FOOD + DRINK
© Fleur Challis Photography inside THE PUB :
THE MARQUIS OF GRANBY
PERCHED WITH COMMANDING VIEWS OF THE KENTISH ROLLING COUNTRYSIDE VALLEYS , ON THE WINDING ALKHAM VILLAGE ROAD THAT LEADS STRAIGHT TO THE WHITE CLIFFS BEYOND , ITS RECENT PUB / RESTAURANT-WITH-ROOMS REVIVAL HAS , AT LAST , ELEVATED THE MARQUIS TO NOBLE ACCLAIM . BY SAMANTHA READY
Now part of the aptly named , Kent-based , Contemporary Pubs Group , The Marquis , along with sister property The Tiger Inn in Stowting and a soon to be revealed new addition in the quaint Canterbury outpost of Elham , are a demonstration in how to breathe much-needed new life into historic hospitality . The concept ? Take a beautiful , yet neglected old inn / village pub . Undertake a considerate yet contemporary refurbishment - think modern glass partitions and open fire places , bold freestanding bathtubs , contemporary lighting and artwork , framed by restored original beams , large pillar candles and quirky nooks . Add a nuanced British menu . And then deliver a sensible luxe approach to elevated yet affordable dining and stays , underpinned with great passion and service .
In homage to Ms Monroe ’ s famous quote alluding to the same , it is fair to say that the real way to experience a true version of a place is to see it when things are not quite as they should be . So following a fabulously warm welcome , ultra efficient check in to our large suite complete with standalone bath and comfy king size bed , and an afternoon tipple of crisp
Sauvignon blanc at a cosy window-side table in the bar , the real demonstration of friendly yet faultless service came to the fore as the entire building plunged into absolute darkness about 30 minutes prior to our reservation for dinner !
Courtesy of the slightly apocalyptic winds that had battered the south east coast all afternoon , halting the channel crossings and bringing some rather wet deluges , an overhead power line had been scuppered , sending with it power not only to the Marquis but a further nearly 300 neighbouring properties .
86