034 FOOD & DRINK A true taste
of France in Tunbridge Wells
Frederick Latty
and charm; at once calming, cosy and classy, it boasts a warm decor that’s both comfortable and inviting. My guest and I are sampling the hotel’s summer a la carte menu, so naturally expect great things. As we take our seats in the smart and stylish Bistro, with a window view of the alfresco garden beyond, we’re certainly far from disappointed. To start, I’m smitten by the chicken liver parfait with hazelnut brioche muffi n and tomato chutney (£7.95), while my guest is busy tucking into his impeccably
L
ovingly converted from a Grade II-listed mansion, Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells, which is celebrating 20 years of being in the town, is full of character
presented scallops ceviche (£13.95), marinated in lime juice, salt, sugar, pomegranate, chilli and baby coriander. For the main event, the chateaubriand
(£65 to share) is just the ticket, the steak expertly cooked and wonderfully succulent, enriched all the more by peppercorn sauce, pommes frites and sauteed spinach (£3.95 as a side). A bottle of Château Bauduc Rouge (£32), meanwhile, is the ideal accompaniment to wash it all down. My chocoholic radar soon hones in
on the chocolate bombe (£7.95) for the fi nale, a melting dark chocolate sphere encasing white chocolate ice cream, immersed in molten salted caramel. As for my guest, he’s so enamoured with his tarte fi ne aux pommes (£6.95) that he insists that it’s the best he’s ever tasted! Which is just as well, really – a true taste of France is what we came for, and it’s most defi nitely what we’re leaving with. • Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY, visit
www.hotelduvin.com/locations/tunbridge-wells/
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One to watch...
Doug Sanham, Head Chef at The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells, has been recognised as one of the best and brightest in the Acorn Awards, now in their 31st year, in celebration of 30 of the industry’s most talented stars aged under 30. The awards, which this year took place at the privately owned, Grade I stately home and fi ve-AA- red-star hotel Cliveden House in Taplow, Berkshire, seek to highlight and celebrate the achievements of the 30 brightest prospects, with each winner nominated by their peers for their outstanding ability in their fi eld.
PIP, PIP HOORAY!
Kent-based Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, has introduced its fi rst ever cider, celebrating the best of British craftsmanship and produce. Orchard View is an artful blend of several apple varieties, including some of Kent’s fi nest produce, and is named in honour of one of Shepherd Neame’s former neighbours. Shepherd Neame has practiced the art of brewing at its Court Street brewery in Faversham since 1698, and for much of
that time the brewery enjoyed a view over what is marked on 18th century maps as Mrs Gillow’s Orchard. Orchard View is the
product of a partnership between Britain’s oldest brewer and Aspall, Britain’s oldest family-owned cider maker. Their skills have combined to produce a lightly sparkling, crisp, mid-golden, apple cider, using apple varieties Gala, Braeburn, Jonagold, Katy, Cox, Russett, Windsor, Worcester, Bramley and Howgate Wonder. • Orchard View is available on keg and in bottles.
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