March 19 is the date for treating our mums, yes, Mother’s Day is creeping up fast and pubs across Kent are not only putting together some delicious menus for the occasion, but there may be some extra treats added in, too.
Whether you opt for a traditional Sunday lunch or set price menu with seasonal menu choices, there’s lots to savour, the only difficult choice to make is which one to choose!
Making mum feel special with a meal out is something which everyone can join in with – and make a day of it, too.
Many of Shepherd Neame’s 300 pubs across Kent are in lovely locations which lend themselves to a day of experiences and sights to see.
For Mother’s Day this year, Britain’s oldest brewer will be launching a sumptuous Sunday roast menu, which puts the emphasis on eating together and tucking into beautifully cooked food. Centre pieces will include a whole roast chicken or shoulder of lamb, so the whole family can tuck in, as they would at home – but with none of the washing up to worry about!
The menu will be on offer at sites such as the bright and breezy Marine Hotel, (marinewhitstable.co.uk) which looks out on the seafront at Tankerton, Whitstable. It has a stylish restaurant and seating with breath-taking views, alongside its 30 wonderfully presented bedrooms, and once you’ve finished dining, you can dive outside for a relaxing coastal stroll, as the beach is literally on the doorstep.
Alternatively, head to the city centre site, the Miller’s Arms, (millerscanterbury.co.uk) a smart and stylish stop-off a stone’s throw from Canterbury’s hive of activity and famous sites from the Marlowe Theatre to Canterbury Cathedral.
One of the top-rated inns in the city, its warm, modern décor includes a cosy inglenook fireplace, a courtyard garden and 12 en-suite rooms, and once you have filled up on its Mother’s Day fare, you can take an easy walk to the city centre to sample the city life.
Steeped in history, The Red Lion, Hernhill, (redlionhernhill.co.uk) is a 13th century hall house which has been totally refurbished. Retaining many of its distinctive character features including exposed beams, flagstone floors, a crown post ceiling and inviting log fire, for Mother’s Day, it will be running its Sunday roast menu with a complimentary glass of Prosecco for Mums. Described as the “quintessential pub on the green” it cannot fail to charm and makes for a perfect destination this Mother’s Day.
The White Horse is a former 16th century coaching inn in the tranquil village of Boughton-under-Blean (thewhitehorseboughton.com) and is the perfect place to treat your Mum.
With a cosy bar and spacious dining area featuring an inglenook fireplace and original beams, it keeps that traditional village pub feel but the 2022 refurbishment has added a fresh and elegant new look.
Open all day every day, guests are welcomed for lunch, dinner and breakfast if you are an early-bird or just for drinks (fine wines, premium lagers and yummy cocktails).
This Mother’s Day treat your mum to lunch or dinner at The White Horse and the team will treat her to a complimentary Bellini cocktail or a glass of fizz. A warm welcome awaits all the family and the new spring menu offering pub classics as well as hearty, tasty dishes cooked with the freshest ingredients and an international twist. And, of course, a delicious Sunday roast with a choice of vegetarian and vegan options – but be sure to book as Sundays at The White Horse are very popular with guests coming back time and again for the delicious dry-aged rib of beef.
Heading to Dover, in the shadow of the castle, is the historic White Horse Inn (thewhitehorsedover.co.uk). It's a majestic old building and unsurprisingly haunted but don't let that put you off as it's certainly a must visit.
Landlords Stuart Fox and Julian Crowley, along with their team, have created a “go to” pub which is often a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of tourist and locals alike, but all taking in the traditional surroundings.
For Mother's Day, why not start by treating Mum to a cocktail aperitif? There's the choice of Pina Colada, French Martini or Cosmopolitan.
Starters on the menu include traditional prawn cocktail to tomato bruschetta, while main courses such as traditional roasts, poached salmon in beurre blanc, homemade rainbow pie and meatless meatloaf give plenty of choice.
Desserts such as traditional Kentish gypsy tart, individual banoffee pie and vegan ice cream with homemade honeycomb, will round off the meal quite nicely.
For Mums who love the great outdoors, The Spotted Dog (spotteddogpub.co.uk) is a 15th century public house, nestled in the charming historic village of Penshurst and is a perfect base for exploring.
Surrounded by some fabulous walking and hiking routes, park the car in the spacious car park and then treat Mum (and yourself!) to some well-deserved refreshments…or a bite to eat.
Inside, there’s traditional beams, an impressive open fireplace and other period features which make it extra special. This friendly, local pub welcomes all guests…even the four-legged variety!
The Compasses is recognised as the oldest pub and oldest building in Tunbridge Wells (greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/kent/compasses). Hidden away on Little Mount Sion, it maintains its original charm from the early 17th century. It’s a pub for everyone and is ready and wait for what is, one of the most important days of the year, the day to treat your Mum! Give mum a break and book a Sunday roast dinner while cosying up to roaring fires. Mum will receive a complimentary free glass of Prosecco or a soft drink.
Also in Tunbridge Wells is The Barn (barn-pub-rest.co.uk) it’s a character pub and restaurant which has been privately owned and managed since 1993. For Mother’s Day it is offering a great value three-course menu priced at £29.95 with children’s menu priced at £15.95. And, speaking of children…they get to show off their artistic talent with a drawing competition, find out more on the website. Getting back to the food and there’s the barn pate and fried halloumi for starters. Traditional roast, grilled sirloin steak and a butternut squash with stir fried vegetables are main course options. A selection of desserts, a vegan menu as well as coffee and mints, will also be available from this popular pub.
With its low beams, flag stones, inglenook fireplaces and herringbones, The Moat, in Wrotham, (themoatwrotham.co.uk) is a beautiful spot to enjoy a meal or special occasion. Following a complete refurbishment, it is back to its best, both inside and out. With a mouth-watering menu, as they say, diners will be “in for a treat”. Seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients are used where possible and bookings for Mother’s Day are available at varying times on Sunday, March 19.
Over in The Bo-Peep Pub and Restaurant in Orpington (thebopeep.com) it always provides a warm welcome to customers and on Mother’s Day it will have a three-course menu available. There are options including breaded goats’ cheese to start and roast beef or turkey, cheddar, leek and potato tart for mains. Tempting sticky toffee and butterscotch sponge may tempt you where dessert is concerned. The menu is priced per course, £16.95 for one or go for the full three courses priced £27.95.
