FOOD + DRINK
FRIENDLY SERVICE , HEARTY DISHES AND A COMFORTABLE HISTORIC ABODE AWAITS AT …
THE DOG & BEAR , LENHAM
NESTLED IN THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE OF LENHAM , NEAR MAIDSTONE , LIES THE DOG AND BEAR HOTEL . DATING BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY , THE CHARMING BUILDING WITH ITS QUIRKY BEAMED CEILINGS , RUSTIC WOODEN FLOORS AND TRADITIONAL SASH WINDOWS , IS THE EPITOME OF TRADITIONAL KENTISH CHARM WITH AN ADDED DASH OF HISTORIC HOSPITALITY . BY SAMANTHA READY
Originally built in 1602 , and boasting a visit by Queen Anne in 1704 - her coat of arms is still proudly displayed above the door today - The Dog and Bear has all the atmosphere and welcome of a traditional Kentish pub , as expected from the Shepherd Neame stable , but with the extra comfort of a contemporary hotel and restaurant .
Arriving with a small contingent of the iK team , we were delighted to be met by the super friendly and super efficient Frazer , whom many of us had encountered from his stints in other Kentish pubs . His natural hosting flair and enthusiasm instantly set the tone for our lunch , with recommendations provided with ease - “ You must try the linguine … Don ’ t miss the lamb from the specials … Ooh does anyone want to try the poke bowl ??” - alongside an update as to what has been happening at the hotel .
Taking the helm mid-pandemic would have been enough to impact even the most experienced of managers , but not Frazer , with a charismatic shrug he simply focused on all the great things that have happened , not least his arrival ! The hotel itself has undergone a wonderful refurbishment , harnessing its history but with some modern luxury . The courtyard garden has been transformed into a Covid-safe haven , perfect for alfresco dining and socially distanced celebrations . Whilst the pub-style restaurant now offers distanced tables with a menu boasting a majestic array of traditional favourites and season specials - all freshly prepared using local produce - alongside first class ales , world wines and classic cocktails .
Stories shared , pub explored , it was time for lunch , and , of course , the team were not disappointed by the array of recommended dishes that descended upon the table …
Crispy salt & pepper dusted squid , served perfectly crispy in ‘ newspaper ’, with a roast garlic and thyme mayo and wedge of lime ; the traditional cod , handcoated in its own Shepherd Neame Ale batter , served with chips and peas ; the 8oz sirloin , perfectly charred with balsamic onion confit filled mushroom , chips and rocket ; the highly recommended ( and rightly so !) British crab and crayfish linguine , a divine bowl of pasta with a creamy wine sauce , sharp lemon and a chilli kick to accompany the delicate shellfish ; and lastly the lamb special , a delicious plate of lamb rump , fondant potato , crispy kale , and lamb jus - all thoroughly enjoyed !
Trying to be good we ignored the dessert board for all of five seconds , before succumbing to the lure of the chocolate brownie , a heaving slab of bitter chocolate , hazelnuts and butterscotch sauce and the biscoff slice , a tempting cross between millionaires and a cheesecake - yes it is as good as it sounds !
With options to book for a meal , a stay , or even a staycation combining a trip to the legendary Shepherd Neame brewery available , The Dog and Bear should be top of your local pitstops .
The Dog and Bear The Square Lenham ME17 2PG www . dogandbearlenham . co . uk
dogandbearhotel
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