Rankins Restaurant

Run by Hugh and Leonora Rankin for over 25 years, this charming, white clapboard cottage can be found on the high street, just a mile from the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. It is the setting for Hugh Rankin's uncomplicated, soundly-cooked British bistro-style food and the classic cottagey interior is subtly-lit with well-spaced tables. They know where to source the Garden of England's finest produce, snapping up fish from Rye and locally-reared lamb, to form a concise menu of unpretentious, eclectic dishes. Red pepper mousse, for example with chorizo, ratatouille salad, olives and basil oil to start, followed by braised Benenden lamb with red wine, orange and thyme sauce, and clementine, almond and honey pudding with caramel ice cream to finish.