Bursting with local seasonal produce – seasonal vegetables are picked fresh from their market garden near Howletts , whilst artisan local producers supply dairy , meat and fish – it is mouthwatering tempting .
From the selection of tempting starters we opted for the cod and prawn cake ; a delicate fish cake served with citrus fennel , soy and a chilli and lime dipping sauce , and the delicious sticky sesame pork belly with a chilli caramel glaze , kohlrabi remoulade and offset with an apple and vanilla puree – both made extra enjoyable as the childrens ’ main courses were delivered at the same time .
Whilst we devoured our first course , the children were treated to hearty chicken and beef roasts respectively . The three year delighted by the yorkshire as big as his face , the six year old by the crispy roast potatoes smothered in the extra gravy that was swiftly delivered by the faultless staff .
In fact , the staff , with their laidback farm-style uniforms and easy manner , were exemplary throughout . Friendly , efficient and unobtrusively on hand , nothing was too much trouble , and , even with the obligatory mask in place , it was clear this was a professional team relishing their new abode .
Starters devoured it was the grown-ups ’ turn to be wowed by lunch . And it did not disappoint !
I had opted for my mainstay choice beef , to be presented with medium-rare , melt in the mouth slices of beef , peppery cauliflower puree , braised red cabbage , and divine red wine gravy . Mr Ready , swayed by the roast white loin of pork , was astounded by the huge portion of perfectly roasted meat that arrived . The sides ; baby carrots , cabbage and the so-good-we-fought-over-them rosemary roast potatoes , are served to share .
Children distracted , by talk of animals and by the arrival of a huge sticky toffee pudding swimming in toffee sauce and a moorish chocolate brownie – both proclaiming to be child-size ! – we were able to leisurely partake in lunch .
Not to be outdone , our dessert time soon followed , and with it the difficult decision of what to have … Mr Ready , indecisively torn between the poached pear with chocolate sorbet , the amaretto and chocolate torte , and seasonal crumble , finally opted for the latter , to be presented with a bubbling dish of apple and rhubarb with delicate hints of cinnamon ,
topped with crunchy oat crumble and served with fresh silky-smooth custard and rich rum raisin icecream . My decision was easier , swayed by the temptation of the toffee pudding , albeit with the extra allure of hazelnuts and a salted toffee sauce . The thick clotted cream an unexpected and perfect accompaniment .
For a busy Sunday service , every dish was fantastic ; flavours were plentiful , the quality and freshness of the ingredients stood out , and I ’ d have happily eaten that meal again and again .
With 2-courses for £ 28 and 3-courses for £ 35 – including entry to the park – the only question is when are you going ??
The Garden Room Port Lympne Reserve Aldington Road Lympne Hythe CT21 4LR www . aspinallfoundation . org / garden-room
portlympne portlympnepark
The Garden Room restaurant and parks may currently be closed in light of the new lockdown restrictions . Collectively the animals at both parks cost at least £ 1.5 million a year to feed and the closure of the parks pose a real challenge for the Aspinall Foundation to continue its world-leading conservation work . For ways to help , please visit www . aspinallfoundation . org / donations .
111