insideKENT Magazine Issue 54 - September 2016 | Page 36

FOOD+DRINK
ROMANCE is in the air cont.

Castle View Restaurant

Thackeray’s

onions and sautéed mushrooms served with Mu Mu chips and four cabbage
coleslaw; and prime Kentish fillet steak served with Mu Mu chips and salad.
As well as the food, it is the Mu Mu cabaret that ramps up the romance,
and makes this a meal out with something extra. On Friday and Saturday
nights there are often dinner shows with superb live entertainment including
Madame Mu Mu herself!
www.mumuexperience.com

Castle View Restaurant, Leeds Castle, Maidstone
A romantic restaurant needs certain things. It needs to have low, romantic
lighting. It needs to allow for conversation. The staff need to be attentive
yet unobtrusive. And the food needs to magnificent. Castle View Restaurant
at Leeds Castle has all of that and much, much more. Using only the highest
quality, locally sourced ingredients, the skilled chefs offer exceptional dishes
including Scotch duck egg with celeriac remoulade and chutney; chargrilled
chicken breast with pak choi, lemongrass, lime leaf, coconut cream and
crispy noodles; and rhubarb cheesecake served with ginger ice cream and
anise Anglaise. But what really makes Castle View Restaurant is also the
thing that gives it is name – the views across Leeds Castle’s moat, giving
a spectacular look at the 900-year-old Leeds Castle is what makes coming
here utterly worthwhile.
www.leeds-castle.com/Visit/Castle+View+Restaurant

Thackeray’s, Tunbridge Wells
At multi-award-winning Thackeray’s Restaurant, chef and proprietor Richard
Phillips offers a modern take on French classics, and has been since a
major refurbishment in 2010. Since then, the restaurant has grown hugely
in popularity, and offers private dining for a truly romantic evening. Even if
you choose to eat in the main restaurant, thanks to the lovely low lighting
and the character of this Grade II listed building it really does feel as though
your intimate meal is just for you. It’s not loud, and it’s not brash; Thackeray’s
is calm, relaxing and luxurious in the most inviting kind of way. For an even
more tranquil and wonderful meal, why not enjoy your stunning food on the
terrace? This outside space has been developed exclusively for Thackeray’s
diners, and whether you eat here or inside, whether you dine privately or
with others, your romantic evening will be perfect. Food at Thackeray’s
includes cocktail of lobster with scrambled egg, crushed peas and tomato;
poached skate wing with leek, new potato, summer peas, steamed mussels
and saffron nage; and white chocolate and cherry ripple parfait with natural
yoghurt, toasted pistachios and cherry gel.
www.thackerays-restaurant.co.uk

Mu Mu, Maidstone
Mu Mu in Maidstone is something completely different; this is an event, an
experience – more than just a great meal out. And as for romance, if you
really want to treat your loved one, if you absolutely want to show them a
fabulous time, Mu Mu is the place to go. Mu Mu is so popular that you will
need to book in advance, and, for a particular date, you might even need
to go on a waiting list. Plus, bear in mind that on Friday and Saturday nights
there are two sittings, so lingering over your meal isn’t always possible. But
sometimes that’s not what a romantic night out is all about. Sometimes it’s
about trying something new. The food at Mu Mu is modern and classy, and
it tastes divine. Examples from the à la carte menu include pesto ovenroasted red pepper and goat’s cheese bruschetta on a bed of dressed
rocket salad; the Mu Mu falafel burger with grilled halloumi, caramelised

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