insideKENT Magazine Issue 80 - November 2018 | Page 170

GETAWAYS Simplicity, authenticity and eccentricity at THE ROYAL HARBOUR HOTEL AT FACE VALUE, THE PROMISE OF THE ROYAL HARBOUR HOTEL IN RAMSGATE IS SIMPLE: THE SPLENDOUR OF A GEORGIAN TOWNHOUSE – LOCATED IN AN ELEVATED GEORGIAN CRESCENT NO LESS – OFFERING SPLENDID SEA VIEWS SPANNING OUT FROM THE BOBBING BOATS IN THE HARBOUR AND BEYOND, THE DELIVERY IS EXCEPTIONAL. BY SAMANTHA READY Ambling past the giant basket in the hallway overflowing with beach paraphernalia, brollies and dog toys (dogs are most welcome by prior confirmation) to be warmly greeted at the check in desk at the rear, it’s clear on arrival that the hotel itself is a quirky affair. Not one, but three terraced townhouses – two adjacent and one a few doors down – make up the hotel, meaning guest bedrooms appear almost at random up winding staircases. Our own hike (there are no lifts here!) to the third floor was made totally worth it for the view alone and the discovery of a cosy space with comfortable double bed, giant walk-in shower and cool art prints adorning the walls. Mooching around buildings leads you into a labyrinth of spaces: cosy TV room, a homely dining room, a library brimming with books, a roaring fire-lit lounge with a vinyl record player that guests are positively encouraged to use, and an honesty bar complete with miniatures, mixers and snacks which you can help yourself to – this hotel is the equivalent of a fun, naughty auntie; amazing. In keeping with the more-than-meets-the- eye theme, the hotel’s Empire Room restaurant is approached via a seemingly hidden staircase within the hotel...and it is brilliant! While the dining room is certainly more nostalgic wartime Gentlemen’s club, characterised by a hotchpotch of dark wood 170 antique tables and mismatched chairs, original stone floors with rugs, wartime press cuttings and tables lit by lamplight, the delightful menu, adapted daily by head chef Craig Mather and his team to fully harness their local Kentish produce, is a masterclass in contemporary British cuisine. Beside himself with excitement, my husband chose ‘crumpets’ to start and was treated to a delightful plate of homemade crispy toasted crumpets topped with a perfectly poached egg, crispy ham and mushrooms, all set off by a tangy wholegrain mustard dressing. My own chicken terrine delivered a delicious twist to a classic Caesar salad with a heavy plate of poached and roasted chicken, prosciutto ham, anchovies, parmesan and gem lettuce. Next up, the ‘beef’ proffered a roasted loin heady with thyme and garlic flavours paired with a crispy potato terrine, salsa verde, cavolo nero and red wine sauce; while the ‘lamb’ delivered the star of the meal – a slow-braised, melt-in-the-mouth rolled shoulder of lamb – simply divine and made more so with crispy lamb belly, dauphinoise potato, roasted cabbage, mint sauce and rich gravy. with honeycomb ice cream; the zingy passion fruit posset with coconut sponge, pineapple and meringue; and, the pudding star of the evening, the warm banana cake with caramelised banana and sticky caramel sauce. It’s testament to the hotel that waking to a rather wet and dreary autumnal morning of gale-force winds and torrential rain that spirits were as high as ever; guests were happy and the staff were cheerful and accommodating too. Departing to try out a much-heralded brunch at Little Ships (just down the road at the harbourfront), we were escorted out of the door provided with menu recommendations and shielded by umbrellas – The Royal Harbour Hotel is a rare find indeed. The Royal Harbour Hotel Nelson Crescent Ramsgate Kent CT11 9JF [email protected] 01843 519 514 www.royalharbourhotel.co.uk RHHotel Always struggling to make a pudding menu decision (mainly because I want them all), the chef’s dessert sharing plate offered the perfect solution. Three decadent desserts to share (sadly), we devoured the rich chocolate delice royalharbourhotel royalharbourhotel