insideKENT Magazine Issue 29 - August 2014 | Page 65
FOOD+DRINK
FOOD FIT FOR A SIR AT THE
White Lion, Selling
In the hunt for a fabulous pub lunch on a lovely summer’s afternoon, my guest
and I embarked on a leisurely country drive from Ashford towards Faversham to
visit local favourite, the White Lion. A 16th-century pub nestled in the hilly village
of Selling, this Kentish gem proved the ideal afternoon retreat. BY ADAM READY
Under the new management duo of Vicky
Hawkins – previously the general manager at
The Wife of Bath in Wye – and her partner, head
chef Adam Davis – who has worked at the likes
of Eastwell Manor and Reeds – it's little wonder
this village local is already the talk of the town.
What's more, located on the Selling Road, the
White Lion sits in the middle of what is almost a
triangle between Ashford, Faversham and the
west of Canterbury, making it a great location
for passing trade and foodies. And with a
restaurant that can seat around 80 covers, with
outside seating to the front and rear, it is sure to
attract both.
Seated in the front restaurant beside one of the
old open fireplaces, my guest and I were
welcomed by Vicky, who arrived with our drinks,
plus a serving of large Sicilian olives and fresh
bread with the most delicious home-smoked
butter.
As we browsed the daily specials board, lunch,
and à la carte menus, my guest and I could not
believe how many top dishes were on offer. From
the à la carte, the sea bass fillet, Kentish lamb
and beef fillet stood out, and will certainly help
to spread the word about just what the White
Lion will go on to achieve.
As the restaurant began to fill up, our mains –
picked from the impressive lunch menu – arrived.
Looking amazing, at £9.95, my handmade prime
steak burger was served with triple-cooked chips
and homemade ketchup. Cooked to perfection
and filled with melted cheese, red onion, lettuce
and tomato, even my guest was glancing her
eye over the tower. And it's no wonder, as it was
one of – if not the best – burger I have had in a
long time.
brûlée dish was served on a piece of slate with
a homemade cinnamon shortbread finger.
We finished off our visit with coffees and a good
chat with Adam and Vicky, who are both excited
about their new venture at the White Lion and
more so, looking forward to put their fantastic
food and hospitality on the map.
My guest’s choice was a pub lunch classic: beer
battered cod. At £9.50, it was served with triplecooked chips, minted crushed peas and a
generous helping of tartar sauce. The chunky,
tender pieces of cod were delicious, finished with
a wedge of lemon and parsley garnish.
With ketchup served in small glass jars, main
courses on wooden boards and delightful chip
baskets, the culinary presentation at the White
Lion is second to none. Not only did we
immediately feel at home with the good food and
drinks on offer, but we'd even heard that we
were in the company of a sir at the table behind
– who seemed to enjoy his meal also!
We finished our lunchtime dining with the vanilla
crème brûlée from the reasonably priced dessert
menu. Easily big enough for two, our shared
65
Selling
Faversham
ME13 9EQ
01227 752