FOOD + DRINK
INSIDE THE PUB :
REIMAGINED DESTINATION PUB DINING AWAITS AT
THE TIGER INN , STOWTING
NESTLED EQUIDISTANT FROM THE BUSTLING TOWN OF ASHFORD AND THE CREATIVE COAST OF FOLKESTONE , STOWTING , THE TINY KENTISH COUNTRYSIDE ENCLAVE , HAS BEEN PROUDLY HOME TO ITS DESTINATION PUB SINCE THE 17TH CENTURY . TODAY ’ S OFFERING HOWEVER , IS A TRULY NUANCED APPROACH ... BY SAMANTHA READY
Since being acquired by Contemporary Pubs Ltd , a family-run business headed up by Will and Nadine Sheldon , in 2021 , The Tiger Inn has benefited from the same extensive , ambitious and unique refurbishment approach that has seen the revitalisation of fellow country destination pubs The Marquis at Alkham near Dover , and a new ‘ pubwith-rooms ’ The Kings Arms in Elham - set to join the offering this summer .
Keen to harness its hospitality history and retain a sense of coaching inn charm you will still find original features and open fireplaces here , alongside stunning countryside views from the outdoor terrace , statement radiators and dried hops strung against a backdrop of ‘ modern-heritage ’ green walls . But , as the name suggests , this is a contemporary take on destination country pub dining , brought to life with a brave and truly modern interior twist ; think metallic finished ceilings , copper bubble glass light shades and industrial black spotlights .
The modern approach to gastropub dining extends to the menu too .
Proudly bursting with fresh , seasonal , local produce , the spring menu is a showcase of considered dishes - with a contemporary twist of course - from group executive chef Steven Piddock and his team .
Shown to our windowside table , framed by mirrored shutters and affording views to the terrace beyond , by the affable Max , we were delighted to find out that lunch offers the same tempting menu as that offered to evening guests , as well as some choice daily specials too .
Service was friendly and efficient , yet unobtrusive . Perhaps aided by a very bustling mid-week lunch service ( bumped up too by a group of walkers caught out in a spring deluge of giant hailstones naturally …) though more likely further evidence of the burgeoning pub group ’ s hospitality ethos .
Self-coined the place to suit all palates , with a range of premium dishes jostling for attention next to classic pub food done well , we set out to put that to the test with a diverse table of four featuring a picky teen , pub classic devotee and a couple of epicurean adventurers - delighted to find that there were indeed standout dish choices across our eclectic food desires .
First came a heaving board of grilled aubergine and courgette with hummus , olives and sourdough alongside a bread board of local Docker sourdough with whipped sea salt butter . This was swiftly followed by a heaving Scotch egg , this time with heady hits of chorizo , red pepper aioli and hazelnut and coriander pesto ; the crispy sweet chilli beef , little nuggets of fried beef with generous hits of heat and sesame ; and a heaving bowl of salt and pepper squid , lightly dusted and served with a rich kimchi mayo .
Mains continued the contemporary with a twist eclectic theme .
The pork belly offered perfectly crisp crackling with a rich jus and charred baby leeks , the black pudding bon bon offering the surprise extra hit of flavour . The burger , a heaving double rump steak patty affair , came oozing with Monterey Jack cheese and red cabbage slaw , served with crispy fries . While the fillet steak was a hearty portion with a much appreciated blue cheese sauce adding the flavour .
The standout dish though was the lamb . Of course utterly in season , the rump was pan-roasted to perfectly pink and served with a classic pea puree , fondant potatoes and crisp tenderstem for some added texture - the red currant jus not only delicious with the lamb offered the perfect dunk for a stolen crispy salty French fry too !
Never ones to turn down pud we again opted for a mix of dishes from the menu . The crumble of apple and seasonal ingredient de rigeur , rhubarb , was the sweetest of the sweet treats . The chocolate and salt caramel tart , the most indulgent and generous . While the lemon and white chocolate cheesecake was the most insta-worthy and arguably most delicious , offset with a delicious raspberry sorbet .
With a clutch of critical acclaim , including being named County Winner in the National Pub & Bar Awards , finalist for Best Pub for Food in the Great British Pub Awards and finalists in the Taste of Kent awards all in its first year , alongside a strong commitment to offering an easy country pub dining experience , The Tiger Inn is one to add to your destination dining list .
The Tiger Inn Scotts Lane Stowting Ashford TN25 6BA tigerinn . co . uk
tigerstowting tiger _ inn
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