THE GARDEN ROOM at Port Lympne Reserve
IT WAS WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT THAT MY FAMILY AND I ARRIVED AT PORT LYMPNE ’ S NEW RESTAURANT THE GARDEN ROOM FOR SUNDAY LUNCH . UNLIKE MANY WHO STUMBLE ACROSS THE RESERVE ’ S HIDDEN-GEM MANSION HOUSE WHILST SAFARI-ING ACROSS THE KENTISH PLAINS IN SEARCH OF RHINOS , GORILLAS , LIONS , TIGERS , AND THE ODD DINOSAUR TOO , WE ALREADY KNEW AND LOVED THE STUNNING 1920 ’ S HOTEL AND DINING OFFERING ELEVATED ABOVE THE RESERVE ’ S 600 ACRES . HOWEVER , WALKING INTO THE NEWLY DESIGNED AND REFURBISHED RESTAURANT IS NOW AS AWE INSPIRING AS THE PARK BEYOND . BY SAMANTHA READY
Formally the Aspinall Suite , a swag-draped function space used by the hotel for events and weddings ( our own included !), we stood in awe of the light , bright , rustic- contemporary dining space , which for the first time is now open to the public as well as overnight guests !
Designed by Victoria Aspinall with the aim of creating a relaxed garden experience , it is simply beautiful . The dated decor is gone and the orangery-style high roof floods the space with natural light . There are swathes of greenery across the walls , whilst the original arched windows and doorways are echoed in arched mirrors on the walls , bouncing yet more light and reflecting greenery in every direction .
Practical as well as stylish , the tiled floor opens into a perfectly spaced restaurant . Framed to the right by a sleek bar , it offers a mix of small and large farmhouse-style tables spaced currently to cater for intimate couples or small family groups . It is light , airy and comfortably modern .
Under the esteemed helm of new executive chef Lee Edney , who refined his trade at the notable Chapters , the seasonal menu offers laid-back , unpretentious British plates packed full of flavour and quality ingredients . Garden bites , small and larger plates are accompanied by a carefully curated wine list and a botanical inspired cocktail offering . With the children ’ s ‘ Cubs ’ menu offering smaller sized main dishes and kid faves for both lunch and dinner .
Whilst the menu is a demonstration of refined plates and quality ingredients , it was a pleasure to see a space where muddy boots fresh from a winter ’ s day at the reserve were more than welcome !
And just as well !
As arriving on a Sunday afternoon allows dining guests to not only to partake in my favourite meal of the week , yes a classic Sunday roast – which here features dishes crafted using only the best seasonal ingredients – but also to have complimentary access to the park too !
The perfect way to build an appetite ( and tire out our smaller diners too !) we parked by the restaurant and then happily meandered through the reserve . Up the steps to the tigers and lions , down again to rhinos and gibbons , and of course ending our jaunt watching the playful baby gorillas – a fantastic prelunch family outing !
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