Good Food Warming up to winter
As the early morning mists linger longer… you can smell autumn in the air. And after a sweltering summer, the arrival of the colder weather is something that,
this year, feels particularly welcome — a chance to rub shoulders again with your favourite knitwear, haul on leather boots and grab those prized winter coats that have been hidden away so long.
And where better to show them off than with a wander, followed by a slap-up meal in a snug and relaxed saloon at one of the many traditional pubs Kent is so proud to boast — with open fires, a warm welcome and all the trimmings.
In our beautiful part of the world, on the scenic Downs, with miles of open space,
vast tracts of woodland, quaint riverside villages and hilltop retreats, it’s just a case of where do I fancy going today? So, grab the kids, your dog, or a loved one — or all three! — and work up an appetite this autumn for some great days out.
Aunt Sally's Kitchen
Aunt Sally's Kitchen is a family- run business, which strives to offer you a friendly, clean and comfortable environment in which you can enjoy quality homemade food.
They source seasonal ingredients
from local farms and producers to offer you the best quality produce. They aim to give you a wide variety of choice, catering for whatever meal, or snack, you fancy. All-day breakfast choices, with a vegetarian option are always popular. Main meals, include favourites such as pies, chicken curry and lasagne. If you are more inclined to pop in for a light bite, sandwiches are not the only thing on the menu — you could also opt for an omelette, bubble and squeak or perhaps a baked potato. Aunt Sally’s Kitchen is also a fantastic place to visit for a coffee and one of their delicious homemade cakes. A children’s menu is also available, with plenty of choice to please your child.
www.auntsallyskitchen.co.uk The Cock Inn
Situated in the rural village of Boughton Monchelsea, this pub is close to Leeds Castle near Maidstone. Surrounded by countryside, the Greensand Way path is nearby and we welcome walkers en route. Dating back to 1568, there is a large inglenook fireplace with blazing log fire in the winter months. Low ceilings and exposed beams add to the Elizabethan ambience. An oasis out in the sticks, they offer a selection of well-kept real ales along with a choice collection of fine wines. This consistently high quality pub — often quoted as being the best pub in Kent — is well-known for freshly prepared country cuisine. Dishes are cooked from scratch using the best in seasonal produce. It is advisable to book for the restaurant, or you may choose to dine in the bar area — you will always be fed with or without a booking. Owned by local brewers Shepherd Neame and leased by Jo and Dave, the whole team are like a big family, giving a genuine welcome to all. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm and friendly with soft background music to enable you to hold a decent conversation.
www.cockinnmaidstone.co.uk According to TripAdvisor…
Aunt Sally’s Kitchen “Great little cafe” “I often visit Aunt Sally café with friends, it is always a lovely experience, and the staff will help with any issues, like moving chairs for wheelchairs, opening door etc. The food is freshly made and of good quality, the meat is brought locally. I have tried many items off the menu and everything is always lovely and fresh”
The Cock Inn
“Excellent Food and Service” “First visit for many years but very impressed. Excellent food choices and all of top quality.”
June 2016 The West End Tavern July 2016
“‘Lovely Welcome to Our New Local” We received a very warm welcome at the West End Tavern, being new to the village, we were still finding our feet and we're delighted to have been able to take advantage of their free Wi-Fi.We have been there on a number of occasions and my husband enjoys the variety of ale on offer and have taken friends on two occasions to have the Sunday lunch menu which was delicious with hearty dishes of fresh vegetables accompanying the tasty roast and not a frozen pea to be seen! Looking forward to taking more visitors in the future!
West End Tavern
In the heart of the Kent countryside, just eight miles from Maidstone, you’ll discover this delightful tavern. The pub is grade II listed and dates back to 1762, and is so named because it lies in the part of Marden known as the West End. Inside there are exposed beams, low ceilings and an inglenook fireplace, making it a real haven. The West End Tavern is the epitome of the great British pub: warm hospitality, a choice of well-kept ales and good value, traditional fare. The menu is seasonal, concise and carefully considered. The specials board changes every day, but you could find the likes of pan-fried duck with cashews or bacon and onion pudding. Sunday lunch at this pub is a treat. Gather your family and dig into bowls of fresh vegetables, crispy roasties and cover your chosen meat with gravy from a jug: it’s all laid out on the table to share, just as you would at home.
www.westendtavern.co.uk
October 2015 Mid Kent Living 41
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