insideKENT Magazine Issue 95 - February 2020 | Page 125

Michelin star dining, exquisite food and exceptional service await at
SEVEN PARK PLACE
BY WILLIAM DRABBLE
SEVEN PARK PLACE OPENED IN 2009, SHORTLY AFTER THE HOTEL’S INITIAL REFURBISHMENT, UNDER THE
DIRECTION OF ACCLAIMED CHEF WILLIAM DRABBLE. IT GAINED ITS MICHELIN STAR WITHIN A YEAR AND HAS
RETAINED IT EVERY YEAR SINCE! THE COMBINATION OF REFINED MODERN FRENCH CUISINE WITH THE BEST
SEASONAL BRITISH PRODUCE DELIVERS IMPECCABLE RESULTS. AND TO CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY
THERE WAS A RELAUNCH OF THE BRAND NEW DESIGN OF THE BEAUTIFUL NEW RESTAURANT SPACE.
Intimate, sophisticated and modern, whilst still
retaining its original feature charms. It made sense
to increase the restaurant’s capacity; to cope with
the demand from epicureans keen to enjoy the
seasonal Gourmand tasting and á la carte menus,
which use only the finest British ingredients; yet the
dining room has not lost its sense of intimate
atmosphere, harnessed by cosy tables and half-moon
shaped banquette seating for two.
My guest and I began our evening with a cheeky
cocktail from the classic with a twist menu. Sectioned
under the headings of England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Island, as well as Sober Country - which
is pretty self-explanatory! My choice was the
‘England’ Pick Me Up, a heady mix of Sipsmith
vodka, Savoiradi biscuits, muscovado sugar, coffee
liqueur, amaretto liqueur, vanilla syrup and clotted
cream - think an inspired, alcohol-laced, tiramisu in
a glass - and in testament to the exceptional service
was instantly challenged by the Maitre’D with a
polite, yet firm; “Madam that drink is much more
suited to after dinner, would you mind if I exchanged
this for something more suitable?”- service perfection!
My guest’s venture across the Irish Sea provided a
more suitable aperitif in the guise of the It’s Now
Legal, a taste-bud hit of Ban Poitin chilli liqueur,
yuzu puree, avocado pit honey water and tonic;
perfect for his bitter, spicy, palate.
Aside from the Menu Gourmand tasting menu,
Seven Park Place also offers a two and three course
á la carte menu, from which my guest and I chose
our dishes for the evening; whilst we made our way
through the delightful appetisers of crouton with
smoked chicken; salmon and creme fraiche blini
with apple; and the delightful puff pastry encased
salsify and parma ham roll.
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