FOOD+DRINK
QUAINT ENGLISH CHARM
The demise of the village and the great British pub is indeed a tragedy and one we witness all too often in current times — so it goes without saying, when you unearth a good one, it is more than likely a little bit special. And for Hernhill, The Red Lion is just that. Ensuring the phrase 'off down the local' is not lost amongst the village residents, this historic Kent ?nd is a must-visit for those in pursuit of quaint old England. BY GEMMA DUNN
The Red Lion
A picturesque 14th century pub, The Red Lion (circa 1364) is nestled in Hernhill, a small village near the town of Faversham. Steeped in history, the public house boasts an impressive medieval dining room, as well as unspoilt features that date back to its original build.
They also smoke their own meats on a daily basis. A ?rm believer in great pub cuisine, I was more than willing to try it for myself, my ?rst course being the classic French-turned-British-favourite, chicken liver pâté. Having retained its deserved spot on many a traditional pub menu over the years, this simple, delicious starter did not disappoint. Served with warm, fresh bread, the homemade velvety pâté was wonderfully ?avoured and smooth in texture. A tasty, chunky tomato- and courgette-based chutney and garden-fresh salad completed the dish. Meanwhile my guest's garlic-infused battered mushrooms were equally as impressive. Golden and crunchy, the light batter intermixed with the ?rm, button mushrooms proved why this irresistible snack remains a winning combination — to which the habitual crisp garnish and tasty garlic dip proved the perfect accompaniment. Next up, my main selection comprised of Kentish ?llet of beef – a sublime, quality cut that was cooked with precision. This juicy showstopper was served with sautéed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and delicious chunky chips — and in a nod to the classic dish, steak au poivre, I opted for a delectable peppercorn and brandy cream sauce to ?nish. Bon appétit! Not to be outdone, my guest's choice of Kentish pork belly from the specials menu was superb. A tender cut and full of ?avour, the prized pork was succulent and delicious, with a perfectly crisp crackling. The dish was served with an unobtrusive wholegrain mustard mash, homemade applesauce and The Red Lion's infamous gravy.
Comfortably full, but maintaining that undefeated attitude, we embraced our penchant for pudding and picked our ?nale from the fabulous range of homemade desserts. My choice, the French classic that is crème brûlée. Decadent and delightful, the crunchy-and-custardy pud boasted a faultless base of vanilla-rich custard, topped with a brittle, caramelised sugar glaze. Three courses later, it is evident just how each dish is underpinned by the choice to champion quality produce, from only the best and sustainable sources. An element that does not go unnoticed and gives further reason to why the Red Lion features in both The Good Pub Guide and the AA Pub Guide. But perhaps more pertinent are the customer testimonials, submitted by locals and guests from further a?eld that have taken the time to praise the pub publically. And it is more than deserved. Ben and his obliging and attentive team have worked tirelessly to regain the buzz of the village local since taking full ownership two years ago. His formula is simple: great food at reasonable prices, a warm welcome and quality draught beers and lagers. Merits we all consider constitute the 'ideal' local, but ones which can often be few and far between in current times. More reason to visit The Red Lion if you ask me!
And today, The Red Lion has succeeded in its bid to sustain the rural community that surrounds it. Overlooking the village g &VV??B??6?6?W&6??F??2F?&VBfV?VR&W6??FW2??F?R6?&??bF?Rf???vR??6???WB?ffW'26??V6???&R??VB'??VB6?Vb?B?v?W"?&V?VGv&G2?F?R&VB????ffW'26V?V7F????bG&F?F????'&?F?6?f??B????w6?FRg&WVV?F?6??v??r6V6???7V6??2??B?F??Vv??V6??bF?R?V?R6??&?6W2?bV"6?76?72??B?2F?R&?6RF?Bv'&?G2F?RFW&?wV"w'V.( ????BF?RV?G??BFV?fW'??2vV??2&V&??rF?V?"?v??w2?F?R&VB???w2????fF?fR?V?R?2V?F?&V?FWV?FV?B????6??6?W&6VB?B???6V6??&?GV6R?&V?w2WF??2( 2F?6W'fRF?R&W7Bg&W6???w&VF?V?G2BF?RF??R( 2?2V?vfW&??r??B??W2f?"&V7F?fR6???6W2F?B&RG&?fV?'???276???f?"v??Bf??B?F?R&VB???V"7&?6?????R?W&????S2??"##rsS#rwwr?F?W&VF?????&p?? ??wwr???6?FV?V?F?v???R?6??V???