FOOD + DRINK
Intimate Dish cont...
ST. LEONARD’ S
The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells the-beacon. co. uk
Brimming with pride for a colourful past which has seen it transform from a public bath house to a war shelter, hotel, community pub and finally the dreamy restaurant-with-rooms and wedding venue it is today, The Beacon keeps its legacy burning bright by remaining as communityfocused as can be.
Set within 17 acres of landscaped gardens and a hidden gem in regards to its wide array of delicious food, The Beacon’ s Arts and Crafts-style Hearth Restaurant is set across two dining rooms and offers everything from traditional afternoon teas and hearty breakfasts to candlelit dinners and popular Sunday lunches, as well as a number of additional private dining rooms that benefit from the same commitment to quality cooking.
Led by head chef Scott Goss, the seasonal private dining menus are a crowdpleasing combination of classic dishes and new recipes with a fresh twist. This winter, groups can expect the likes of warming soup or a ham hock terrine complemented by house bread, oil and balsamic for starters, mains such as a sirloin of beef or bream fillet, and signature Beacon tarts and puddings topped with sweet compotes and cream to finish.
St. Leonard’ s, West Malling stleonardskent. co. uk
Perched proudly on West Malling’ s welltrodden Swan Street stands St. Leonard’ s- an unassuming market town foodie hotspot that has gained quite the name for itself through its brilliantly executed dishes and thoughtfully designed spaces.
When it comes to exquisite private dining, St. Leonard’ s triumphs. Located on the first floor and perfect for lavish dinner parties, working lunches or Sunday feasts, the intimate rooms are beautifully decorated with both comfort and style in mind- think soft furnishings, ambient lighting and seasonal florals. The Turner room seats up to eight guests and is named after landscape artist Joseph Turner who famously painted West Malling’ s St. Mary’ s Abbey. For slightly larger gatherings, the Barton room accommodates up to 12 and takes its name from the celebrated commercial photographer Freda Barton, who was once a proud West Malling resident.
Whether you choose a Sunday get-together and tuck into a produce-led spread of quality meats, winter greens, beef dripping roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and red wine jus followed by a velvety pudding. Or, you opt for the classic menu which also showcases its fair share of superb cuts and fresh fish with a showstopping Kentish cheeseboard for the table, you can expect a true celebration of seasonality and the local terroir.
THE BEACON
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