FOOD + DRINK
HOLLY MILLIN
RELAUNCH FOR MERSHAM-LE-HATCH ’ S HIDDEN GEM
SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT PUB LEADS TO HISTORIC SHEPHERD NEAME HOSTELRY
From its bright bustling glass-fronted restaurant situated at the heart of Mersham-le-Hatch ’ s courtyard , Koyla ( www . koylakent . co . uk ), the authentic Nepalese restaurant with a difference , is relaunching with a new and inspired menu .
Headed up by award-winning and locally recognised executive chef Shanker Pandey ( of award-winning Everest Inn fame ), this newest addition to his stable of restaurants will educate diners with an authentic Nepalese menu which incorporates traditional flavours with a modern fine dining approach .
The new menu steers away from conventional indian-fusion influences , dishes are innovative and modern whilst boasting traditional Nepali flavours , and for the first time , Pandey has created an experience that pays homage to his childhood and native cuisine , giving Nepalese food the chance to ‘ stand its own ground ’.
The passionately curated menu features dishes like ; ‘ dame ko pork sekuwa ’ char grilled pork marinated in an authentic inspired village marinade with sesame seed chutney ; and The True Biryani , a nuance of the usually recognisable dish , Koyla ’ s biryani originates from the Palpa district , is beautifully presented , topped with pastry and served with a potato and yoghurt pickle .
Koyla also offers an accommodating takeaway and delivery menu featuring a handful of other classic dishes , available to order via the website . As well as a very reasonably priced set lunch menu on a Friday , Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm .
Having managed pubs for Faversham-based Shepherd Neame for the past three years , Holly Millin was delighted when The Artichoke in Chartham near Canterbury became available , offering the perfect opportunity for her first pub as licensee .
She said : “ I have always wanted to run a cosy , old village pub , so this is like a dream for me . It has been hard work since we reopened at the end of October but I ’ m loving it . It feels brilliant to finally fulfil my goal .”
With almost 700 years of history within its ancient walls and oak beams , there ’ s even an old well protruding through the floor , The Artichoke is one of Shepherd Neame ’ s most historically significant pubs , as back in the 1650s it was owned by Richard Marsh , who turned it into a brew house before going on to found the brewery in Faversham .
Since taking on the pub , Holly , who had previously worked in The Parrot and Ye Olde Beverlie in Canterbury and The Limes in Faversham , and her team have freshened its look with new décor inside along with new outdoor furniture . The drinks offer has also been refreshed , with an extensive range of beer and cider on draught and in bottle , along with a choice selection of premium wines and spirits – gins a speciality – and a new menu of cocktails .
Visitors will also find a new menu including stonebaked pizza and traditional pub classics such as The Artichoke Burger , wild boar sausages and mash , fish and chips , and a changing pie of the day .
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