insideKENT Magazine Issue 41 - August 2015 | Page 133

I’m not sure who was more excited when I
announced to my guests, including my eight year
old, that we were off to stay at an animal park!
Yes for real; yes an actual animal park; yes with
real animals; no we would not be sleeping in with
them, as instead we would be heading to the
Port Lympne Hotel, the new boutique Mansion
House accommodation set in 15 acres of stunning
landscaped gardens in the heart of the Port
Lympne reserve.
Opening its doors just this year to staying guests,
arriving at the stunning house is a feast for the
senses; the noises from the nearby enclosures
meet you from the moment you walk up the front
steps, while inside your eyes are immediately
drawn to the extensive art collection and unique
animal-inspired décor.
From marble columns to stone staircases, the
charming historic building has retained many of
its original 1911 features; and in showcasing an
air of 1920's glamour, transports guests back to
its heyday when it was owned by Sir Philip
Sassoon, the greatest entertainer and most
eligible bachelor of his time. Then there are the
views; stunning vistas spanning not only across
the park, but also across Romney Marsh, to the
Kent Coast, and across the English Channel. It
is quite simply breathtaking!
Having checked into our suite, complete with
flat-screen TV, four-poster bed, original 1920's
bathroom and views of the rolling gardens, we
immediately headed straight out and jumped
onto a golf buggy (available just for hotel guests)
for a quick tour of the park’s 88 species. The

newly designed golf buggy trails are just one of
the many ways to get around the vast reserve
and its 700 animals!
After our golf buggy adventure and a refreshing
drink in the classy bar, we were certainly ready
for dinner. Upon entering the cosy dining room,
we were blown away; every inch of the walls and
ceilings feature giant painted murals of birds,
animals, insects and lush tropical flora. An
incredible and unique setting, our wonderment
was interrupted solely by the arrival of our first
course!
The restaurant offers an à la carte menu, as well
as a ‘Cubs’ children’s menu, which makes it great
for foodies and families alike. And it didn’t take
long for my guest to devour his starter of deepfried goats' cheese, which came with a zingy
beetroot relish and delicate crunch of hazelnutfused salad. Meanwhile, another guest and I
polished off the peppered scallops, delicately
seared with a punchy pepper coating and carrot
and vanilla purée.
For our mains we chose pan-fried fillet of trout
– a beautifully presented dish of delicate fish with
saffron potatoes, spring greens and dill fish cream;
flavoursome and te