KENTSTAYCATION
beside a log burning fireplace . There is also a large contemporary kitchen , its bold orange cabinetry perfectly offsetting the heritage windows and brickwork , housing a sleek bar bursting with celebratory tipples , local snacks , a Nespresso coffee machine and more . Forget a minibar , this is a whole private bar party .
The first floor beckons with a beautifully appointed honeymoon suite . Think dual-aspect shuttered windows with estate views , king-size sumptuous bed , freestanding copper bathtub , a moodily dark sophisticated bathroom with walk-in rainforest shower bedecked with copper toned fishscale tiles , and a secret door leading out to a private suntrap terrace overlooking the gardens .
As if that were not enough , there are also an additional three double bedrooms all with ensuites as well as an adult-sized bunk-bedded room to complete the experience .
Frankly never wanting to leave , it was the allure of an evening at No9 that eventually pulled us from the house . No9 Restaurant is housed in an old farm shed that has been thoughtfully converted into a welcoming and cosy fine dining room complete with open pass and with doors that can be thrown open to the private walled courtyard as balmy evenings ensue .
Under the stewardship of head chef Kieran Golding , the menu here is as seasonal and local as it comes . Herbs and fruit are handpicked from the grounds and many suppliers are just steps , strides or a couple of miles from the estate ’ s theatrical kitchen . Arriving on season ’ s change , we were delighted to be one of the first to sample the new spring menu , which is predominantly cooked outside on the courtyard ’ s BBQ , bringing the deep flavours of open-fire cookery to the highest quality of produce .
Designed to perfectly complement No9 ’ s dining experience ethos , pivoted around sharing good times , creating lasting memories and bringing people together , the new menu offers a plethora of small-plate shareable dishes , with quality produce at its heart . To be experienced at its best , check out the ‘ Keiran ’ s choice ’ list scribed on the brown paper scroll on the wall , and better still , ask for recommended wine pairings , which were curated with aplomb by Chantel on the evening we visited .
Standouts for us included the grilled Sevenscore asparagus , grown just outside the estate gates and drenched in garlic breadcrumb with sharp hits of smoked salt ; smokey-sweet padrón peppers with spicy chilli oil ; the chicken thigh and chorizo kebabs ; and the slow-cooked pork belly with Chapel House apple sauce and crispy sage which paired
beautifully with the fresh crunch of the soy and chilli slaw with black onion seeds . If you have room , desserts offer fresh seasonal delights such as blackberry Bakewell tart with crème fraîche and a decadent chocolate mousse served with sugared almonds and sticky honeycomb . Each and every dish was well executed , expertly prepared , beautifully plated and deliciously enjoyable - much like every aspect of a visit here !
Chapel House Estate does indeed offer an unforgettable destination experience .
Bookings for No9 currently open two months in advance ; please contact Chapel House Estate for reservations for stays and dining .
Chapel House Estate Thorne Hill Minster Ramsgate CT12 5DS
chapelhouseestate . co . uk
chapelhouseestate ChapelHouseEstateMinster
www . insidekent . co . uk • 101