insideKENT Magazine Issue 34 - January 2015 | Page 38

FOOD+DRINK

The British Queen
THE OPENING OF THE BRITISH QUEEN IS THE LATEST VENTURE FOR THE WHITE
BRASSERIE COMPANY, WHICH HAS CARRIED OUT A MAJOR REFURBISHMENT ON
THE BUSINESS, AND HAS RECENTLY REOPENED ITS DOORS TO WELCOME GUESTS
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. by Cathy Jinks
The British Queen offers a unique combination
of a traditional pub and a French brasserie. It
has a spacious bar which boasts an extensive
wine list to suit every taste, and has a very good
selection of real ales with ‘guest beers’ which
are changed every month or so, to keep the
choice fresh and varied.
Apparently, The British Queen was named
after a variety of a strawberry that was once
growing in the field next door many, many years
ago.
Situated in the heart of Locksbottom, The
British Queen has a certain charm which is inviting
and friendly. The staff were very polite and cheerful
and are keen to make it a firm favourite with the
locals.
The restaurant has up to 100 covers, but
manages to retain a warm atmosphere. Our
waiter was attentive and showed a thorough
knowledge of all the dishes and produce, and
nothing was too much trouble.
The British Queen has a monthly changing
set menu, as well as an extensive á la carte
selection which is served in both the restaurant
and in the bar; and a warm fire for those cold
winter months and good sized garden to enjoy
the summer days and evenings.
The team of chefs are discreetly visible from
the restaurant floor and we could see it was run
like clockwork, with the perfect gap between
courses allowed.

Choosing from a varied selection of 10
starters, my guest opted for smoked Morteau
sausage, paired with warm potato salad and a
perfectly poached egg, which was not only
presented beautifully, but tasted amazing. I chose
chicken liver parfait with truffle butter, red onion
marmalade and toasted sourdough, which was
equally delicious.
Although there was a fabulous choice of
wines to choose from, we went for the dry house
white, which was of a very good standard.
For our main courses, again, a very good
selection to choose from, with 14 mains, plus a
specials board with vegetarian options as well.
My guest went for the Scottish wild venison
casserole, mousseline potatoes, jus gras and
chantenay carrots. The venison melted in your
mouth, and was served in a lovely dark, rich
sauce and with a wonderfully smooth mashed
potato. My main was from the specials board,
which was pheasant with pumpkin purée, rosti
potatoes and winter roasted vegetables. The
slices of pheasant were so tender and the
pumpkin purée complimented the meat so well;
the rosti potatoes and winter vegetables were
full of flavour and cooked perfectly.
When it came to dessert, both my guest
and I felt that we were far too full to be tempted.
However, when we saw the menu we decided
to give them a try, so my guest ordered pear
and salted caramel butter anglaise, genoise, and
candied hazelnuts. It was a refreshing
combination of smooth caramel and sharp,

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but small ‘bites’ of pears, with an added crunch
from candied hazelnuts, which just set the whole
plate off.
I chose Mont Blanc meringue, sweet
chestnut purée, crème Chantilly and vanilla ice
cream, which was simply divine. We then finished
our meal with an Amer