insideKENT Magazine Issue 39 - June 2015 | Page 37

FOOD+DRINK

The Marquis AT ALKHAM
There seems in recent years, in my opinion, a swift demise in the number of restaurants,
only to be replaced with the gastro pub; and although these establishments offer an
extensive menu and good food, at the end of the day, it’s a pub. BY CHARLIE DURBAN

So, you have met that special someone and you
want to treat them to the very best restaurant
experience. Get dressed up, feel special, show
them just how much they mean to you. You need
a dining experience, not a pub, not just any
restaurant…you need The Marquis at Alkham.
We all like to feel special once in a while
and for me there is nothing like excellent service
to make me feel unique. Imagine a restaurant
where the service is, for want of a better word,
perfect. Where you are made to feel important
before the menu is placed in your hand. Where
customer service is dealt with such efficiency
and grace that you can feel like the only person
in a packed room.
The staff are impeccable, heartfelt and
impressively knowledgeable of the menu and
wine list, and pleasantly helpful, making the
Marquis feel smart and exclusive without being
pretentious; but that is what comes of good
service.
The wine list is a triumph, a selection
testament to the effort that has gone in to making
The Marquis one of Kent’s very best restaurants.
The global selection offers the best from classic
reds to new world whites and Champagnes;
there is a perfect accompaniment for every dish
and every palette.
The aperitif list is also extensive, offering
cocktails, lagers, spirits and so on.
In every aspect, The Marquis has excelled in
catering for all tastes, the menu is constantly
updated to capture the very best of the local
produce providing a fresh seasonal menu of
inspiring, globally influenced cuisine.
I felt particularly comfortable, leisurely
pondering the menu in the lounge area while I
enjoyed an aperitif, in the knowledge that I would
be very well looked after during the entire dining
experience to come.

Too many times in restaurants the dulcet
call of “who had the steak” is accompanied with
the clatter of your plate being launched like a
frisbee onto the table. To my pleasure, each
course was served on the left from a platter and
given a small yet detailed description of the
ambrosia laid before you.
The presentation of each course was
beautiful, it was a shame to ruin such a
masterpiece but the intoxicating aromas rising
from the plate remind you that the pleasure on
the palate will far outweigh the visual stimulation.
Chef David Kirton produces exquisite
dishes from the fresh local produce available in
the Valley. The exceptional freshness of the
ingredients is the key to the phenomenal flavours
found in every bite.
My starter of smoked haddock kedgeree
was a delight. The coriander brought a subtle
balance to the smoky fish and the yoke from the
soft boiled hen’s egg infused the dish with a
further richness.
The aroma of the pan-fried pork tenderloin,
my main choice, greeted me before I had seen
the dish and I felt myself rise slightly in my seat
in anticipation. There is nothing quite like the
smell of golden brown pork. Adorned with
caramelised apple and sides of ham hock beignet
with purées of pomme and broccoli, I felt like I
had ascended.
At this point, I must admit I felt at war with
myself. I had eaten an elegant sufficiency, yet I
must make room for dessert. I am not the kind
of man to walk away from my duty! I decided
upon the most indulgent choice on the menu:
chocolate.
The dark chocolate marquise with white
chocolate ice cream and honeycomb was set
before me and my Olympic trial began. It was
simply too good not to finish, but so rich and
chocolaty that it might destroy any chance of

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sampling the cheeseboard. My mind made, I
endured – or rather, thoroughly enjoyed – the
last tantalising spoonful before sinking into my
chair, regretting my gluttonous streak, but it was
oh, so worth it.
Once again I must compliment the staff.
You wait and want for nothing. Faultless timing
between courses, an effortless command of the
dining area, all of which indicates professionalism
and service not often seen.
As our plates were cleared, I was left to
challenge myself on my decision not to partake
in the cheeseboard, although in hindsight, I believe
I made the right decision, as it might have had
an adverse effect on my trampoline audition on
Britain’s Got Talent.
The Marquis has many aces: boutique,
luxury guest rooms; private dining; and packages
to allow guests to take advantage of local events;
and also offers the perfect wedding venue. After
the ceremony in the 13th-century Church of St
Anthony of Pamiers, just next door, you can take
advantage of the outstanding natural beauty of
the Valley for your photographs, and then indulge
in the superior setting of The Marquis for your
reception.
And so, I urge you, if you are truly in love,
if you have found ‘the One’, and if you want to
show them how special they are, The Marquis
will provide you an meal to remember.

The Marquis at Alkham
Alkham Valley Road
Alkham
Dover
CT15 7DF
01304 873410
www.themarquisatalkham.co.uk
@marquisalkham