WATERSIDE DINING AND A WARM WELCOME AWAIT AT
THE WHARF ,
Crossways Dartford
WHILST ANTICIPATION WAS HIGH HEADING TO THE WHARF , HAVING SEEN SNIPPETS OF THE EXTENSIVE £ 1.5MILLION TRANSFORMATION , ARRIVAL TO ITS PRIME WATERSIDE LOCATION WAS A WELCOME SURPRISE . BY SAMANTHA READY
Located just minutes from Bluewater , surrounded by a thriving business community , it ’ s fair to say that I wasn ’ t sure quite what to expect as my guest and I ventured north to check out the newly reopened Wharf . Boasting the same husband and wife manager duo , Marc and Tracy Watson , for over 20 years , and an extensive and considerate refurbishment programme ( timed to ensure that now required distancing measures and covid-secure operations seamlessly blend into the updated decor and flow ), we knew that the Shepherd Neame-stable pub was set to deliver , what we didn ’ t anticipate is just how fantastic it ’ s finish , food , service , and unique setting would prove to be .
Inside , the layout that was reconfigured to provide a new bar area and create a spacious and open feel , offers ample yet spaced tables for couples , families and permitted groups . Guests not only get to delight in the new food menu , which offers traditional pub classics along with a selection of small plates and sharing platters , but can watch the prep in the kitchen too , from the now open pass .
Downstairs , there is a great function space , with bright neutral decor and stylish lighting , primed and ready to accommodate corporate functions and private hires just as soon as it is able to do so .
But it is the outside that is the real pièce de résistance . For the pub is set in a stunning location overlooking Cotton Lake . The water jet more Lake Geneva than Dartford bypass – it is honestly breathtaking ! So , of course , the refurbishment also ensured that there is a new wrap around terrace and outside bar all with prime waterside views , whilst the large garden has been fully landscaped with new plants , furniture and lighting .
Gutted that it was raining on the day we visited , we opted instead for a window-side seat to still enjoy the waterfront views beyond , and happily worked our way through the revived menu .
Starting with sharing plates of lightly dusted crispy calamari ; served with a satay sauce and sticky chilli jam , gloriously crisp porcini mushroom arancini ; with gorgonzola hollandaise and pepper poppers and table fave , the deliciously moorish salt and vinegar chicken wings . Often left underwhelmed by the effort and mess of wings , I ’ d happily eat these again and again !
Mains continued to impress . The traditional cod ; hand-coated in Shepherd Neame ale batter served with chips and peas , the huge hot rooster burger ; a tower of piri piri marinated chicken breast , Monterey Jack cheese with sticky chilli jam and pickled red cabbage and carrot slaw ; and the dish that drew the most envious across-the-table glances ; the mapleglazed pressed pork belly with herby sauteed potatoes , cauliflower purée , crispy crackling , buttered mangetout and a rich red wine gravy , all delivered .
Not one to often turn down pud , we couldn ' t resist the recommendation of the indulgent lotus biscoff slice ; biscuit base , baked mousse and biscoff crumb , or the delicious warm triple chocolate brownie with its shortbread crumb , salted caramel sauce and honeycomb gelato – both lush !
With delicious simple food done well , all cooked from scratch and with as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible I hasten to add , an extensive range of beer and cider on draught and in bottle , along with a choice selection of premium wines , spirits and cocktails , and faultless , friendly service , we can ’ t wait to return to take in that view ( and eat those wings !) again soon .
The Wharf is open from 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday , 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday , and 12 noon to 10.30pm on Sunday – subject to COVID guidelines .
The Wharf Cotton Lake Galleon Boulevard Dartford DA2 6QE www . wharfcrossways . co . uk
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