FOOD + DRINK
A family affair, evident passion and some damn fine food await at
THE DOG AT WINGHAM
NESTLED IN THE QUAINT VILLAGE OF WINGHAM, NEAR CANTERBURY, PROUDLY STANDS THE DOG – ITS CRISP PALE EXTERIOR WALLS WONDERFULLY LIT WITH DOWNLIGHTERS SHOWCASING THE BEAUTY OF THE OLD INN, AND HINTING AT THE SLEEK, ATTENTION TO DETAIL RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT THAT HAS BROUGHT OUT THE BEST OF THIS LITTLE GEM OF A PLACE. by Samantha Ready
And this is all credit to the Tilley-Bridgen family team who took the helm in June 2016 and embarked on a painstaking plan of renovation and rejuvenation leading to its heralded reopening in October.
The team’ s sympathetic approach to the building has preserved its unique charm, but breathed a new life and charm into the space. The interior’ s gentle fusion of leather, wood, contemporary tables, modern lighting and open fireplaces combine to offer a welcome ambience and a cosy sanctuary in which to get comfortable, sit back and enjoy.
And so it was a crisp early spring night that I arrived full of excitement for dinner. I had heard good things, namely related to an abundance of locally sourced real ales, wines and spirits, the quality, variety and presentation of the food and a certain rumour of offering the best roast potatoes and triple-cooked chips in the county … interest piqued!
We were shown to a table for two in front of the open fireplace. Drawing our eye away from the dining room, we embarked upon the tough choice of what to order from a menu that offered a wealth of mouthwatering options. My guest eventually opted for the parmesan rice fritter, whilst I plumped for the braised beef cheek with pumpkin risotto, a brave move as I’ m not a massive risotto fan, but oh my! It was amazing! The cheek was melt-in-the mouth, sticky and rich and the risotto was stunning; I ate every last drop and could have quite happily had the dish again and again.
Tastebuds firmly whetted we moved on to our main course. Pulling‘ birthday boy rank’ my guest got first choice and of course opted for the beef bavette and triple-cooked chips – all in the sake of research he reminded me. The steak was tasty, juicy and perfectly seasoned, enhanced by a rich béarnaise sauce. I opted for the more refined lamb dish – a delicately seared rump served with swiss chard and dauphinoise potato, the sweet and sharp orange segments cut through the fresh lamb, the rich jus bringing the dish together – another plate swiftly devoured.
Puddings consisted of a hearty portion of sticky toffee pudding, and a say-bye-to-thediet warm chocolate tart – both perfect endings to a perfect meal.
The team at The Dog have triumphed, the menu is clever but not over complicated, its delivery is a perfect combination of presentation, quality and taste and rather than hiding behind a good menu the team have embraced a clear vision to deliver everything with a second to none approach to service and welcome!
Under no rush to leave, and in fact under encouragement to say for yet another beverage we finished our meal with a lovely coffee in front of the roaring fire, booking our next meal in the process …
The Dog at Wingham Canterbury Road Wingham Nr Canterbury CT3 1BB 01227 720 339 info @ thedog. co. uk www. thedog. co. uk
dogwingham thedogatwingham dogwingham
108