insideKENT Magazine Issue 54 - September 2016 | Page 103

GETAWAYS

quintessential british charm at

EASTWELL MANOR
Every so often you are reminded of what puts the ‘great’ in Great Britain; that quintessential
charm, a nod to nostalgia and the unmistakable allure of stately elegance that makes us
proud of our heritage (think Downton and you're halfway there). What's even better is when
that reminder is right on your own doorstep. At last you can become your very own Lord
or Lady of the Manor, at Eastwell Manor to be precise. BY SAMANTHA READY

A short distance from Ashford in the heart of
Eastwell Park Estate stands Eastwell Manor, a
grand country house originally built around the
10th century which has enjoyed an interesting
and exciting history. Now a family-run hotel, the
hotel sits proudly at the end of the gravel drive
amongst perfectly sculptured lawns and glorious
countryside views, and offers 23 elegantly
furnished and comfortably appointed rooms
and suites.
Arriving on a relatively mild autumn afternoon but
with the hint of British chill, the roaring open fire
in reception provides a warm welcome and leads
your eye to the lounge area beyond, offering a
cosy and relaxing space for afternoon tea or
after-dinner coffee.
The magnificent Earl of Northumberland Suite
was to become my far from humble abode for
the evening. Offering glorious views of the grounds
and golf course beyond – including a relaxing
lounge and dining area, four-poster bed, and fully
appointed bathroom and finished with rich fabrics
and furnishings – the room was positioned at
the top of the sweeping grand staircase at the
heart of the main building.
Ready for dinner we descended to the lobby
where my guest and I were led to the well stocked
bar for our aperitifs which we selected from the
traditional classic menu. In the comfort of the
lounge we were able to peruse the table
d’hôte and à la carte menus and make our
choices for dinner.

The 2 AA rosette Manor Restaurant proffers an
intimate yet lively dining experience; chandeliers
and dark wood panelling offer ambience set off
by the resident pianist who accompanies the
French and modern English cuisine. Having
ordered our meals from head chef Neil Wiggins’
menu, we were served fresh breads, and were
soon enjoying our starters of seared Scottish
west coast scallops with lemon purée, gloriously
crisp and delicately flavoured; and a trio of garden
beetroot terrine, rosary ash goat’s cheese and
textures of beetroot.
For our main course we chose to share the
chateaubriand, cooked to tender perfection and
served with delectable hand-cut chips, grilled
mushrooms, tomato and a decidedly moreish
red wine jus or classic peppercorn sauce, n