Hide and Fox
Kent, Hythe - Modern British - Restaurant - £££
A treasure trove of harmonious seasonal flavours
Locals are in complete agreement that this smart neighbourhood restaurant at the heart of a pretty Kent village not far from Hythe is worth knowing about if you are going to be in the area. Allister Barsby has been carefully nurturing Hide & Fox since 2019, gradually refining his version of modern British cooking. It helps that he is ably supported by his wife Alice Bussi, a perfect host who brings charm and engaging warmth to the approachable dining room. Together, they make eating here a rare and inestimable pleasure. There’s a pleasing seasonal rhythm to the five-and eight-course tasting menus, but what appeals about the cooking is that there is no needless experimentation, just a collection of fine ingredients, all sensitively prepared and working in harmony. Our autumnal lunch produced a gorgeously fresh combination of Cornish crab, elderflower gel and redcurrants, the anise-like flavour of chervil granita working particularly well, while a silky raviolo yielded a magni...
Locals are in complete agreement that this smart neighbourhood restaurant at the heart of a pretty Kent village not far from Hythe is worth knowing about if you are going to be in the area. Allister Barsby has been carefully nurturing Hide & Fox since 2019, gradually refining his version of modern British cooking. It helps that he is ably supported by his wife Alice Bussi, a perfect host who brings charm and engaging warmth to the approachable dining room. Together, they make eating here a rare and inestimable pleasure.
There’s a pleasing seasonal rhythm to the five-and eight-course tasting menus, but what appeals about the cooking is that there is no needless experimentation, just a collection of fine ingredients, all sensitively prepared and working in harmony. Our autumnal lunch produced a gorgeously fresh combination of Cornish crab, elderflower gel and redcurrants, the anise-like flavour of chervil granita working particularly well, while a silky raviolo yielded a magnificent amalgamation of girolles, Parmesan and slivers of Welsh autumn truffle, bound with a runny, golden egg yolk.
These were outriders for principal dishes that tended towards the boldly simple – from translucent salt cod with cauliflower, black garlic and bouillabaisse to a thick slice of tender, pink, Creedy Carver duck breast alongside a fig ‘tarte fine’, slices of fresh fig, pickled shallots and a rich, glossy sauce. The bread is irresistible, and an inspired 64% Manjari chocolate mousse with passion fruit, miso caramel and cardamom proved to be a treasure trove of sensations. Alice Bussi’s personally chosen wine selection is notable for its eclectic grape varieties, impeccable producers and all-round excellence.
VENUE DETAILS
The Green, Saltwood
Hythe
Kent
CT21 4PS
01303 260915
OTHER INFORMATION
Wheelchair access, Credit card required