FOOD + DRINK
A BLOOMING LOVELY TIME AT
THE SWAN & DOG ,
GREAT CHART BY SAMANTHA READY
Set in the ancient village of Great Chart , surrounded by rolling countryside on the outskirts of Ashford , lies the quaint and welcoming Swan & Dog . Housed in a timberframed building clad with local tile and dating back to the 16th century , the Shepherd Neame stable pub has recently benefited from a wonderful garden refurbishment project , adding an additional 80 seats in a white picket fenced front garden complete with beautiful flower planters , barrels and shelves , and grand parasols .
Today , the welcoming pub continues its hospitality legacy with a considered menu bursting with classic favourites with a Swan & Dog flair . Under the stewardship of general manager Joanne Rodwell and her passionate team , visitors here can be assured of a great welcome , plentiful tipples and a delightful menu .
Turning up hungry for lunch , the iK team made a meal out of menu decision making , such was the variety of tempting options on offer .
Small plates offered everything from house nachos , sausage rolls and a trio of stone-in Amfissa , Nocellara and Kalamata olives to what turned out to be the table fave , an old fashioned British hash which boasted crispy fried potatoes , mushroom and caramelised onion topped with lashings of salt beef and a fried egg .
Large plates continued the tempting theme . Whitstable Bay battered haddock and chips vied for attention alongside a heaving classic beef burger bursting with cheese and bacon , and a clever Caesar burger featuring lashings of Caesar dressing , cheese and lettuce .
The spicy peri peri ½ chicken was just the right balance of juicy and spicy , served with a mound of fries and coleslaw , while the Sussex Farms 12 oz pork chop was a delight . Perfectly seared to offer that bbq caramelisation , rich chimichurri and charred sweetcorn salsa offered freshness . And that ’ s not forgetting the housemade artisan pizzas … Huge hand-pulled sourdough delights . Alongside classic Margherita , pepperoni and chicken toppings , you can add more wow-factor to your taste buds courtesy of the diablo – which was bursting with hits of chilli and spice and promptly devoured by the table .
Ensure you save room for pudding .
Alongside a sticky chocolate brownie and an Eton mess featuring a plethora of local Kentish berries , you ’ ll find a glorious Gypsy Tart with seasonal berries and Chantilly cream , and our top pick , a delightful baked Alaska with strawberry ripple ice cream for a burst of fruity nuance !
The Swan & Dog is open from noon seven days a week , serving generous portions of freshly prepared flavourful dishes bursting with locally sourced ingredients , alongside a great childrens ’ and Sunday roast menu , and a fab selection of Kentish ales , lagers and a carefully curated wine list . Outside dining / drinking is available as weather permits .
Swan & Dog The Street Ashford , TN23 3AN
swananddog . co . uk @ swananddog
102 • www . insidekent . co . uk