insideKENT Magazine Issue 57 - December 2016 | Page 99
FOOD+DRINK
MODERN DINING AT
The County Restaurant
at the Abode Hotel, Canterbury
BY SAMANTHA READY
There is always something romantic and inspiring about treading the
cobbles and entering the ancient city walls in Canterbury, and located
in prime position in the historic city is the Abode Hotel, home to my
dining destination for the evening.
Entering through the hotel’s pretty arched entrance
your eye is immediately drawn to the floor-toceiling monogrammed windows and doors to
the right of reception, luring you to the sleek
Champagne bar beyond, which as it happened
was the perfect rendezvous point for my evening
companions.
Aside from the expansive bar itself, there is a
chic yet cosy drinking area framed with beamed
ceilings, arched windows, wood-panelled walls
and a grand fireplace. Sophisticated but not
stuffy, my guests and I relaxed here to enjoy a
pre-dinner tipple from the extensive Champagne
and cocktail menu.
The County Restaurant, named after the original
hotel name dating back to 1892, continues the
sophisticated yet welcoming feel. Ambience is
aided not least through the attentive professional
service from the plethora of waiting staff, but by
the layout that mixes formal round tables with
leather bench seating, allowing a dining space
that caters equally well for intimacy or group
gusto.
Taking a seat at a central round table, my guests
and I were at once engrossed in the seasonal à
la carte menu, which prides itself on offering
modern European dishes that utilise the best
regional produce and, if that weren’t enough, a
thorough and extensive wine list featuring a wealth
of European vineyards and New World estates.
Decisions made, we were soon provided with
our amuse bouche for the evening: a rich hearty
parsnip broth complete with chives and truffle
as well as a tempting selection of fresh breads.
Mini cups of deliciousness finished and tastebuds
tantalised, our starters were swiftly delivered; not
only beautifully presented but with that added
attention to detail of an individual explanation of
each dish. And so appeared a delicate plate of
fresh crab with wafer thin pickled mooli, a fresh
lime confit and heady peanut, chilli caramel
strands; a hearty slab of duck liver terrine with
brioche and a fruity, sweet plum gel; and, for me
the standout first-course dish: the scallops. The
four perfectly cooked scallops served with
accompaniment de rigueur cauliflower,
caramelised on a bed of squid ink soil, were
enhanced by a unique raisin vinaigrette that
proved rather moorish.
Starters devoured, our main courses arrived,
again with that introductory flourish, which was
a little shorter this time as the majority of us were
tempted (and justifiably so!) by the same dish:
the Romney Marsh lamb. The tender herb-coated
lamb did not disappoint; it was succulent and
delicious with a delicate lamb jus, and the jabron
potatoes offered a surprise element with a subtle
curry kick. Keen to not follow the flock, one guest
decided instead to opt for the monkfish and was
rewarded with a beautifully cooked and presented
piece of fish, with a kick of samphire and further
enhanced by an onion consommé presented
with flourish at the table.
99
Dining conversation at this point almost came to
a stop as we each tucked in with relish, pausing
only to discuss just how good the dishes were,
until as plates were cleared, conversation resumed
mainly around the topic of pudding!
We enjoyed a chocolate and banana ganache
served with a decadent peanut cremeux, hunks
of peanut sponge and a tasty white chocolate
and banana sorbet; a pretty strawberry mousse,
with a huge thyme shortbread, delicious
strawberry sorbet and offset with a punchy lemon
curd; and a baked lemon curd with plump juicy
blackberries, meringue batons, and an inspired
lemon meringue sorbet – all delivered, attentively
explained and promptly devoured.
With a closing coffee and a promise to share the
too-inviting-to-turn-down chocolate truffle petit
fours, my guests and I reluctantly ambled away
into the autumn night air, with a pact to return
as soon as we could.
ABode Canterbury
30-33 High St
Canterbury
CT1 2RX
01227 766 266
[email protected]
www.abodecanterbury.co.uk
/ABodeHotels
@ABodecanterbury