KENTSTAYCATION
limitations , but it was with giggles that we stood in awe of the grand suite ’ s stunning canopied four-poster bed - for it stood about 3.5ft off the floor ! Feeling like a Borrower , especially when surrounded by grand towering antique cabinetry now repurposed as the room ’ s coffee station and minibar , I was instantly reassured that it comes with its very own step stools ( less B & Q , more carefully upholstered plump square cushioned steps ), and leapt ( quite literally ) into an evening of Bridgerton-style slumber !
It was only once ensconced in my figurative princess-and-the-pea tower that I began to take in the surrounding grandeur from the dual-aspect room ; double-shuttered fullheight windows with window seats offered glorious views to the front of the house and lake , while the delightful bay window offered views to the terrace and gazebo while also offering the perfect dining or desk spot thanks to its full size round dining table .
Alongside stunning grounds and restored period buildings , great food is at the heart of the Chilston Park Hotel experience .
Culpeper ’ s , the hotel ’ s signature restaurant , offers an intimate dining space that spans across three interconnected grand rooms , framed by stunning sash windows , ornate fireplaces and its very own grand piano .
Under the helm of effervescent head chef Ali Altunaş , the restaurant is the proud holder of 2 AA Rosettes and prides itself on modern British cookery that showcases the best of Kentish produce . Guests can also indulge in signature cocktails , the negroni and espresso martini were each shaken and stirred to perfection , and an inspired wine list , which was effortlessly explored with us by our server , Matt .
Making light work of the house bread basket of white and herb-infused rolls and a rather delectable treacle loaf served with salted and harissa-spiced whipped butters , we were ready for our starters . Seared Rye Bay scallops were accompanied by smoked carrot purée , buttermilk cream and scallop roe powder , while the beautifully presented and equally beautifully tasting wild mushroom and blue cheese beignet served with black garlic mayonnaise , mushrooms and onion petals , paired wonderfully with the elegant Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru , Bourcier Martinot 2021 , with perfect notes of pear , peach and smooth , toasty oak .
For mains , the Romney Marsh lamb two ways offered a perfectly seared rump and a braised shoulder croquette full of soft deeper tasting meat accompanied by pea purée and a moreish lamb jus ( which also offered perfect dunking for the crisp truffled Parmesan chips snared from across the table ). Mr R opted for a ‘ from the grill ’ pick , rewarded with a generous 28 dayaged sirloin with those aforementioned chips , peppercorn sauce and plump vine tomatoes . This time paired with a rather delightful limited stock glass of Sussex Tickerage Rosé and a wonderfully smooth , light tannin , Marlborough 2022 Caythorpe
Pinot Noir bursting with red fruit notes .
A pause between courses meant that we had room for dessert , opting for the seasonally apt strawberry mille-feuille with mint tea gel and strawberry coulis , and a clever salted caramel trio combining smooth and sweet hits of mousse , ganache and salted crumb offset with raspberries .
Retiring up the grand staircase sated by wonderful food and good clean country air we slept like babies in our four-poster bed roused only by the promise of breakfast – an appetite whetting mix of fresh pastries , cereals , coffee and wholesome made-to-order options including Mr R ’ s go-to of poached eggs on avocado toast with chilli and a full Kentish breakfast featuring housemade Cumberland sausage , farm bacon and eggs how you like them - just perfect !
Rooms at Chilston Park start at £ 225 for two including breakfast . Culpeper ’ s is open for dinner 6pm - 9pm ( last table reservation 8pm ) for both dining guests and hotel residents .
Chilston Park Hotel Sandway Lenham ME17 2BE
01622 859 803 enquiries . chilston @ handpicked . co . uk www . handpickedhotels . co . uk / chilstonpark chilstonpark www . insidekent . co . uk • 73