FOOD + DRINK
DISCOVER THE PERFECT BALANCE OF PRIME KENTISH PRODUCE , IMAGINATIVE MENUS , PURE TALENT AND PROFESSIONAL PASSION AT
BOWLEYS AT THE PLOUGH BY OLIVIA RICCINI
JOURNEY TO THE STARS
ABOUT TWO MILES NORTHWEST OF WEST MALLING , TUCKED JUST BELOW THE NORTH DOWNS , IS THE QUINTESSENTIALLY KENTISH VILLAGE OF TROTTISCLIFFE . A FITTING NAME THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CONJURED UP FOR A BBC DRAMA , TROTTISCLIFFE NOT ONLY DELIVERS ON THE IDYLLIC VILLAGE FRONT WITH ITS VILLAGE GREEN AND PRETTY HOUSES , BUT IS ALSO THE SETTING TO AN INCREDIBLE STORY OF COMMUNITY .
© Joe Josland Photography
Sitting opposite one of Kent ’ s character defining oast houses is - from the outside - what seems a traditionally quaint village pub , adorned with window boxes full of flowers and picturesque green weatherboarding . Step through the door and find yourself in a porch that acts as a portal to the venue ' s harmonious but split personality . You will be confronted with two more doors . One leading to a cosy , homely bar with soft leather sofas and cushioned seats around sturdy tables ; this is the traditional part of the venue ’ s character , one in which to relax with a drink and engage in lighthearted conversation with friends . Through the other door , however , you ’ re transported into what has made The Plough the rising Michelin star that it is today .
Masterpiece of dynamic father-and-son team , wine merchant and connoisseur , David Yates , and his Michelin-trained head chef son , Alex , Bowleys at The Plough has been rightfully stirring up a sensation in Kent ’ s culinary world and beyond . Despite only just completing its first full year without any interruptions from lockdowns , Bowleys at The Plough has already been heralded by the Michelin Guide . Described by the prestigious publication as : “ offering a concise menu of carefully crafted , classic dishes ”, Bowleys is everything one could wish for when searching for a restaurant combining the perfect balance of Kentish produce , imaginative menus , pure talent and professional passion . “ Everything bursts with flavour and even the butter is homemade ,” praises Michelin , and lucky for me , the homemade butter was one of the first dishes I sampled .
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