wine jus; all washed down with a selection of Kent wines, cider and beer. For a truly unique dining experience visit The BarnYard. For more information or to book a table visit www.the-barnyard.com or call 01634 235059.
VILLAGE HOTEL Looking for the ideal venue for that special occasion? Then look no further than the Village Urban Resort Maidstone on Forstal Road. It is perfect for all private dining occasions - whether you are looking for a graduation dinner, or a celebrating an anniversary. Village Maidstone takes the stress out of your event by helping you plan the perfect celebration. It has a very helpful and enthusiastic team dedicated to making sure your event goes off in style. The always happy staff will work closely with you to run the event just the way you want it and look after all your dining and refreshment needs. It has tasty bespoke menus along with great ales and wines to ensure a mouth-watering event for everyone attending. Capable of catering for any size event from 20 to 180, it is dedicated to providing a memorable event. What’s more, with everything under one roof why leave, with cool rooms, a big pool and a state of the art leisure club and free car parking. Located off junction six off the M20, why not call the events team for more information on 0871 222 4598 (option 2) or email Maidstonehub@village-hotels.com
COAST RESTAURANT AT THE HYTHE IMPERIAL Open daily for breakfast, dinner and lunch on Sunday the Hythe Imperial’s new restaurant offers modern British cuisine and a daily changing menu. With all fish and seafood sourced from Griggs of Hythe and its meats provided by Huntley’s of Tenterden, it takes pride in sourcing its ingredients locally. Its jams are made locally at Wooden Spoon Preserves in Wye and its eggs are from the free range hens at Coastal Farm based in Canterbury. Whether it be the lamb from the Romney Marsh or Dover Sole caught from the fishing fleets that sail the southern coast its insists on providing its guests with the highest quality ingredients. Coast’s breakfast offers a huge variety and is open to the public daily. On Sundays it offers a traditional roast with a selection of meats. Its children’s menu is extensive and has numerous healthy options available.When it comes to drink, its wines are carefully selected with a range boasting over 30 wines from around the world. It also offers local real ales from the microbrewery Hot Fuzz to compliment its other more established selections. And all set within the beautiful 18th century Victorian mansion with views across the English Channel. Find out more on www.mercurehytheimperial.co.uk or please call 01303 267441.
THE BULL IN WROTHAM Run by visionary Martin Deadman, The Bull is now rated by The AA as one of the top 26 restaurants in Kent and is listed in The Michelin Guide 2015. The new chefs lead by head chef, James Hawkes, have transformed The Bull to a destination restaurant with boutique rooms. The modern English menu, according to the AA, ‘has more cutting edge than might be expected in a village inn’. Loyal to the tradition of a 14th century inn, The Bull is a relaxed and informal place to drink and dine. The award-winning menu features quality produce from local suppliers with a superb selection of artisan beers and an exciting 120-bottle wine list from Kent and around the world. The same high quality ingredients are used on the bar menu for those who want to enjoy a relaxing pub meal with a well-kept pint of ale. For more information please call 01732 789800 or visit www.thebullhotel.com
Autumn/Winter Collection 2014