insideKENT Magazine Issue 88 - July 2019 | Page 104

FOOD+DRINK
A NEW MENU WITH A TWIST, A BEAUTIFUL OAK-BEAMED CANDLELIT
DINING ROOM, AND A QUITE UNFORGETTABLE VIEW OF ONE OF THE MOST
VISITED HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN BRITAIN… THIS IS
CASTLE VIEW RESTAURANT
BY ADAM READY
My family and I are no strangers to the magnificent
Leeds Castle, having been regular visitors to
the castle itself and to the myriad of activities and
events held throughout the year in the grounds.
However, not all visitors are aware of the evening
offering, our destination was to the aptly named
Castle View Restaurant.
The dining room itself is a cosy and relaxed wood-
themed affair; vaulted oak-beamed ceilings, a mixture
of round and square tables and chairs configured to
cater for intimate tables of two or larger groups of
celebratory diners, and an efficient and friendly team
of waiting staff catering to every whim without
interfering with the evening’s natural flow.
But of course what sets this restaurant aside is its
view, and my goodness this is a beautiful view!
Outside, through the windows (be sure to request a
window-side table) and across from the terrace lies
the 900-year-old Leeds Castle. If you arrive before
sunset for an evening reservation, you’ll get to witness
the view change from sunlit splendour to nighttime
grandeur – it is spectacularly lit as night falls to
provide one of the most unique and awe-inspiring
dining views in the county.
The team at Castle View Restaurant don’t just rely
on the view either. Harnessing a varied menu, with
a nod to flavours from around the world. We made
our decisions for the evening aided by the flow of
some soft, wholegrain or poppy seed fresh bread
rolls. And as it was a Thursday evening, we were
surprised with a glass of prosecco each on ordering
a starter and main, which is a weekly inclusion.
Our starters arrived, my guest’s North African
Shakshuka, a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of
tomatoes, chili peppers, and garlic, spiced with
cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Served
on log slice with grilled halloumi and pitta bread.
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Whilst my popular with diners choice of tiger prawns
served with a generous helping of chorizo served in
a bowl with garlic and chilli bisque with an extra
large crouton laid across for presentation. I can
clearly see why this is a firm Castle View favourite.
Next up for our main course, my guest swayed with
the Kentish pork belly with braised cheek, carrot
purée and a nice selection of seasonal vegetables, a
well presented plate of local produce.
I opted for the dry aged sirloin steak cooked perfectly
medium as requested, a generous portion of triple
cooked chips, grilled plum tomato, field mushroom
finished off with a great peppercorn sauce. An
additional mixed leaf salad with ripe red and yellow
tomatoes, red onion, pomegranate and covered in
a pesto dressing.
A quick exit outside before dessert to take in
the beautiful view and a few selfies and back in to
order dessert.
My guest opted for the baked avocado cheesecake
with passionfruit and mango coulis dusted with some
mini meringues. The cheesecake wasn’t overpowering
with an avocado taste as expected and sure this will
be a popular try for my guests. The dark chocolate
mousse sounded very appealing, the large scoop of
mousse sat on a pear and pistachio biscuit and topped
off with mini meringues.
Before ending our evening meal we decided to
sit back with a mojito from the cocktail menu –
the perfect finishing touch accompanied by that
perfect view.
Castle View Restaurant
Leeds Castle
Maidstone
ME17 1PL
01622 767777
www.leeds-castle.com/restaurant
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