KENTSTAYCATION
EPICUREAN
Escapes
WHAT CAME FIRST- THE RESTAURANT OR THE ROOM? KENT IS HOME TO SO MANY ESTEEMED HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS-WITH-ROOMS THAT HOLIDAYMAKERS WOULD BE FORGIVEN FOR ASSUMING THAT THE STAY COMES FIRST AND THE FOOD SECOND. ACROSS THE COUNTY HOWEVER, THERE ARE PLENTY OF EXCEPTIONAL EATERIES THAT FOUND FOODIE FAME BEFORE OFFERING ACCOMMODATION. FROM SKY-LIT RESTAURANTS TO COSY PUBS AND PICTURESQUE VINEYARDS, HERE ARE THE PERFECT PLACES FOR DESTINATION DINERS LOOKING TO REST THEIR HEAD IN KENT.
BOYS HALL
Boys Hall, Ashford boys-hall. com
A stylishly refurbished 17th-century house well-known to the Michelin Guide, Boys Hall is one of Kent’ s best spots for a foodie holiday. Guests can grab a bite to eat in their cosy pub, relax at lunchtime on the garden-view terrace or stay for dinner in the atmospheric, sky-lit restaurant. The lunch and dinner menu is filled with culinary creations inspired by their chef’ s world travels, and one such standout dish is the gluten-free Enridge Park venison with celeriac, blackberries and anise jus.
Completing this escape, Boys Hall offers seven characterful bedrooms ranging in style and size. Each fitted with super-king luxury beds, cotton bed linen and fluffy towels to help you feel right at home, these boutique suites feature drench showers, homemade treats from the kitchen and stunning views across the grounds.
The Blue Pigeons, Worth thebluepigeons. co. uk
A cosy English restaurant and hotel in the village of Worth, The Blue Pigeons takes pride in serving delicious, seasonal and locally sourced food, offering everything from hearty meals to more delicate bites for special celebrations. Featured on the à la carte menu, guests will find standout dishes such as king creole chicken with sriracha mayonnaise and dry-aged sirloin steak served with torched Bowyers Brie.
With an aim to bring people together in a welcoming setting, The Blue Pigeons offers eight charming rooms, each thoughtfully designed for optimum comfort and relaxation. Combining oak wood furniture with textured soft furnishings, each room is bright, spacious and perfect for a peaceful break or romantic weekend getaway.
The Grape Escape Cottage, Biddenden biddendenvineyards. com
Kent’ s original vineyard, Biddenden has been owned and operated by the Barnes family since 1969, with three generations drawing on their many years of winemaking experience. The estate itself spans 23 acres of south-facing slopes in a sheltered valley, home to the Germanic and French grape varieties used to produce their white, rosé, red and sparkling English wines.
For those wanting to stay overnight, The Grape Escape Cottage is a couples’ getaway offering panoramic countryside views. Overlooking the vines, this enchanting cottage boasts a cosy lounge and diner, compact kitchen, shower room and mezzanine bedroom. Outside, guests can enjoy a secluded garden with a wood-fired hot tub, charcoal BBQ and two
www. insidekent. co. uk • 75