KENTSTAYCATION
For One Night Only cont...
FOR THE ESCAPE
UPDOWN FARMHOUSE, DEAL updownfarmhouse. com
Off the beaten track in the countryside near Deal, Updown Farmhouse is the kind of place you have to seek out, which is precisely what makes it such a memorable escape. Family-run and housed within a 17th-century farmstead, it feels less like a conventional hotel and more like an impossibly stylish country home. 10 beautifully appointed bedrooms are spread between the farmhouse, The Stables and two renovated cottages. During winter, the‘ Rest’ package offers a tailored midweek stay in a super-king room, with softly coloured interiors, a generous bed and views across the grounds. Food is very much part of the experience, with either lunch or dinner included, followed by a hearty breakfast in the conservatory overlooking Updown’ s rambling grounds. Ingredients come from carefully chosen suppliers, including sausages and bacon from The Black Pig in Deal and seasonal vegetables from The Good Sheds near Canterbury, while the kitchen garden sits steps from the restaurant, reinforcing Updown’ s farm-to-plate philosophy.
© Updown Farmhouse
UPDOWN FARMHOUSE
THE PIG- AT BRIDGE PLACE, CANTERBURY thepighotel. com
A countryside retreat with festive charm of its own, THE PIG- at Bridge Place whisks you into a world of Christmassy wonders, where every corner is dressed in its festive best, with twinkling decorations and cosy spots beside crackling fires. Retire to one of THE PIG’ s bespoke rooms, wrapped in countryside comfort with plush super-king-size beds, and during the festive season you may even find a present waiting at the end of your bed. Beyond the room, the kitchen garden is just a few steps away, where seasonal produce is nurtured before making its way into the kitchen. Come evening, settle in for plates packed with comforting flavours showcasing the best of Kent’ s produce- expect hearty potatoes, succulent roasted meats and desserts layered with seasonal fruits, each dish reflecting THE PIG’ s garden-to-plate approach.
FOR THE DESIGN
FORT ROAD HOTEL, MARGATE fortroadhotel. com
Thoughtful design is central to the experience at Fort Road Hotel, beginning with its enviable position on Margate’ s seafront. The former 1820’ s boarding house has been reimagined as a contemporary retreat, with 14 individually designed bedrooms pairing selected artworks with bold interiors and generous natural light. Panoramic windows frame views across the sea, making even a morning coffee part of the experience. Margate’ s creative scene is also on the doorstep- Turner Contemporary is visible from the hotel, its modernist form standing prominently on the seafront, while exhibitions and work by local and international artists provide a constantly changing cultural backdrop. Back at the hotel, dinner at Us @ Fort Road sees Pomus bring its flavourfirst approach to modern bistro dining, with dishes such as cured salmon with crème fraîche, roasted mustard and treacle beef or butternut squash Wellington served alongside expertly crafted cocktails including the Pomus Bloody Mary.
© THE PIG- at Bridge Place
THE PIG- AT BRIDGE PLACE
© Ed Reeve
FORT ROAD HOTEL
58 • www. insidekent. co. uk