insideKENT Magazine Issue 25 - April 2014 | Page 55

FOOD+DRINK

SEASIDE DINING AT

COAST

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LUKE YATES

Coast is the new name for the beautifully refurbished restaurant at the Hythe Imperial
Hotel. Set in the classic building dating back to 1880, Coast cleverly manages to
convey a distinct, modern stylishness, without detracting from the character of the
hotel; a very clever balancing act has been performed here!

As we were led into the dining area, we
immediately experienced a feeling of space, and
peace – even though the restaurant was busy.
Shown to our table we were aware that attention
to detail is paramount at Coast; everything is laid
out beautifully, and though we were dining in a
134-year-old building, details like the cutlery and
condiment holders brought a contemporary twist.
Coast offers several menus which are rotated,
making dining an attractive option for hotel guests,
as well as those coming in just for a meal. All of
the food is locally sourced wherever possible:
the fish comes from Griggs of Hythe just around
the corner, venison comes from Tenterden, and
scallops come from Samphire, near Dover. For
people visiting this amazing part of Kent, this will
be an attractive feature.
The service we received at Coast was second
to none; nothing was too much trouble. Again a
brilliant balancing act was evident; this is clearly
a very high-end dining experience, but at no

point are you made to feel it is formal and stuffy.
The staff are very friendly and quite happy to
share a laugh or two with their customers, making
for a very enjoyable atmosphere.

For dessert we enjoyed some classics: the Eton
Mess (presented remarkably neatly), and a
chocolate brownie with ice cream. Both were
delicious and a great way to round off the meal.

Food-wise, for starters we had the privilege of
sampling the paupiette of salmon: parcels of
fresh smoked salmon with lemon and herb infused
oil; and the goat's cheese and Gruyère tartlet.
Both were outstanding, with just the right amount
served for a starter.

A lovely gourmet experience, topped off with a
walk on the beach afterwards, literally a stone's
throw from the restaurant. All in all a fantastic
meal in a fantastic location – one you should
definitely try for yourself if you find yourself on
Hythe’s beautiful coast.

For the main course, the slow-roasted venison
rosettes with juniper berries and rosemary new
potatoes was beautifully cooked and presented,
and mercilessly consumed. The meat was soft,
succulent and once again the portions were just
right to leave you satisfied but not in agony as
you wound your way home. My dining
companions had the delicious Romney Marsh
lamb shank which looked almost too good to
eat, and complimented with chive potato mash,
roasted onions and red wine jus.

Coast at Mercure Hythe Imperial
Princes Parade
Hythe
CT21 6AE
01303 267441
www.mercurehytheimperial.co.uk

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