insideKENT Magazine Issue 115 - November 2021 | Page 133

FOOD + DRINK
FRESH START ON THE MENU AT 18TH CENTURY PUB
SHANE OWENS , CAROLE LOFTHOUSE , AND DYLAN OWENS
Family-run pub The Fat Ox in St Michael ’ s , Tenterden , has undergone a major makeover – taking the opportunity to unveil a fresh new offer for customers .
The Shepherd Neame pub , which dates back to the late 18th century , has undergone an extensive external refurbishment , including a bespoke new swing sign , and inside has also been redecorated throughout .
But the biggest change is what ’ s on the menu for visitors , as it has launched a brand new food offer , with an extensive range of mouthwatering options available Wednesdays to Sundays .
Carole Lofthouse , who has been licensee at the Fat Ox for almost nine years , said : “ We are starting afresh . We have reopened with a completely different business – we are heading in a new direction . We did not provide any food before , so it is quite a change for us to have an extensive menu .”
Serving up the dishes is chef Shane Owens , who joined the team last summer and is Carole ’ s son .
Carole said : “ Once Shane joined us in the summer , the feedback was very good , so we decided to launch a bigger menu and offer food more of the time . We also have other plans in the pipeline .”
And it has become a three generational business as Carole ’ s grandson Dylan has also joined the team as a kitchen porter .
The homemade menu , which uses locally sourced ingredients where possible , includes traditional favourites such as fish and chips ; bangers and mash ; and burgers , along with Mexican super nachos and soft plaited rolls from Rye bakery with a range of fillings .
But the new food service is not the only addition to the pub ’ s offering , as a series of new clubs and events are starting up .
There will be a Coffee Club social on Thursday mornings and a Knit ‘ n ’ Natter group on Tuesdays . There are also plans for a series of craft fairs in November and December on Saturday mornings .
Carole added : “ We hope that our new menu and our new range of events will help ensure our pub ’ s place at the heart of its community .”
The Fat Ox at Ashford Road , St Michael ’ s , Tenterden , is open every day from noon , serving food from noon to 4pm Wednesday , Thursday and Sunday , and from noon to 8pm on Friday and Saturday .
NEW RESTAURANT FOR ROB AND DONNA TAYLOR
With initial opening dates already wait-list only , Tallow , the new restaurant from acclaimed Kent restaurateurs Rob and Donna Taylor is set to open in Southborough , near Tunbridge Wells , on 5 November .
Having run the Bib Gourmand and Top 50 gastropub The Compasses Inn in Crundale with critical acclaim for the last 8 years , diners at the new 26-cover restaurant can expect to find chef owner Rob ’ s unpretentious style where good ingredients are elevated with a sharp attention to detail , using modern techniques and bold flavours across the ingenious menu , alongside Donna ’ s effortless front of house service .
Coming from East Kent , Rob brings with him a wealth of local suppliers who source from the Kent larder . The menu offers three starters , three main courses and three desserts with a nine-course tasting menu available in the 10-seat private dining room , alongside an interesting and small edit of wines . Sample dishes include treacle cured beef , glazed ox cheek , braised baby gem and English mustard clotted cream ; Stour Valley quail with Kentish cherries and black pudding ; crispy confit lamb , mint pesto and goats ’ curd ; roast loin of venison , celeriac puree , pickled girolles and potato terrine ; roscoff onion and cheddar cheese tart with pickled walnut ketchup ; and for dessert , press apple mille feuille and caramelised mascarpone .
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Commenting on the new restaurant Rob said : “ We want Tallow to be a neighbourhood restaurant , the type of place we like to go ourselves . The menu will change all the time so there will always be a new menu for regular diners to try .”
Tallow will be open for lunch and dinner Tuesday - Saturday . Reservations are open now .
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