We have gathered some of the best gastro pubs in Kent to enjoy a delicious but laid back meal with friends; such is the beauty of the dining pub
The George & Dragon, Chipstead
Open fires, wooden beams and historic charm galore, The George & Dragon pub in the pretty village of Chipstead uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to create hearty dishes for visitors. Inventive dishes have included sea bream with salt baked heritage beetroot, new potatoes and a sweet lemon pesto and butternut squash; and roasted shallot tart with melted Roquefort cheese, curly endive and pomegranate dressing. Supporting local suppliers for everything from meat and cheese to apples and ice cream, there’s plenty on the menu to tempt you.
Don’t miss: Pick up a loyalty card to collect points that can be redeemed on your visits to The George & Dragon. Every £1 you spend is worth one point. Collect 200 points for £10 off a round of drinks or a full meal. See other advantages online.
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The Evenhill, Littlebourne
The picturesque village of Littlebourne is home to The Evenhill pub, restaurant and rooms. British dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are on the menu at this charming country pub with starters such as chicken supreme with shallots, smoked pancetta, new potatoes and crème fraiche. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed with veggie dishes such as a wild mushroom and white truffle risotto with parmesan. During winter, enjoy your food inside the 16th century building with wonky wooden beams, dark wood floors and exposed brick next to the roaring fires; or find a spot surrounded by greenery in the gardens during the warmer months.
Don’t miss: Just a 3 minute drive – but a world away – from the hustle and bustle of the ancient city of Canterbury, this is the perfect excuse to leave your troubles behind and enjoy some high quality food in a Kentish country pub.
The White Rock Inn, Underriver
The White Rock Inn in Underriver is a historic pub in the heart of the Kentish countryside that has many period features such as red brick, dark wood, metal lamps and a roaring open fire in the winter. The a la carte menu changes with the seasons and often features local fish dishes with seafood caught by the landlord. Why not start with garlic field mushrooms pan fried in a creamy garlic sauce served on a slice of garlic bread; followed by fillet of seabass with tiger prawns in a lemon and lime butter with fresh vegetables and potatoes.
Don’t miss: British desserts include spotted dick with custard, sticky toffee pudding or fruit crumble and ice cream. If you are feeling Continental, try a chef’s crème brulee.
The Green Man, Hodsoll Street
Elevated comfort food is on the menu at The Green Man in the sleepy hamlet of Hodsoll Street. Usually alive with music events including open mic nights and live music, you can enjoy fresh, homemade dishes in this lively village pub. With tempting starters such as stuffed jalapeno peppers with cream cheese and breaded king prawns with lemon mayonnaise; classic pub mains of steak and kidney filo parcel, beer battered cod or a spinach and ricotta cheese cannelloni, there is plenty to fill you up and keep you entertained too.
Don’t miss: Surrounded by the North Downs, why walk off your food with a countryside walk?
The Milk House, Sissinghurst
Beautifully presented and packed full of fresh goodness, whether it’s a casual pub grub you fancy or something slightly more elevated, there is the menu for you at The Milk House in Sissinghurst. All food is sourced as locally as possible and with freshness in mind, but the eye for detail extends beyond food and has been wrought in the chicly decorated interiors too.
Don’t miss: The Milk House will have a special Valentine’s Day menu this year, with a host of courses imaginatively named after literary couples such as Romeo and Juliet; Lancelot and Guinevere; and Elizabeth and Darcy. So cute!
The Bull at Benenden
The Bull at Benenden, tucked away in the picturesque village of Benenden, could be straight from Downton Abbey. Built in the early 17th century, the Victorian inspired décor in the dining area is so detailed that you may feel you’ve been transported back in time. There are real ales on tap, homemade pies with traditional fillings such as steak and kidney or turkey and leek all with mashed potato, vegetables and gravy. Daily specials have included a vegetarian puy lentil, celeriac, baby beet and rosemary gratin with a roast pepper puree and greens or starters of crab and quails egg cake with celeriac puree and toasted sour dough bread.
Don’t miss: Sundays see roast lunches with all the trimmings and frequent music events to enjoy afterwards.
The Windmill, Hollingbourne
The Windmill is a traditional British pub in Hollingbourne with stylish interiors that make for a relaxing post-work tipple or a full romantic meal for two. The Windmill is big on its drinks with an extensive drinks menu that includes fabulous wines to complement your food, real ales and cocktails, great to celebrate the end of the work day. The a la carte menu includes starters such as mussels in white wine, mariniere with garlic, parsley and cream sauce and warm garlic baguette; mains such as slow cooked ox cheek with smoked bacon, roast baby onions, woodland mushrooms, creamed mash potatoes and garlic infused cabbage – phew!
Don’t miss: Tempting desserts include creations such as caramelised banana soufflé with peanut butter ice cream and toffee sauce.
The Sportsman, Seasalter
The village of Seasalter is a calm and picturesque place on the northern coast that’s home to The Sportsman, a Michelin starred dining pub with a relaxed atmosphere. There has been an inn on the site of The Sportsman since the 17th century and was originally farmed by monks who would forage in the immediate land surrounding the inn. This tradition has been continued by the current owners who use fish from the North Sea and vegetables, fruit and more are gathered in the marshland meaning ever-changing seasonal menus are packed with fresh ingredients.
Don’t miss: Seafood dishes such as starters of rock oysters with hot chorizo have been featured on the menu. Keep an eye on the specials board for the freshest seafood around.
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