insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014

FOOD+DRINK MORE THAN GASTRO PUB GRUB THE OLD BREWERY TAVERN HOSTED BY CANTERBURY'S AWARD-WINNING 16TH-CENTURY ABODE HOTEL, THE OLD BREWERY TAVERN IS A TRADITIONAL GASTRO PUB, BUT ONLY BY NATURE. IN REPUTE, IT'S MUCH MORE THAN THAT. BY GEMMA DUNN Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Canterbury’s High Street, The Old Brewery Tavern may acknowledge its predecessors in name and build, but it is certainly anything but 'old' in feel. From its contemporary menus to its relaxed modern-day décor, well-appointed furnishings and vibrant, social courtyard (perfect for al fresco dining and drinks), it harbours a setting for any occasion. Moreover, come nighttime, the venue doubles up as one of the town's hot spots, with regular live music, DJs, and an unparalleled party atmosphere. This particular occasion was a Friday dinner, with an open mind to a drink or two. The ideal sitting, The Old Brewery Tavern met and exceeded expectations from the off. From the fare to the ambience, this place is a jewel in the East Kent crown. Picking from the main menu, our group’s starters included crispy calamari with a sweet chilli sauce, watercress salad, and a delectable garlic mayonnaise; grilled goats' cheese on a pest o croûte, paired with a fresh tomato and beetroot salad; plus Old Brewery favourite (and now mine), pulled pork terrine with honey sauce and a classic celeriac remoulade. This, of course, is in addition to the sharing grilled nachos, mixed olives, and homemade bread and dipping oils that kicked off this very banquet. Now we all know the deal here: sharing is usually only caring when food envy is involved and your smug, fellow diner's choice looks better than your own. However, in this case, as each dish looked (and tasted) just as fabulous as the rest, we adopted the motto 'share and share alike'. And when you're dining with six guests, that isn't a bad deal at all. An advocate of the same concept, The Old Brewery Tavern has become renowned for its sharing platters over the years, and currently offers its diners a rather impressive meat and fish platter, amongst other nibbles and sides. Onto the main courses, and the impressive selection of gastro favourites meant it was a case of whittling it down and pledging your allegiances to return and try those you had left behind. From salads and classic fare, to plates direct from the grill, we picked a selection of dishes that perfectly showcased the kitchen's ability to mix the familiar with culinary finesse. Choices included a superbly tender sirloin steak; scampi and chips; spiced bean burger; an incredible chicken and tarragon pie; chicken Caesar salad; the tavern beef burger; and finally my ol' favourite, pan-fried gammon steak. However, this wasn't just any gammon steak. Served with a flavoursome, piquant pineapple chutney, skin-on fries, and a show stopping, deep-fried, melt-in-the-middle poached egg, this concoction was most definitely just for me. Dessert was a similar story and choices consisted of a traditional apple crumble; meringue and mixed fruit compote; warm chocolate brownie; and seemingly everyone's guilty pleasure, a vanilla crème brûlée, complete with homemade shortbread. Whilst each faultless course spoke for itself in terms of originality, taste and presentation, a significant aspect that was evident in each and every dish was head chef, Andy Proctor's, unwavering desire to use only the highest quality produce. Across the board of innovative European-inspired menus – breakfast, lunch, dinner, traditional Sunday roasts, and daily specials – the culinary team prides itself on employing seasonal and locally sourced produce, with a focus on the 'best in Kent'. This pledge to provenance features highly in the meat used for the grill, which is supplied directly from trusted and prized local business, The Butcher of Brogdale, plus the stock of Kentish beers, ales, and fruit juices on its extensive bar menu. Ticking all of the boxes and more, The Old Brewery Tavern is a much-loved fixture on the Canterbury map, and not without reason. From its fantastic casual gourmet fare to its unique surroundings and social setting, the venue has succeeded in its bid to offer the charm of a traditional age-old tavern with the appeal of a modern-day meet up. The Old Brewery Tavern Stour Street Canterbury CT1 2NR 01227 826682 www.abodecanterbury.co.uk/eat-drink/oldbrewery-tavern-canterbury @BreweryTavern 99

insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 99