FOOD + DRINK
Culinary Class cont...
Tallow, Southborough tallowrestaurant. co. uk
Striking the perfect balance between unpretentious simplicity and bold technique, Southborough’ s Tallow is led by the esteemed Rob Taylor, whose meticulous attention to detail and modern approach has created an outstanding culinary destination- recently crowned No. 25 on SquareMeal’ s UK Top 100 Restaurants for 2026.
Alongside a monthly changing á la carte and tasting menu, diners are encouraged to nab a coveted seat at The Chef’ s Table, a fully immersive culinary adventure set within the restaurant’ s private dining room. Seating just eight per evening, guests can watch on in awe as Rob serves up a seven-course tasting menu cooked entirely at the table, soaking up tips from the top as he talks all things ingredients and his well-practised craft.
Bowleys at The Plough, Trottiscliffe bowleysrestaurant. com
Praised for its unwavering farm-to-table finesse, Bowleys at The Plough is the work of talented duo Alex and Grace Yates, who together create a seamless dining experience- defined by exceptional food, attentive service and thoughtful drink pairings. A trio that has earned two AA Rosettes, The Good Food Guide recommendations and a place in the Michelin Guide, no less.
BOWLEYS AT THE PLOUGH
At its heart lies The Nursery, where just 300 metres from the kitchen, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers shape extraordinary seasonal menus. Guiding guests on a culinary journey across the British Isles, Bowleys’ aim is simple yet profound:‘ to help guests connect with where their food comes from, sharing a belief that every dish carries the story of a person, a place and a purpose.’
The Counter by Robin Read, Tunbridge Wells, thecountertw. com
The masterful Robin Read is the visionary behind this Michelin-listed Tunbridge Wells restaurant that takes its inspiration from a love of classical cookery, a curious mind for new techniques and a long family history of serving great produce over a counter. With an acclaimed career spent training and working alongside some of the country’ s finest chefs in many of the nation’ s mostprestigious Michelin-starred kitchens, it’ s little surprise that Robin’ s solo venture has captured the attention of critics and local foodies alike.
Championing top produce from artisanal suppliers, maximising ingredients to reduce waste and never missing that artful finish the restaurant is becoming known for, The Counter is perhaps best recognised for its sought-after Kitchen Counter seats, where diners are served a brilliantly executed ninecourse menu, cooked, plated and served by Read himself.
THE COUNTER
70 • www. insidekent. co. uk