insideKENT Magazine Issue 23 - February 2014 | Page 14

NEWS 25,000 FREE KENT BIG WEEKEND TICKETS ON OFFER 4-FOR-3 DEAL MARKS LAUNCH OF NEW MENUS AT THE MARQUIS Multi-award-winning restaurant the Marquis at Alkham is celebrating the launch of two new menus with a special deal. Throughout both January and February, the acclaimed 5-star ‘restaurant with rooms’, in Kent’s picturesque Alkham Valley, is offering Sunday lunch for a set price of £19.50 for two courses and £22.50 for three courses – and anyone pre-booking a table for four will only pay for three lunches*. Make sure to quote ‘Sunday offer’ when booking. The menu will include firm favourites such as roast topside of Dexter beef, plus a range of fish and vegetarian dishes. With over 112 visitor attractions and experiences across the county taking part in the Kent Big Weekend, this year lucky Kentish folk are being offered a record 25,000 free tickets to enjoy a fun day out too. Details of all of the destinations taking part can be seen in full via www.kentbigweekend.co.uk from the 3rd February onwards. And for those of you hoping to attend, you will have until midnight on 24th February to apply for the free tickets. There will be two tickets allocated per Kent household and these will be decided by ballot once the website has closed. Held between 29th-30th March, Kent Big Weekend celebrates the county’s tourism and hospitality businesses that contribute more than £3.4 billion a year to the Kent economy and support 64,600 jobs. The countywide event, organised by Visit Kent, will also mark the start of English Tourism Week, highlighting the importance of one of the fastest growing sectors in the national economy. The Marquis has also introduced a special lunchtime ‘10 Mile Menu’. Starting at £9.50 for two courses, the menu features a selection of exquisite small dishes packed with ingredients sourced from within just 10 miles of the restaurant. The menu will be available Tuesday to Saturday. This spring’s Kent Big Weekend features many opportunities to get out and about in some of the county’s finest scenery. From watersports, cycling and golf, to experiencing the thrills at one of the UK’s leading karting tracks, there will be many an activity for sporting enthusiasts. Owner Tony Marsden says: “The 10 Mile Menu gives people the chance to sample head chef Charlie Lakin’s award-winning food at a fantastic price. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy delicious produce from quality local suppliers. We source many of our ingredients from right on our doorstep, including meat from Sladden Farm in Dover and fish landed by the day boats in Folkestone.” The Marquis is one of just six restaurants in Kent to hold three coveted AA dining rosettes, which are only awarded to ‘outstanding restaurants that achieve standards demanding recognition well beyond their local area’. It was voted Restaurant of the Year in the Taste of Kent Awards 2012, while head chef Charlie has twice appeared on BBC2’s popular Great British Menu. Meanwhile history fans can uncover the secrets of the country’s most famous castles, iconic cathedrals and historic houses and gardens, whilst wild animal parks, farm attractions and activity centres promise great entertainment for all ages. In addition, tours at Kent's vineyards, cider makers and breweries will introduce visitors to some of the local ingredients that have earned the county its reputation as the Garden of England. For further information, details of special offers, or to book, visit www.themarquisatalkham.co.uk, telephone 01304 873410 or email [email protected]. Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive at Visit Kent, said: “The Kent Big Weekend really highlights what a wide range of attractions and destinations our county has to offer its 57 million visitors each year. “And this special Visit Kent event for local residents gives us all a chance to have a fun day out and discover attractions and destinations on our doorstep, of which we can then recommend to visitors, friends and family.” www.kentbigweekend.co.uk 14