FOOD + DRINK
COMBINING FRESH PRODUCE WITH WINERY EXCELLENCE AND A WONDERFULLY WARM WELCOME :
THE GOUDHURST INN , GOUDHURST
SITUATED RIGHT IN THE HEART OF RURAL KENT IN THE CHARMING VILLAGE OF GOUDHURST , JUST MINUTES FROM CRANBROOK , YOU ’ D THINK THAT THE DELIGHTFUL KENTISH COUNTRYSIDE , WINDING RURAL ROADS , QUAINT VILLAGE ATMOSPHERE AND PLENTIFUL LOCAL PRODUCE WOULD BE THE WINNING FACTOR HERE . AND , WHILE NOT WRONG , IT ' S THE GOUDHURST INN ’ S CLAIM AS BEING THE CLOSEST IN THE BURGEONING STABLE OF BALFOUR HUSH HEATH ’ S CURATED SELECTION OF PUBS AND HOTELS TO ITS AWARD-WINNING BALFOUR WINERY , JUST 10 MERE MINUTES AWAY , THAT MAKES THIS DELIGHT EVEN BETTER . BY SAMANTHA READY
Harnessing its location as a Kent explorer ’ s dream destination , local delights include Bedgebury National Pinetum and Vita Sackville-West ’ s stunning gardens at Sissinghurst Castle , The Goudhurst Inn ’ s menu , curated like all the estates ’ offerings by effervescent group executive chef , Brent Osborne , is a shining exploration of our county ’ s beautiful produce and wine .
With Kent ’ s rolling pasture and agricultural land literally on the doorstep , the kitchen team - under the watchful helm of Brent - works with an abundance of local produce from local suppliers to bring the freshest of seasonal dishes , utilising modern cookery techniques to the historic pub ’ s contemporary dining space .
Taking our seats in the Tasting Room , a secluded space to the left of the entrance framed by views to the terrace and a giant modern chandelier , the pub ’ s vaulted ceiling , clean-lined space offered the perfect spot to peruse the menu with a fresh crisp glass of Balfour ’ s Leslie ’ s Reserve Brut and Leslie ’ s Reserve Red respectively ; perhaps feeling even more deliciously special knowing that it came from only minutes away .
A fresh take on gastropub dining , the menu here has been reinvigorated under Brent ’ s helm .
Don ’ t be fooled by the ‘ small plate ’ section that precedes the starters , mains and sides . Our heaving plates of black pudding Scotch egg served on a moreish bed of deep fried spring onion and sea salt , marinated olives with rich , crumbly feta and chilli , and basket of house-baked bread served with a garlic and herb whipped butter were anything but small . Rueing his decision to add the starter portion of courgette and aubergine tempura to his order , Mr R was part delighted , part horrified by devouring the heaving fryer basket of lightly battered vegetables that appeared jostling for space on our laden table .
Effortlessly served by group manager OIlie and his team , we were swayed by his recommendation of the pub ’ s take on a chicken kebab and Brent ’ s nuanced take of the Balfour fish and chips for our lunchtime main . Mr R was rewarded with everything he loves : seasoned hunks of chicken thigh , generous portions of pitta , pickled red cabbage and pimento peppers , and chipotle mayo - an unsung hero on the plate . While I had an ‘ eyes bigger than my belly ’ moment when a giant plate of freshly battered fish appeared in a chip-shop-of-old blaze of glory . “ Times are a bit tough for everyone at the moment ,” Brent compassionately acknowledged , “ and when times are like that we go back to the things we used to love , right ? Special memories .” Indeed . Then laughing , he added : “ My team thought I was mad when I said I was switching out the tartare for curry sauce . They get it now .” And rightly they should . This particular fish dish offers a gently turmericspiced crisp batter , smooth mushy pea puree , giant pickled egg and a nostalgic jug of chip-shop style curry sauce , and it was fabulous .
Trying to justify pudding - for pure editorial purposes obviously - while also trying not to descend into a Monday lunchtime food coma ( another good reason to check into one of the charming hotel rooms offered here perhaps ?), Brent reappeared with his signature southeast London enthusiasm . “ Key lime pie ; it ’ s our new spring dessert , you ’ ve got to try it ” - and that was how we found ourselves demolishing the frankly too pretty to delve into short tartlet case to enjoy heady , zesty hits of lime curd offset with smooth Chantilly cream and candied peel … and a rather large decadent slab of warm dark chocolate brownie with caramel , waffle shards and clotted cream ice cream , too - oops .
Offering an easy charm , laid back welcome , tempting menu and some , naturally , delicious wine-pairing options - the Balfour Wine Flights are a fab way to try three signature sparklings or still wines side-byside for just £ 10 a flight - The Goudhurst Inn is set to no longer be such a hidden gem …
The Goudhurst Inn Cranbrook Road Goudhurst Kent TN17 1DX thegoudhurstinn . com
thegoudhurstinn
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