KENTSTAYCATION
DINE & STAY AT
THE FERRY HOUSE :
A SOUL-SOOTHING KENTISH GEM
Tucked away beside the waters of the Swale estuary among the wild wetland reserves of the Isle of Sheppey is The Ferry House . This recently awarded 2 AA Rosette restaurant with boutique rooms has become a must-visit for destination-diners looking to combine remarkable dining with the opportunity to unwind in a beautiful and little explored corner of Kent .
You ’ ll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect place to extend a dining experience into an overnight retreat than this 16th-century former inn , set against the picturesque backdrop of the river . Owned by thirdgeneration farming family , the Burdens , their heritage and passion for food provenance is evident throughout creative menus born of The Ferry House ’ s 1.5 acre kitchen garden , their grass-grazed beef , wild estate game , foraged fare , local produce and tipples .
Menus include a small plates lunch selection , an à la carte dinner menu , Sunday roasts and children ’ s options . A dedicated vegan menu is available to pre-order , allowing bespoke produce from the kitchen garden to be picked and prepared . Whichever you decide on , know that each dish reflects a deep appreciation for over 150 lesser-known produce varieties grown throughout the year , with fresh ingredients cropped from the garden daily .
During your visit , expect all the charm of warm hospitality and a characterful 16thcentury building . You ’ re sure to enjoy the inviting ambience of the restaurant with its hanging hops and cosy fires , as well as the prospect of an extended evening culminating in a restful and luxurious night in one of the boutique rooms on-site . Complete a restorative stay with a visit to The Ferry
House Treatment Rooms for an indulgent massage or facial .
Each of the 11 en-suite rooms has been thoughtfully designed to combine rustic charm with luxurious modern comfort , with a statement feature at its heart . Choose from idyllic waterside views , a four-poster bed , or perhaps a free-standing copper bath , before waking up refreshed to a Kentish breakfast and ready to explore this coastal hideaway .
The Isle of Harty as it ’ s known is a unique islewithin-an-isle destination , which is separated from the rest of the Isle of Sheppey by a road causeway over Capel Fleet . It promises edgeof-the-world tranquillity at a remarkably easy distance from wider Kent and indeed London . The many walking trails are a wonderful way to discover this beautiful blend of coast and countryside . Bird lovers too must flock here , with numerous species of birds of prey , water and migratory birds in abundance .
Dog lovers can also share in these country explorations , with a number of the boutique rooms being pet friendly , as well as the restaurant . Plush beds are provided , as are feeding bowls and natural , homemade dog treats courtesy of The Ferry House on-site butchery .
A soul-soothing landscape is very much infused into The Ferry House through the produce it yields . A dining retreat here is a culinary journey , starting among the farmland and hedgerows and ending on the tip of your fork . Luxurious rooms and a peaceful and rejuvenating waterside location only elevate the experience and allow you to truly immerse yourself in this Kentish hideaway .
Discover more at www . theferryhouse . co . uk .
78 • www . insidekent . co . uk