The Swan Wine Kitchen
Kent, Tenterden - Modern British - Restaurant - ££
Convivial brasserie attached to a top-tier Kentish winery
In the heart of the glorious Kent countryside, England's leading wine producer offers a full-dress winery experience from vineyard walks to tastings. The essence of the Chapel Down estate, however, has always been its restaurant. Found on the upper floor of the wine shop and tasting room, the Swan has long been a local favourite for a countryside jaunt. Hospitality is a big plus, as is the convivial brasserie vibe and the catch-all Med-inspired menu that runs with the seasons. Our suitably summery lunch kicked off with tiger prawns on chorizo toast (chilli adding just a hint of heat) and a serving of East Sussex mackerel fillet, cut into chunks and presented atop blobs of ajo blanco with macadamia nuts and dabs of parsley oil. Mains ranged from crisp-skinned chalk stream trout in a puddle of sauce américaine to slices of Romney Marsh lamb rump (cooked pink) with vibrantly green accompaniments of mint and anchovy dressing, courgette and basil. Both dishes were pulled together by...
In the heart of the glorious Kent countryside, England's leading wine producer offers a full-dress winery experience from vineyard walks to tastings. The essence of the Chapel Down estate, however, has always been its restaurant. Found on the upper floor of the wine shop and tasting room, the Swan has long been a local favourite for a countryside jaunt. Hospitality is a big plus, as is the convivial brasserie vibe and the catch-all Med-inspired menu that runs with the seasons.
Our suitably summery lunch kicked off with tiger prawns on chorizo toast (chilli adding just a hint of heat) and a serving of East Sussex mackerel fillet, cut into chunks and presented atop blobs of ajo blanco with macadamia nuts and dabs of parsley oil. Mains ranged from crisp-skinned chalk stream trout in a puddle of sauce américaine to slices of Romney Marsh lamb rump (cooked pink) with vibrantly green accompaniments of mint and anchovy dressing, courgette and basil. Both dishes were pulled together by a side of pink fir potatoes made absolutely delicious with lightly curried mayonnaise, diced apricot and a liberal sprinkling of chives.
Presentation throughout was a highlight, including the enticing finale: pecan praline parfait with an intense raspberry sorbet, feuilletine and verjus. Estate wines, either by the glass (from £7) or bottle (from £24) are the obvious choice, especially as each dish on the menu has a recommended pairing.
VENUE DETAILS
Chapel Down Winery, Small Hythe Road
Tenterden
Kent
TN30 7NG
01580 761616
OTHER INFORMATION
Private dining room, Separate bar, Parking, Family friendly