FOOD + DRINK
SUMMER AT THE GARDEN ROOM
AT PORT LYMPNE RESERVE
SET HIGH ABOVE PORT LYMPNE RESERVE ’ S 600 ACRES , THE GARDEN ROOM ’ S ELEGANT YET RELAXED DINING EXPERIENCE IS READY FOR SUMMER WITH A FRESH NEW MENU PERFECT FOR FUELLING SUMMER DAYS OUT OR UNIQUE STAYCATION DINING . BY SAMANTHA READY
Designed with the aim of creating a relaxed garden experience , the dining room is a beautiful mix of relaxed banquette seating full of plump pillows and terrace-style dining chairs that lure Port Lympne ’ s overnight guests and day visitors lucky enough to snare a sought-after table .
Flooded with natural light courtesy of the orangery-style high roof and carefully positioned arched mirrors set in amongst swathes of greenery , the stylish space is also utterly practical for family dining . Light , bright , modern and airy , tiled floors make light work of either well-trodden footwear or necessary wellies depending on just how great our Great British summer downpours are , while accessible brasserie style dining with a specially designed kids ’ menu ensure The Garden Room is equipped to cater for everyone , from the most celebratory of dining couples to the fussiest of multi-gen gatherings .
With a mix of small and large farmhousestyle tables spaced currently to cater for intimate couples or small family groups , the latter made easier by ample banquette seating , it was with delight that the Readys arrived to see the nuances that executive chef Lee Edney , who has led the kitchen charge here since it opened , and his team have unveiled just in time for summer . Having always boasted a seasonally changing menu , the new menu proffered one of the most substantial considered changes to dining here . The botanicalinspired cocktail menu and good wine list remains , yet the main menu has been completely reinvigorated .
‘ Garden Bites ’ feature perfect-for-tablesharing , pre-starter nibbles such as a Garden Board of rosemary focaccia , red pepper hummus , baba ganoush and crudites ; some rather moreish Cumberland chipolatas with honey and grain mustard glaze ; and some clever cheese croquettes with a tomato and chilli jam served with roast garlic aioli . So filling that starters were almost unwarranted , it was fortunate that we persevered as the salmon gravlax proved a table hit with dill-cured shards of salmon sat atop beetroot chutney and accompanied by avocado salsa .
Mains are now split into three categories , ‘ mains ’ with the likes of salmon fish cake , and chicken and ham hock pie ; ‘ grill ’ that offers a heaving house beef burger smothered in Monterey Jack cheese , streaky bacon , burger sauce and salad in a brioche bun , as well as my pick , the massive ( oops !) tomahawk pork chop slathered in a sweet bourbon BBQ glaze and served with crisp salty fries ; and ‘ salads ’ from which summer or lighter bite diners can opt for either the house ‘ gorilla bowl ’, inspired by the reserve ’ s resident gorilla family no less , or choose from bang bang noodle and classic
Caesar salads , adding either chicken , salmon , halloumi or tofu to complete the dish .
Kids ’ dishes offered equally tasty options including grilled flatbreads with hummus , breaded chicken goujons , and even a childfriendly heaving jacket potato with cheese and beans , finished of course with a slab of warm chocolate brownie and ice cream .
If you have room for pud , pick the creme brulee . This season ’ s offering was a freshstrawberry infused , crisped shell delight , but it ’ s the accompanying Insta-worthy gorilla shortbread that is an absolute must !
With bites from £ 5 , starters from £ 9 , mains from £ 18 and desserts from £ 7 , The Garden Room ’ s new menu is available now . Reservations are typically essential .
The Garden Room Port Lympne Reserve Aldington Road Lympne Hythe CT21 4LR
www . aspinallfoundation . org / garden-room
portlympnepark portlympne www . insidekent . co . uk • 91