insideKENT Magazine Issue 23 - February 2014 | Page 70

FOOD+DRINK

BROOME PARK'S

chives on the green R E S T A U R A N T
There's nothing quite like a delightful three-course lunch to break up the working week, so naturally I didn't
take much convincing to join guests at Broome Park's spectacular Chives on the Green Restaurant for a
spot of midweek Kentish fine dining. Set amid rolling green lawns and striking parkland, it's little wonder
the historic Broome estate was sought after by nobles and baronets in centuries past. Once the home of
Lord Kitchener, we were always destined to be in good company. BY GEMMA DUNN
Steeped in history, Broome Park boasts a GradeI listed house that is not only one of the finest
brick builds of its period, but a celebrated example
of true 17th-century Jacobean architecture, still
today.
Originally a manorial holding in the parish
of Barham, Broome was owned by the influential
Digges family and during Henry VIII's reign, the
estate was farmland. It wasn't until Sir Basil
Dixwell relocated to Kent from Warwickshire and
commissioned the building of the first stately
mansion, that the land was transformed.
Construction began in 1635 and was complete
by 1639.
After Dixwell's death in 1642, the estate
passed through generations of Dixwell baronets,
before it was eventually inherited by Sir Henry
Oxenden, 6th baronet, in 1750. The Oxendens
reigned supreme until 1911 when Sir Percy
Oxenden sold Broome Park to perhaps its most
illustrious owner, the famous Lord Kitchener of
Khartoum. In need of many repairs, Kitchener
orchestrated an extensive programme of
restoration, including the implementation of two
fireplaces and a number of ornate ceilings that
would reflect his life as a soldier. However,
Kitchener sadly didn't get to enjoy the house
after drowning at sea in 1916.
The estate was then bought by Mr G C Jell
who transformed the house into a country house
hotel, before the estate was requisitioned by
the Ministry of Defence in World War II. Today,
the 268-acre estate is a much-loved golf and
country club and of course, home to the wonderful
Chives on the Green Restaurant.
Fronted by Debra Trewerne, Chives the
Caterers has successfully run all catering services
at Broome Park since late 2011, with this prized

restaurant at its core. Deserving of its reputation
for superb service and e