ESCAPES
Eastwell Manor
EVERY SO OFTEN YOU ARE REMINDED OF WHAT PUTS THE ‘GREAT’ IN GREAT BRITAIN; THAT
QUINTESSENTIAL CHARM, A NOD TO NOSTALGIA AND THE UNMISTAKABLE ALLURE OF
STATELY ELEGANCE THAT MAKES US PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE (THINK DOWNTON AND
YOU'RE HALFWAY THERE). WHAT'S EVEN BETTER IS WHEN THAT REMINDER IS RIGHT ON
YOUR OWN DOORSTEP. AT LAST YOU CAN BECOME YOUR VERY OWN LORD OR LADY OF THE
MANOR, AT EASTWELL MANOR TO BE PRECISE. BY SAMANTHA G
A short distance from Ashford in the heart of the
Eastwell Park estate stands Eastwell Manor, the
18th-century former Earl's residence. Now family
run hotel, the hotel sits proudly at the end of the
gravel drive amongst perfectly sculptured lawns
and glorious countryside views, and offers 23
elegantly furnished and comfortably appointed
rooms and suites.
Arriving on a r latively mild autumn afternoon
e
but with the hint of British chill, the roaring open
fire in reception provides a warm welcome and
leads your eye to the lounge area beyond offering
a cosy and relaxing space for afternoon tea or
after dinner coffee.
The magnificent Earl of Northumberland
Suite was to become my far from humble abode
for the evening. Offering glorious views of the
grounds and golf course beyond – including a
relaxing lounge and dining area, four poster bed,
and fully appointed bathroom finished and with
rich fabrics and furnishings – the room was
positioned at the top of the sweeping grand
staircase at the heart of the main building.
Ready for dinner we descended to the
lobby where my guest and I were led to the wellstocked bar for our aperitifs which we selected
from the traditional classic menu. In the comfort
of the lounge we were able to peruse the table
d’hôte and à la carte menus and make our
choices for dinner.
The 2 AA r sette Manor Restaurant proffers
o
an intimate yet lively dining experience; chandeliers
and dark wood panelling offer ambience set off
by the resident pianist who accompanies the
French and modern English cuisine.
Having ordered our meals, we were served
fresh breads, and were soon enjoying our starters
of pan seared scallops with lemon and garlic
purée, gloriously crisp and delicately flavoured;
and corn-fed chicken terrine with truffle dressing,
macadamia nuts and sweetcorn purée, which
perfectly complimented the chilled morsels of
chicken.
For our main course we chose to share
the côte de boeuf, cooked to tender perfection
and served with delectable pont-neuf potatoes,
grilled mushrooms, tomato and a decidedly
moreish red wine jus and classic béarnaise sauce,
not forgetting a light and peppery watercress
and rocket salad. We were happy to wash down
each delicious mouthful with the smooth tones
of our Agua viva reserve 2011 Malbec, one of
many beautiful wines available from the extensive
cellar.
As we are not ones to turn down dessert,
we were more than happy with our choices of
dark chocolate pavé, with homemade
honeycomb, Horlicks ice cream and locally grown
strawberries (but of course), served with delicate
elderflower jelly, strawberry cream, meringue and
a zingy strawberry sorbet.
Full from eating every last bite we relaxed
and took in the atmosphere noting the contented
faces and empty plates, and soaked in the
warmth and romanticism that only buildings like
this can provide. We were certainly not the only
ones to feel this way and to the applause of the
whole restaurant, a nervous looking neighbouring
diner went on bended knee, his proposal met
with a resounding yes and cheers from the
attentive staff! Congratulations Peter and Lisa,
remember to check out the Wedding Special in
the February issue of insideKENT!
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