FOOD + DRINK
TIPIS RESTAURANT
A county renowned for its bounty of produce , it ’ s no wonder that eateries across Kent spend this season highlighting our winter produce in their dishes . Using spices to warm our bodies and souls , here are insideKENT ’ s top 10 recommendations for restaurants to visit for a warming meal this winter .
Most unique location … Tipis Restaurant , Yalding tipisrestaurant . co . uk
A seasonal restaurant and lounge bar that opens every winter at leading Kentish wedding venue , The Gardens , Tipis serves British food and drink , aiming to ‘ bring the outstanding natural beauty of The Gardens to your plate ’. During a visit to Tipis , guests can enjoy access to the 16 garden areas across the 12-acre grounds , each demonstrating planting styles ranging from medieval times to World War II .
Seasonal produce from the gardens such as apples , rosemary , honey and chilli are used in the making of many dishes at the Tipis Restaurant , creating heartwarming favourites including butternut squash soup and steak and Kentish porter ale cottage pie . On Sundays , guests can choose from hearty meals of roast sirloin , pork , chicken or chestnut and lentil nut loaf , with a mixed roast board available for groups of four to enjoy . For those planning a birthday or special celebration this December , Tipis offers an unforgettable private dining experience at The Nook , a tipi nestled beside the main restaurant for intimate gatherings of guests .
Most recognised chefs … The Cook ’ s Tale , Canterbury thecookstale . co . uk
An upscale Indian restaurant in Canterbury ’ s iconic city centre , The Cook ’ s Tale ( formerly The Ambrette ) is home to head chef and owner , Dev Biswal . Showcasing Canterbury ’ s produce with a modern Asian twist , the restaurant offers à la carte dinners and lunch tapas menus alongside special events such as their bottomless Thali Thursdays , where Indian-style feasts are served on platters each week for £ 49.99 per person . At The Cook ’ s Tale , guests can indulge in starters of wild duck terrine or mushroom gujiya before enjoying slow-cooked lamb shoulder , all of which are infused with the quintessential aromatic spices of Indian cuisine . For dessert , options include indulgent chocolate samosas , mango kulfi served with fresh fruit , or warm vegan halwa cake , a twist on a traditional Indian delicacy .
Passionate about food , travel and supporting local businesses , The Cook ’ s Tale also offers tours and experiences designed to showcase destinations from Morocco and Croatia to India itself , taking foodies on journeys across local markets , guides and food producers to explore the distinct flavours of different cultures and cuisines . For more information on their upcoming tours , head to their website .
Most standout dishes … Desh , West Malling deshrestaurants . co . uk
Serving authentic Indian food with a modern twist , Desh is an innovative restaurant that captures the flavours of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine while fusing them with local British produce . With attentive staff , warm service and tasteful decor that ’ s a tribute to the places they call home , Desh is one of Kent ’ s best spots for a warming meal this winter .
Across their à la carte and lunch menus , guests will find small plates of masala mussels simmered in a fragrant coconut masala sauce or lamb and Punjabi vegetable samosas . Standout curry dishes at Desh range from aromatic butter chicken to Bengali-style fish curry and lamb shank rogan josh , each of which are spectacularly presented with creative flair . For dessert , guests can indulge in warm gajar halwa pudding or Biscoff ® samosas served with vanilla ice cream , before enjoying a cup or two of authentic chai tea and liquor hot chocolate .
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