FOOD + DRINK
ALLISTER BARSBY AND ALICE BUSSI HIDE AND FOX
SITTING NEATLY IN THE PRETTY VILLAGE OF SALTWOOD IN WHAT WAS ONCE THE VILLAGE SHOP , YOU WILL FIND THE CURIOUSLY NAMED HIDE AND FOX . TUCKED ASIDE THE VILLAGE GREEN AND SURROUNDED BY CHOCOLATE-BOX HOUSES , HIDE AND FOX BASKS IN ITS TRADITIONAL KENTISH SETTING . HOWEVER , HIDE AND FOX IS FAR FROM TRADITIONAL , AND IS INSTEAD A MAGNIFICENT JUXTAPOSITION TO ITS QUINTESSENTIAL LOCATION .
JOURNEY TO THE STARS
Although a neighbourhood restaurant , Hide and Fox takes on a contemporary identity in everything from food to decor . Serving vibrant modern cuisine , Hide and Fox revel in their friendly and informal atmosphere , which embraces an accessible fine dining experience with a relaxed and unpretentious approach .
Praised by the Michelin Guide for its unique identity and take on food , Hide and Fox was awarded their Michelin star in January 2021 , having already claimed three AA Rosettes . But what makes Hide and Fox even more remarkable , is the couple that sit at the helm at this modern day dining marvel .
Allister Barsby and Alice Bussi were only 32 years old when they popped the Champagne cork to celebrate their accolade . “ We watched it right here live streamed on the laptop ,” says Alice , who sits in front of me in the restaurant one April morning . The restaurant itself is painted in a rich aegean blue , which melts alongside the original dark wood panels and floorboards , seeping a deep and solid sense of quality into the venue . Head chef and co-owner
Allister sits in front of me too , sipping a coffee in a beam of warm spring sunshine . I ask him how he felt the moment he was awarded the star . “ It ’ s the pinnacle of a chef ’ s career ,” he smiles . The Michelin Guide heralded Allister as : ‘ An experienced chef who has the courage to know when to hold back ; instead , taking a measured approach which demonstrates a sound understanding of classic techniques , skilfully allied with modernity .’ Together with his partner Alice , he puts this into play five days a week in the kitchen of Hide and Fox .
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