The Wife of Bath Restaurant with Rooms

An amalgam of smart contemporary restaurant and a handful of stylish rooms for those who want to stay over and indulge fully in the kitchen's efforts, the Wife of Bath is the sort of switched-on modern operation that many a village would be happy to have. Modish patterned wallpaper, modern art and linen-clothed tables make for a fresh, uncluttered, setting with a soothingly laid-back ambience. The menu doesn't bang on about it, but the vast majority of the kitchen's raw materials are from local Kentish producers, and are brought together on an enticing menu of modern themes. Well-conceived dishes are delivered with a high degree of technical competence - perhaps Serrano ham and black pudding on rösti potato with blackberry chutney, ahead of roast rump of Kentish lamb with braised red cabbage and raspberry vinegar. Clever desserts might feature cinnamon-poached pear tartlet with gingerbread ice cream.