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Water Lane

Kent, Hawkhurst - British - Restaurant - ££

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

A contender for one of the most charming eateries in Kent, it's pretty much impossible to resist the lure of this low-key rural restaurant tucked away in a delightful walled garden. The word 'unpretentious' just about sums up Water Lane – and that applies to the decor, menu and food. It's a work in progress and part of an ongoing trend to provide excellent food venues in working kitchen gardens and nurseries; at the time of writing, the magnificent space is being restored, reverting back to growing fruit and vegetables using organic methods. The eatery is open for breakfast and lunch only, and meals take place in a beautiful listed Victorian glasshouse – although in summer the action moves outside to a covered terrace. What’s on offer is straight-to-the-point cooking, firmly rooted in the seasons, with the likes of mutton kofta with Persian carrot jam and sesame, and a salad of tender squid served in a tangle of radicchio, almond and chilli making a positive open...

A contender for one of the most charming eateries in Kent, it's pretty much impossible to resist the lure of this low-key rural restaurant tucked away in a delightful walled garden. The word 'unpretentious' just about sums up Water Lane – and that applies to the decor, menu and food. It's a work in progress and part of an ongoing trend to provide excellent food venues in working kitchen gardens and nurseries; at the time of writing, the magnificent space is being restored, reverting back to growing fruit and vegetables using organic methods. The eatery is open for breakfast and lunch only, and meals take place in a beautiful listed Victorian glasshouse – although in summer the action moves outside to a covered terrace. What’s on offer is straight-to-the-point cooking, firmly rooted in the seasons, with the likes of mutton kofta with Persian carrot jam and sesame, and a salad of tender squid served in a tangle of radicchio, almond and chilli making a positive opening at inspection. Similarly, coq au vin with anchoïde and breadcrumbs, as well as monkfish stew in a tomato sauce with haricot beans and a punchy aïoli are perfect exemplars of the simplicity that is this local asset’s hallmark. It’s fun too, with casual service that suits the ever-so-slightly ramshackle nature of the place, and there’s a short but interesting European wine list with the focus firmly on organic and biodynamic producers.

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VENUE DETAILS

Water Lane Walled Garden
Hawkhurst
Kent
TN18 5DHGB

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, No background music, Parking, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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