THE DINING ROOMS AT ALBION HOUSE , RAMSGATE
FOOD + DRINK
THE DINING ROOMS AT ALBION HOUSE , RAMSGATE
WHERE GEORGIAN SPLENDOUR , ELEVATED DINING AND FAMILY-OWNED CHARM COMBINE .
RENOWNED FOR ITS GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE , BEAUTIFUL PROMENADE AND DELIGHTFUL ROYAL HARBOUR , RAMSGATE LAYS CLAIM TO SOME OF THE COUNTRY ’ S MOST IMPRESSIVELY PRESERVED ARCHITECTURE ALONGSIDE SOME OF THE MOST STUNNING VIEWS . SITUATED RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF BOTH HARBOUR AND SHORE AND LAYING ITS OWN IMPRESSIVE CLAIM TO HERITAGE WONDER , THE DINING ROOMS AT ALBION HOUSE IS AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT IN ITS OWN RIGHT . BY SAMANTHA READY
The house restaurant to The Albion Rooms , the boutique seaside hotel , now also unique new wedding venue , The Dining Rooms are also open to visiting diners too , who appear to be flocking to the familyowned seaside gem for its well-conceived brasserie style dining experience set in beautiful dining rooms framed with sea views .
Open daily for breakfast , lunch and dinner , it was for the latter that Mr R and I headed after a rather unexpected late summer heatwave which gifted us a balmy evening perfect for an open-tothe-sea-air supper .
The main dining space is housed in the largest of the period property ’ s ground floor Georgian rooms . Dating back to 1870 , the ceilings are impressively high with intricate original features , there are three separate floor-to-ceiling windows-come-doors which are thrown open the moment the weather allows for perfect al-fresco-esque dining , or which offer beautifully framed rolling seas and bobbing boats when closed as the chill rolls in , while the heritage greeny-grey colour scheme adds traditional wonder to the already impressive fireplace and architraves .
Guests are encouraged to take a seat at the bar , or at a seaview facing sofa to enjoy an aperitif or signature cocktail , which is how we found ourselves partaking in a highly recommended Addington Street
( Cazcabel Blanco tequila , Martini Ambrato , lychee , fresh chilli , cucumber , tarragon , and lime ) and signature Albion House Bramble ( Sipsmith lemon drizzle gin , Crème de cassis , fresh berry puree , and lemon ), before taking our seats at an intimate windowside table for two .
Rusticly homely , yet refined , the menu follows the same concept as its dining space .
Starters , of which there are five nicely spanning the veg , meat , fish categories , included the alluring hotsmoked salmon take on a Caesar , which , despite being warned of its size , provided a wide-eyed moment of glee for Mr R as the heaving dish of romaine lettuce , soft boiled egg and salmon flakes was served . My own inspired-by-the-sea fish pick of crispy cod cheek rewarded me with a delicious dish of light , crispy batter , beautiful white flaky cod and a fresh pea and mint pesto .
Mains continued the five theme , with dishes such as chargrilled aubergine vying for attention alongside pan-fried seabass with fennel and chorizo . We however opted for the pan-roasted coastal chicken supreme , which was served with provençal vegetables and rocket pesto , and a delicious sirloin steak with watercress , green beans , chips and delicious café de Paris butter .
Almost too full for dessert , and having been waylaid by another round of signature cocktails ( they were far too good to just have one !), we opted for the lighter premise of the pina colada ; a seared spear of pineapple with coconut yoghurt and rum gel , and the Albion ’ s take on a chocolate brownie which came served by the cake wedge , smothered in a rich , sweet salted caramel ganache and an interesting popcorn parfait .
Laid back yet refined , welcoming yet intimate , well conceived yet affordable , you ’ ll be hard pressed to find a better view , a better cocktail and a better Ramsgate dining experience .
The Dining Rooms at Albion House Albion Place Ramsgate CT11 8HQ albionhouseramsgate . co . uk
albionhousehotel albionhouseramsgate
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