Sponsored Post¦ Sometimes you want to go out to eat, whether it’s a special occasion or not. Not just as part of a day out, but for where you eat to actually be your destination. If you’re anything like me, you likely have a few familiar old favourites to go to for dinner. But where to get inspiration if you want to try somewhere different? I’ve been looking at restaurants in Kent on Square Meal UK and noting where I think looks the most mouth-watering.
1. Thackeray’s, Tunbridge Wells
Thackeray’s isn’t even in my part of Kent, but I’ve heard of it. On that basis, it must be good, right? The building itself is gorgeous. Over 300 years old, it’s a former residence of the author William Makepeace Thackeray. Their website describes it as “It has an off-kilter, fairy-tale cottage feel with its slanted panels and sloping floors”. Despite this, they are proud to not be pretentious or exclusive. This is a winner in my books. I like to dine somewhere that feels special, but as a born and bred Gravesend girl I don’t want to feel out of place.
Of course, it isn’t all about the building and ambience. The menu looks fantastic too. Quite traditional, but with a creative twist! It’s useful to know that they also welcome children at lunchtime.
2. Hattusa, Sevenoaks
I get really good, fun vibes looking at Hattusa’s website and social media. It looks like a really relaxed environment to dine in.
Their Turkish menu is extensive and there is a brilliant kids menu. Their Sevenoaks restaurant, (it’s one of a few branches), is also wheelchair accessible and has baby changing facilities. As a vegetarian, I’m often limited to one or two options on a menu. As such, I was pleased to see many options…many including halloumi. Yum!
3. Xi’an, Orpington
Xi’an don’t seem to have a presence on social media or a website, which is unusual. However, stick with me. Square Meal says “Six impressive lithographs of the famous ‘terracotta warriors of Xian’ look down from the walls of this “outstanding” local Chinese – a slightly cramped but atmospheric modern room with banquette seating, bamboo matting on the walls and a brigade of smart, smiling staff”. That sounds pretty awesome!
I’ve also found several menus floating around online. As a vegetarian I’m often pretty limited, but it looks like there are a lot of options for me! While there is the usual food you’d expect from a Chinese, they’ve got other things going on too – and dessert! Online reviews are good; people seem to love it and regularly return. I love a Chinese takeaway but haven’t been OUT for Chinese for about 10 years. Maybe it’s time to change that!
4. Chapter One, Locksbottom near Orpington
Chapter One has won awards for being one of the county’s best restaurants, as well as being in the UK’s top 100 restaurants on Square Meal three times! It looks like a stylish, classic yet contemporary place to eat – I love the art deco style! It also has beautiful outdoor seating for the warmer weather!
As for the menu, my mouth is watering! It is quite classic, but fancy. I also need to add, as a cheese lover, that there is a cheese trolley! Their Sunday menu also looks really good. Plus, the vegetarian option on the sample menu is a baked wild mushroom and leek wellington. Yum! It’s always great to see something more exciting than yet another nut roast.
The desserts look delectable too and I’m impressed that they keep their own bees for their honey!
5. The Tiger Inn, Stowting near Ashford
Who doesn’t love pub food? The Tiger Inn‘s is different from most and use local and seasonal produce, which is always a winner in my books! It looks like there’s such a cosy atmosphere, perfect for the cold weather we’ve been having lately. To me, that’s just what a pub should be; a place to eat, drink and be merry and thaw out from inclement weather.
The food offerings are somewhat traditional but modern and there’s a cracking kid’s menu. They also do Sunday roasts. As you would expect, there is a lot of local booze available! I’m quite a fussy eater, so what I’m going to say next is unusual for me. I would absolutely devour each and every one of the desserts on their latest menu! Oh, I almost forgot to mention…they have won a lot of awards this year!
I’d also like to take this opportunity to casually mention it’s my birthday in a week and a half. So, who’s looking after the children and who’s taking me to one of these? 😉
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written for Square Meal for which I’ve received compensation. As always, all views and opinions are honest and my own.
Cover photo by Peter Mason on Unsplash