FOOD + DRINK
SUNDAY LUNCH AT
COAST AT THE HYTHE IMPERIAL HOTEL
by Samantha Ready
I PERSONALLY LOVE THE GRANDEUR OF IMPOSING VICTORIAN BUILDINGS , ESPECIALLY THOSE LIKE THE HYTHE IMPERIAL HOTEL . SET RIGHT ON THE SEAFRONT , IT GIVES THAT NOSTALGIC AIR OF YESTERYEAR , BUT ITS IMPRESSIVE REFURBISHMENT AND RENOVATION PROJECT , WHILST RETAINING ITS HISTORIC CHARM , HAS MADE THIS A MODERN , CONTEMPORARY STAY AND DINING DESTINATION .
On this occasion my guests and I were headed for that classic British family tradition , Sunday lunch , at Coast , the Imperial ’ s 60-cover restaurant on the ground floor .
Crisp , cool , bright white decor meets subtle hints of the sea in the form of cool pale blue hues , dark wood tables and pale wood-clad menus , set off with a touch of glamour from the crystal chandeliers and mirrors . The result is a bright , chic dining experience , which is clean and elegant yet relaxed and welcoming .
Taking our seats at the only table on the mezzanine level , we all commented not only on what great dining room views it afforded , but how suitable it was not just for our young family companions but as a location for special meals and celebrations .
The premise of Coast is simple : modern British cuisine using locally sourced , seasonal produce . This includes meat from Huntleys of Tenterden , eggs and free range hens from Coastal of Canterbury and fish from Griggs , which is landed daily from the beach in front of the dining room – you can ’ t get much more local and fresh than that !
For starters we opted for the soup of the day – a thick hearty tomato broth served with crunchy croutons ; the prawn cocktail – delicate plump prawns in a rich sauce ; and the ultimate winning choice of the scotch egg – delicately seasoned pork encasing a fresh soft egg , accompanied by a wholegrain mustard-enhanced tomato salsa . Delicious !
It was soon time for the main event , and here Coast certainly delivers !
With two roast options – chicken , or beef & gammon – we opted for one of each and a child ’ s portion of the beef too , and were soon presented with a heaving fresh giant Yorkshire pudding , ( half size for the little ones ) overflowing with side dishes of broccoli cheese , carrot and swede mash , braised red cabbage , green beans and roast potatoes , not forgetting the slices of wonderfully cooked and perfectly seasoned meat poised alongside , and plenty of gravy !
The portions were generous and we are not ashamed to say that it did , in fact , beat us .
Although there was just enough room for a little pudding ( naturally ) and just as well as the chocolate tart with its thick shortcrust pastry case , smooth ganache , salted caramel ice cream and Chantilly cream proved a perfect end to perfect family Sunday lunch .
Hythe Imperial offers Dip and Dine Sundays with a swim followed by Sunday lunch priced from just £ 11.95pp .
Hythe Imperial Hotel Princes Parade Hythe CT21 6AE 01303 267 441 www . hytheimperial . co . uk
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