FOOD+DRINK
FAULTLESS DINING
The Marquis at Alkham
Nuzzled in the rural splendour that is Kent's Alkham Valley, the Marquis is a highly acclaimed boutique hotel and
restaurant, well deserved of its three AA rosette standing and celebrated reputation for culinary excellence. In addition
to featuring in Britain's Finest Hotels Collection and The Good Hotel Guide, this 5-star wonder was also awarded an
enviable rising Michelin star, won Restaurant of the Year in the Taste of Kent Awards, and last year won a Certificate
of Excellence from TripAdvisor – an accolade only given to the top 10% of businesses listed. In a league of its own,
it's little wonder we're a tad proud of this East Kent gem. BY GEMMA DUNN
The product of a major renovation back in 2008,
the celebrated Marquis — previously the Marquis
of Granby — has been transformed into a
contemporary, chic restaurant and rooms.
Housing a stylish collection of ten luxury
en-suite bedrooms and two vineyard cottages,
each of the Marquis' rooms are spacious and
light, and complete with distinct décor, fine
furnishings and beautiful fabrics. Here, queensized pocket sprung beds are swathed in the
finest cotton, well-considered sumptuous fabrics
dress the windows, and an eclectic collection of
art impresses around every corner. And while
many competitors in the hospitality industry may
boast of similar qualities, only a handful can
promise a window view quite like that of the Kent
Downs at Alkham Valley.
Similarly, when it comes to its multi awardwinning restaurant, there is a certain buzz, a
certain je ne sais quoi, that in my experience is
only felt in the finest of eateries. A testament to
head chef Charles Lakin, who at the helm, is
committed to using only the highest quality
produce, from the best and sustainable sources,
and in doing so, never fails to astound diners
with his fresh, seasonal and innovative menus.
A culinary team that prides itself on its
dedication to championing locally sourced Kent
produce, the Marquis has gone one step further
this spring and introduced a special lunchtime
'10 Mile Menu' to its collection. Featuring a
selection of exquisite small dishes, packed with
ingredients sourced from within just 10 miles of
the restaurant, the menu, available Tuesday
through to Saturday, has already been a huge
hit. As well as fine dining, snacks and afternoon
tea, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine
list, with well-appointed options from around the
world.
With so much to offer the discerning diner,
I thought it only right I visit the Marquis to see
what all the fuss is about – all in name of work,
of course.
Visiting on what was a bustling Tuesday
lunchtime for the Marquis, my guests and I
enjoyed a midday tipple (well it would be rude
not to), and serving of freshly baked breads,
before selecting from the fabulous à la carte
menu.
First up, my starter of three-point garlic
panna cotta