Out of Town
DESTINATION DINING
Bursting with award-winning restaurants , world-class wineries , classically brewed beer and more ; Ashford and Tenterden ’ s food and drink scene really does spoil us with choice . Just out of the town centre is a plethora of awardwinning , critically-acclaimed hidden gems , perfect for dining just a few minutes ’ drive from town .
WIFE OF BATH , WYE
Named the third best place to live by the Sunday Times , the quintessentially Kentish village of Wye , near Ashford , is home to several highly esteemed pub-restaurants including the renowned Wife of Bath . Described as ‘ modern dining at its best ’ the restaurant , named after Chaucer ’ s famous Canterbury Tale , uses the best local produce of the highest quality to create its acclaimed á la carte and taster menus . In the warmer months , guests can bask on the sunny garden terrace which comes in the form of a beautiful , secluded outdoor courtyard bedecked with plants and pretty parasols . In the winter , warm up by the roaring fire as you sip some local red wine and wait to be served your contemporary Mediterranean dishes such as Romney Marsh lamb rump with aubergine pureé and Kentish cherry gateaux with cocoa nibs . The Wife of Bath is a wonderful dining experience to be enjoyed by friends or even on a romantic date .
Eastwell Manor
EASTWELL MANOR , ASHFORD
Eastwell Manor , a Champneys Spa Hotel stands in the middle of the beautifully manicured grounds of Eastwell Park with true imposing grandeur . Just five miles away from Ashford International Station , this is the perfect break for guests from far and wide . With sweeping views of the rural North Downs , the oak-panelled reception rooms and stunning walled gardens are a heavenly setting for the Manor ’ s restaurant which features the finest local produce and holds two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence . For less formal bites the traditional afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the grand drawing room or outside on the pretty garden terrace . Step over the threshold and be welcomed by cosy log fires and discreet service from staff that pride themselves on a unique dining experience and are bound by a commitment to the best locally sourced ingredients from the idyllic Kent countryside .
Whether you visit Eastwell Manor for afternoon tea , a healthy lunch in the Spa Restaurant or dining at the Brasserie at the Manor , you ’ ll be treated to culinary delights reminiscent of a fine London restaurant , surrounded by scenic views and the tranquillity of the great Garden of England .
SECRET GARDEN , MERSHAM LE HATCH
This secret hideaway in the Mersham-Le-Hatch estate near Ashford is a real gem destination . Situated in an elegantly converted 19th century coach house , The Secret Garden restaurant serves up hearty , seasonal dishes – with all ingredients sourced from the onsite Walled Gardens or local farms and suppliers . For the best experience here , you have to dine alfresco . Sit on the terrace and take in the fantastic views over the tranquil walled gardens , which you can later explore , whilst indulging in a renowned Secret Garden afternoon tea . Indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches , sausage rolls and a choice of homemade cakes – sweet or savoury , they ’ ll have something for you . You can also add a bottle of bubbly to celebrate a special occasion . Perfect for late lunch with friends , an afternoon tea treat for mum or a romantic meal for two , the special events nights including the sell-out Pudding Nights are not to be missed !
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