Suddenly our evening was no longer in the capable hands of super efficient GM Will , front of house ’ s cheerful Izzy or group executive chef Stephen Piddock and his rosette-awarded kitchen team , but instead in the hands of UK Power Networks …
And therein lay the true character of the team . Unflappable , cheerful , solution-driven and still completely customer focused ; candles were lit , the roaring open fire was stoked and delicious boards of charcuterie featuring local Ashmore cheese and fresh olive focaccia appeared ( and were promptly devoured !) around the dining room , while offers of rebooking , taxis or another glass of wine came thick and fast . In a twist of fate , as we approached the team to thank them profusely and graciously offer to rearrange our review for another , slightly less torch-reliant time , as I uttered the words “ when the power is back on ” the entire building ’ s lights sparked back to life , as I relished in open-mouth , manifesting glory ! With power restored , it took the team just minutes to get menus to tables , the kitchen back to normal service capacity and a drink in our hands - how ’ s that for service ?
And were we grateful that the power came back on …
Offering modern British gastro-pub-with-a-twist dishes , bursting with local ingredients and now boasting an AA Rosette , the menu is a well conceived offering of six staple options for each course , alongside a daily changing special .
Sticking to the premise that dishes are on a specials board for a reason , I promptly opted for the duck rillette to start , which proffered a generous portion of tasty confit duck offset with a great pear compote , apricots and toasted sourdough , while Mr R devoured
the salt and pepper squid with crisp batter and a punchy kick of flavour from the kimchi mayo and fresh chilli . Mr R stuck to the à la carte menu for mains pick too , opting for the 28-day dry-aged sirloin . A tasty and well cooked steak , its accompanying triple cooked chips were however a triumph in their own right . I stuck with the specials , opting for the lamb rump , served deliciously pink with Jerusalem artichoke , grilled baby gem and the subtle hints of rosemary in its redcurrant jus .
Cleverly cottoning on to my formula , Mr R beat me to the special pud , opting for the lemon meringue roulade , a zingy , sweet and sour melt in the mouth offering that is so in demand with returning diners that it makes a regular guest appearance . Thankfully for me there were ample offerings to tempt on the main menu too , finally settling for the salt caramel tart to be pleasantly rewarded with a dish that not only shook off the notion that everything salted caramel has to be served with chocolate , but also had the right hits of flakey Maldon salt to offset the rich sweet caramel . It also perfectly paired with coffee aficionado Izzy ’ s off-menu espresso martini .
Climbing the winding stairs we were afforded a pleasant slumber in our cosy dual aspect room , before once again being treated to Marquis food , this time courtesy of their breakfast menu , which is not only offered as part of a B & B or dinner , B & B stay , but also to walk-in morning guests too . Mr R opted for his breakfast staple of poached eggs on grilled sourdough with crushed avo and chilli , while I opted for the Marquis full English , a heaving plate of smoked bacon , pork sausage , field mushroom , grilled tomato , black pudding and your egg of choice . Again all served with explementary service and a great cup of coffee .
Whether stopping by for drinks at the bar , dining in the restaurant or a staycation / dining combo rewarding break , the team here will undoubtedly do everything for you to make your visit one to remember - for all the right reasons !
The Marquis of Granby Alkham Valley Road Alkham Dover CT15 7DF marquisofgranby . co . uk
marquisofgranbypub themarquisofgranby
87