FOOD + DRINK
GUEST CHEF SERIES : AN ITALIAN WINTER FEAST WITH TIM SIADATAN
UPDOWN FARMHOUSE
BY SAMANTHA READY
As an avid food enthusiast with a penchant for exquisite dining experiences , I recently had the pleasure of attending the Italian Winter Feast at Updown Farmhouse , the delightfully restored rural epicurean stature of excellence pioneered by husband and wife team , Ruth Leigh and Oliver Brown .
As owners and passionate gastronomes , Ruth and Oli have transformed their picturesque farmhouse into a haven for those seeking a symphony of flavours curated with meticulous attention to detail . Steadily climbing the ranks of hospitality excellence , underpinned not only by their sympathetic restoration of their beautiful listed manor house ( with further plans for stable block accommodations and barn refurbishments ), but also by their unique garden restaurant offering shareable laidback incarnations of fine-dining dishes courtesy of the live fire outdoor kitchen helmed by Brown . Their vision is evident in every corner of the establishment , marrying rustic aesthetics with modern luxury to create an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience .
What truly distinguishes Updown Farmhouse is its outdoor kitchen ; an innovative approach which allows guests to witness culinary magic unfold amidst the natural beauty of its surroundings . The open-air setting adds an extra layer of enchantment to the dining experience , providing a sensory feast for both the palate and the eyes .
Not content on resting on their own culinary excellence , as noted by their glowing accolades , including being named number eight in SquareMeal ’ s Top 100 Restaurants ,
Updown have also pioneered an acclaimed Guest Chef Series .
Reading like a who ’ s who of global kitchen stardom , guest chef friends venture far and wide to the open outdoor kitchen to bask in full view of their awaiting epicurean fans and offer a unique for-one-nightonly residence .
Shaking off the stark winter chill warmed by plentiful outdoor heaters that adorn the walls of the garden-room restaurant ( now featuring a roof and doors to make the sought-after space a yearround affair ), tables were offered as both intimate and communal settings ready for a feast cooked by Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella founding fame .
The result ? An evening of unparalleled gastronomic decadence and some rather large ( and notably expensive ) white truffle , shaved tableside much to every diners ’ delight , as Tim and Oli worked together to bring a British twist to Italian cooking with Updown ’ s characteristically simple , laid-back approach .
The menu , a celebration of the season , showcased the trio ’ s dedication to offering a truly exceptional dining experience . A highlight of the evening was the inclusion of rare truffles , sourced with Oli and Tim ’ s discerning eye for quality , elevating each dish to a level of opulence that befits Updown ’ s reputation for high-end dining .
The meticulously crafted menu featured a symphony of flavours , expertly paired with a selection of wines and signature cocktails . Each course showcased the chef duo ’ s culinary expertise and ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary creations . From the delicate aroma and velvety texture of truffle-infused Barolo risotto ( proving red can replace white in the risotto wine game ) and the succulent perfection of slowcooked , wood-roasted rib of beef accompanied by roast tardivo and shallots glazed in balsamic served beside polenta with fontina fonduta , to the grand finale , a heavenly combination of roast pears , walnuts and honey topped with clotted cream which rounded off the evening on a sweet note , every dish was a testament to the marriage of tradition and innovation , leaving patrons lingering over the memory of exquisite flavours and careful curation .
The wine pairings were also nothing short of exceptional , complementing each course and enhancing the overall dining experience , while signature cocktails , crafted with precision and often delivered by Ruth herself in typical laid-back style , added a playful twist to the evening .
Committed to regularly hosting collaborations with acclaimed chef friends of the highest calibre , this event was just one in a series of culinary rendezvous that Leigh and Brown will offer over the coming year . Promising to be equally spectacular and diverse , this haven is an absolute must for those that appreciate the artistry of fine dining in the heart of Kent .
Updown Farmhouse Updown Farm Updown Road Betteshanger Deal CT14 0EF
updownfarmhouse . com @ updownfarmhouse _
www . insidekent . co . uk • 91