KENTSTAYCATION
Pubcaytion cont...
THE FARM HOUSE
THE MARQUIS OF GRANBY THE BULL’ S HEAD
The Farm House, West Malling elitepubs. com
A true home-from-home, The Farm House offers cosy, homely rooms in the heart of West Malling High Street. Although the building dates back to Elizabethan times, its modern exterior retains subtle nods to its past, from Kentish ragstone to aged wooden beams. Inside, four boutique bedrooms provide a peaceful base for a slow weekend away in North Kent.
Offering an early check-in, there’ s no need to rush your arrival. Each individually themed bedroom has its own character; alongside spacious king-size beds, walk-in en-suite showers and complimentary tea and coffee, there is everything you need to switch off and properly settle in.
When hunger strikes, the restaurant is just a staircase away. Its seasonal menu champions local produce, with ingredients sourced from within 25 miles of the pub. Tuck into artisan wood-fired pizzas made with fresh sourdough bases, then pair your meal with a wine from nearby Wildshark Vineyard, based just 14 miles away in Harrietsham.
Perfect for an autumn evening, settle into the enclosed garden with a glass of Wildshark’ s Supernova Brut, its delicate floral notes and clean acidity making a lovely match for the richness of a freshly baked pizza. The Farm House’ s local, laid-back feel makes it a setting you could very easily stay that little bit longer in.
The Bull’ s Head, Chislehurst thebullsheadhotel. co. uk
A local’ s favourite just a stone’ s throw from central London, The Bull’ s Head is often described as the hallmark of a classic Great British Pub. From the moment you arrive, expect a warm welcome, proper ales and a choice of 15 boutique bedrooms, making it an easy escape when you fancy a change of scenery without travelling too far.
Inside, the rooms combine the comforts of a hotel with the cosier, more relaxed feel of a traditional pub stay. Fresh cotton sheets make for a comfortable night’ s sleep, while in-room minibars are stocked with tempting snacks and a little tipple to enjoy after a day out.
Downstairs, the pub’ s hearty menu is just as inviting. Settle in for a slap-up Sunday roast with all the trimmings, or tuck into a classic chicken, bacon and leek pie served with creamy mash and lashings of rich gravy.
For something a little more indulgent, book one of the five afternoon tea experiences. Keep things traditional with loose-leaf herbal teas, classic cream and jam scones, and all the usual favourites, or shake things up with a teacup cocktail made with Hendrick’ s Gin, ginger ale, fresh raspberries and refreshing cucumber- delicious!
The Plough Inn, Stalisfield theploughinnstalisfield. co. uk
Tucked within a traditional-style barn in the heart of Kentish countryside, The Plough Inn’ s spacious, well-appointed suites combine countryside charm with the modern comforts we all crave, from deep pillows and high-pressure walk-in showers to coffee machines for that much-needed early morning brew.
If The Plough Inn is known for anything beyond its beautiful suites, it’ s for its award-winning dining. The kitchen, with chef-patron Richard at the helm, holds two AA Rosettes and offers an innovative, modern approach to traditional English cuisine, proffering bold dishes using the freshest ingredients.
For a proper hearty feast, there’ s Grill Night Thursdays, serving up marinated ribs and chargrilled chicken kebabs alongside pub classics such as The Plough Inn beef burger, loaded with streaky bacon, rarebit and black garlic mayo. In other words, there’ s little reason to venture far from The Plough Inn once you’ ve checked in.
The Rose, Deal therosedeal. com
Nestled on Deal’ s vibrant High Street, The Rose makes an ideal bolthole for discovering the East Kent coastline this October. Furnished with eight unique bedrooms to choose from, there’ s plenty of character to settle into, but Room One is the real showstopper. Named one of the prettiest hotel rooms in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller, it’ s a deliciously decadent boudoir, complete with a superking bed of dreams and a relaxing bathtub for those slower evenings.
www. insidekent. co. uk • 77