insideKENT Magazine Issue 98 - May 2020 | Page 30

FOOD+DRINK INTRODUCING A TRADITIONAL PUB, WITH WARM STAFF, A FAMILY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE AND FIRST CLASS FOOD, ANNA LOCKYER SETTLES IN AT THE PIG AND STY THE PIG AND STY, PART OF THE ELITE COLLECTION, IS LOCATED IN THE FRIENDLY VILLAGE OF BETHERSDEN. THE GASTRO- PUB, WITH A SPACIOUS GARDEN AND INCREDIBLE VIEWS, SERVES TRADITIONAL HEARTY FOOD AS WELL AS STONE BAKED PIZZAS FROM THEIR IN-HOUSE WOOD BURNING PIZZA OVEN. IT IS ‘THE PLACE TO EAT’ AND SEES PEOPLE TRAVELLING FROM ALL OVER KENT TO EAT, DRINK AND SOCIALISE IN THE COSY SETTING. Elite have really poured their heart and soul into every detail of the decor inside this modern yet traditional pub, which is housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building, that in some parts dates back as far as the sixteenth century. Snug drinking areas with an open fire around the bar are perfect for Sunday afternoons on a wintery day. The bright open plan restaurant with high beamed ceilings and artwork relating to ‘The Pig and Sty’ theme has floor to ceiling windows throughout looking out into the countryside. Although it was a typical rainy day, we managed to get a feel for the garden and what an amazing space it’s going to be in the summer. Outside dining with glass doors and heaters to keep the warmth in and outside seating with wooden play equipment - so the parents can also enjoy a nice drink in the sunshine! There is also the ‘Rocking Horse Workshop’ private function room catering for parties up to 20, an intimate space with a sliding door so you are not too far from the action! Starting with ‘The Pig and Sty’ homemade sausage roll, the pastry flaked off perfectly, with locally 30 produced sausage meat and a homemade brown sauce to compliment - I only want these sausage rolls from now on, simply delicious. I also tried the seared king scallops, the fresh salty mollusc set off with rich black pudding and sharp apple. Our starters were perfectly paired with a glass of local Chapel Down Bacchus. With an open-fired pizza oven dominating the dining room, we couldn’t not order a pizza. I went full in and ordered the pig on fire for my main! A sourdough base with spicy Nduja, piri piri chicken, roquito pepper, mozzarella and thyme. I certainly didn’t regret my decision, a generous portion, nice and spicy and perfectly cooked! My guest ordered the Peri-peri chicken thigh skewer, skin on skin fries, garlic flat bread and red cabbage. Served hanging on a traditional kebab style skewer, flawlessly seasoned with a side of a hot dip (not for the faint hearted!) Although we had no room for dessert, when the menu came we couldn’t resist. A sticky toffee pudding, with a sweet thick caramel sauce, a simple go-to pudding but so moreish! And a nemesis chocolate cake served with creamy vanilla ice cream, the name says it all - I was thinking about this chocolate cake for days after! The only way to describe all the food that we were able to taste was incredible! The Pig and Sty has brought something completely different to the village and surrounding areas. A huge open family style dining place, with all the traditional pub values! The wine list is currently being updated to serve an extensive selection of locally sourced wines, and the burger shack is preparing to open in the garden for summer. With secret art parties, comedy nights and shack fest coming up, The Pig and Sty’s journey has just begun and I am excited to see what the future holds for this amazing addition to the elite collection! elitepubs.com/the-pig-and-sty thepigandstybethersden elite.pubs