FOOD + DRINK
Fordwich Arms , near Canterbury www . fordwicharms . co . uk
Sitting in a delightful spot beside the river , The Fordwich Arms boasts a wisteriacovered terrace with idyllic Kentish village views . An impressive wood-topped bar and open fires welcome you in and the wood-panelled dining room bursts with charm . Cooking is distinctly modern , they use excellent quality ingredients , and their vision is without bounds , resulting in some impressive creativity and adventurous contrasts . The wine list contains plenty of gems from some firstclass individual producers . The Fordwich Arms have retained their Michelin star for 2023 through the seasonal menus which focus on provenance , showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients , sourced directly from local farms and producers . Chef Dan ' s cooking is accomplished yet approachable , served in a relaxed pub environment with a choice of á la carte or tasting menus .
Thackeray ’ s , Tunbridge Wells www . thackerays-restaurant . co . uk
An exquisite restaurant free from pretension , while being steeped in charm and history . A former residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray , the building itself is more than 300 years old and is an architectural work of art . Odd angles , sloped ceilings and off-kilter stairways make the experience here captivating from
the moment you set foot over the threshold . Sitting just off London Road , among a cluster of traditional-style English villas and overlooking the open grassy common - Thackeray ’ s is the epitome of everything Georgian Tunbridge Wells is so cherished and famous for . When it comes to food , Thackeray ’ s ethos states that they are not an exclusive restaurant and have no desire to be one . For that reason they offer a wide variety of menus , from a daily set lunch menu to their indulgent chef ’ s tasting menu . Head chef , Patrick Hill , uses his immense knowledge , passion and creativity to craft ever-changing , seasonal menus to inspire and delight all tastes .
Chapter One , Locksbottom near Orpington www . chapteronerestaurant . co . uk
A relaxed and stylish venue , serving a modern European menu , Chapter One is well regarded and highly recommended by the AA , Good Food Guide and Michelin . Offering exceptional food alongside an extensive list of carefully chosen wines and delicious cocktails , Chapter One has become one of Kent ’ s most outstanding and well-known dining experiences . Complete with impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail , Chapter One prides itself on being contemporary and cosmopolitan . With an inspired modern- European menu that regularly changes , Chapter One makes the most of fresh , seasonal ingredients grown locally .
FORDWICH ARMS
© Joe Josland
THACKERAY ’ S
CHAPTER ONE
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