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FOOD & DRINK 025 Leading the East Kent pack


INDEX has joined with The Dog at Wingham to offer one reader the chance to win an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast


Neill Barston


ust under a year ago, Marc Bridgen walked into the Dog Inn at Wingham with his family and quickly realised the potential of this fine character venue. The distinctive Grade II listed property, part of which dates back to the 13th century, is packed full of traditional charm with its oak beams contrasting smartly with the contemporary decor with which it has now been bestowed. Its location within one of East Kent’s


J


most picturesque villages is also very much an asset in its favour, so it is little surprise that it has swiftly gained a following of loyal regular diners enjoying its bar and stylish restaurant. Underlining its strong start under new management, just six months after their renovation of the site began it was nominated for the National Pub and Bar awards and was named as the county’s best pub, much to the owners’ delight. As its genial General Manager Marc is quick to point out, it has been very much a team effort in transforming the inn, which underwent a full refurbishment including a rebranding as The Dog at Wingham. “It’s been an intense,


fun and incredible experience. I’ve had a background in other fields including in software and finance, but this is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done,” enthuses the 39-year-old, who is presently splitting his time between London and East Kent as he seeks to build on the momentum of the venue’s strong early promise, which has been delivered with the able assistance of his property developer turned interior designer mother Marilyn, stepfather Shaun Tilley, and fellow manager Hugh Thompson. Together with Head Chef Dan Johns and the very capable front of house team, there’s very much a sense that providing a high level of customer service is at its heart. “There has been a significant investment


of time and money into what you see here. It’s such a beautiful property and Wingham itself is such a stunning village. “We’ve had some phenomenal support


IT’S SUCH A


BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY & WINGHAM ITSELF


IS SUCH A STUNNING VILLAGE


from the village and we have got to know some fantastic regulars here, which led us to develop a diner’s club in which people pay a membership for and it raises money for the Young Lives Foundation helping young people across the UK.” After receiving a warm welcome from our hosts for our mid-week stay at the venue, we were ushered through the cosy pub to its attractive dining room. The a la carte menu is ambitious in scope,


with its chefs providing selections that are updated on a monthly basis with assistance from locally-sourced meat, bread and vegetables. There were a number of creative choices available and I selected the salad of pickled baby vegetables, walnut and shaved Manchego cheese, while my wife opted for the mackerel with cauliflower and caper, which both made excellent starters. As for the mains I went for the charred asparagus with crisp hen’s egg, goat’s curd and hazelnut, plus some triple cooked chips for good measure. My guest chose the Moroccan spiced lamb rump, chickpea quinoa and feta, while other options included roasted monkfish and beef bavette


(all priced between £16 and £19 each). In terms of desserts, the chef’s


recommendation was the sticky toffee pudding, which thankfully lived up to its billing as one of the best I’ve ever tasted, while my guest chose a deliciously creamy white chocolate parfait.


The drinks list was also of high quality, including a number of fine wines, plus its renowned selection of more than 40 gins. Invited for an overnight stay in its


eight-room accommodation, our room was particularly well appointed with a stunning four-poster bed, which reflected the property’s heritage. This was a superb overnight stay that I


wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. There’s also a smart courtyard style garden, which will start serving food from this summer. • The Dog at Wingham, Canterbury Road, Wingham CT3 1BB, call 01227 720339 or visit www.thedog.co.uk


How to enter


INDEX is offering one lucky reader the chance to win an overnight stay for two, including evening dinner and breakfast the following morning, at The Dog at Wingham*. To be in with a chance of winning, simply send your name, address, contact number and email on a postcard to The Dog at Wingham competition, INDEX, 39 Little Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1YS before Friday 30th June 2017.


*Terms and conditions apply.


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