FOOD + DRINK
DATE NIGHT DINING CONT .
FOR TWO TO BE TEMPTED IN THE TOWN
herd ., Canterbury www . herdcanterbury . co . uk
Set right in the heart of Kent ’ s most iconic city , sultry and decadent restaurant , herd . offers the perfectly secluded spot for cosy pre-dinner cocktails in its cleverly named ‘ hide ’ bar and lounge , and for indulgent dining-a-deux in its elegant rich green and gold dining room complete with plush velvet banquette seating , mood lighting , antique porters ’ chairs and mightily impressive steak and wine menus .
herd .
Oliver ’ s , Rochester www . oliversrochester . com
Aptly named for this historic town that was once home to one of Britain ’ s most treasured literary heroes , Charles Dickens , Oliver ’ s offers intimate dining in the heart of the high street . Sitting in the shadow of Rochester ’ s most iconic buildings , the cathedral and the castle , a magnificent scene will be set for your date before you even set foot over the threshold . Sip on specially created cocktails as you wait for delicious dishes upon an evening , or choose to indulge in their famously good Sunday roasts and weekend dining , at which a glass of red wine is sure to help you sink into a cosy afternoon together .
FOR RIVERSIDE ROMANCE
Thai Orchid , Maidstone www . thaiorchidmaidstone . co . uk
OLIVER ’ S
Sitting right on the banks of the River Medway , couples can watch the sun and moon glinting off the water as they dine on authentic Thai food at this contemporary Maidstone gem . All food is cooked by professional Thai chefs , so every dish is certain to have a homemade deliciousness to it . Traditional Thai favourites such as Thai green curry make up the menu alongside exciting dishes that diners may not have tried before . The pla sam rot is a speciality : deep-fried sea bass with red curry paste and coconut milk alongside sweet basil leaves and red pepper ; full of flavour and just waiting to transport couples to the beaches of Thailand for the evening and adding exoticism to the banks of the Medway .
The Pumproom at Copper Rivet Distillery , Chatham www . crdpumproom . com
History doesn ’ t get much closer than The Pumproom at Copper Rivet . Set inside an architectural marvel born of the Industrial Revolution , this date-night destination is also amidst Chatham ’ s Royal Dockyard , making for double the magnificence when it comes to setting . Now a stunning space for visitors to not only immerse themselves in one of the county ’ s most enthralling heritage spots but also to enjoy relaxed fine dining , with its cocktail lounge and gorgeous menu a date at The Pumproom is certain to mesmerise . Steeped in a rich history , evident through beautiful architecture and leftover artefacts and features , enjoy riverside windows offering magnificent views of the River Medway , including Queen Elizabeth I ’ s gunpowder store and the iconic grey stone castle of Upnor on the opposite shore . Outstanding food creations by head chef Will Freeman are complemented by expertly curated wines from Kent and made using seasonal ingredients , be they locally grown vegetables , locally reared meat or locally landed fish such as Rye Bay cod .
THAI ORCHID
THE PUMPROOM AT COPPER RIVET DISTILLERY
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