FOOD + DRINK
A family affair , evident passion and some damn fine food await at
THE DOG AT WINGHAM
NESTLED IN THE QUAINT VILLAGE OF WINGHAM , NEAR CANTERBURY , PROUDLY STANDS THE DOG – ITS CRISP PALE EXTERIOR WALLS WONDERFULLY LIT WITH DOWNLIGHTERS SHOWCASING THE BEAUTY OF THE OLD INN , AND HINTING AT THE SLEEK , ATTENTION TO DETAIL RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT THAT HAS BROUGHT OUT THE BEST OF THIS LITTLE GEM OF A PLACE . by Samantha Ready
And this is all credit to the Tilley-Bridgen family team who took the helm in June 2016 and embarked on a painstaking plan of renovation and rejuvenation leading to its heralded reopening in October .
The team ’ s sympathetic approach to the building has preserved its unique charm , but breathed a new life and charm into the space . The interior ’ s gentle fusion of leather , wood , contemporary tables , modern lighting and open fireplaces combine to offer a welcome ambience and a cosy sanctuary in which to get comfortable , sit back and enjoy .
And so it was a crisp early spring night that I arrived full of excitement for dinner . I had heard good things , namely related to an abundance of locally sourced real ales , wines and spirits , the quality , variety and presentation of the food and a certain rumour of offering the best roast potatoes and triple-cooked chips in the county … interest piqued !
We were shown to a table for two in front of the open fireplace . Drawing our eye away from the dining room , we embarked upon the tough choice of what to order from a menu that offered a wealth of mouthwatering options . My guest eventually opted for the parmesan rice fritter , whilst I plumped for the braised beef cheek with pumpkin risotto , a brave move as I ’ m not a massive risotto fan , but oh my ! It was amazing ! The cheek was melt-in-the mouth , sticky and rich and the risotto was stunning ; I ate every last drop and could have quite happily had the dish again and again .
Tastebuds firmly whetted we moved on to our main course . Pulling ‘ birthday boy rank ’ my guest got first choice and of course opted for the beef bavette and triple-cooked chips – all in the sake of research he reminded me . The steak was tasty , juicy and perfectly seasoned , enhanced by a rich béarnaise sauce . I opted for the more refined lamb dish – a delicately seared rump served with swiss chard and dauphinoise potato , the sweet and sharp orange segments cut through the fresh lamb , the rich jus bringing the dish together – another plate swiftly devoured .
Puddings consisted of a hearty portion of sticky toffee pudding , and a say-bye-to-thediet warm chocolate tart – both perfect endings to a perfect meal .
The team at The Dog have triumphed , the menu is clever but not over complicated , its delivery is a perfect combination of presentation , quality and taste and rather than hiding behind a good menu the team have embraced a clear vision to deliver everything with a second to none approach to service and welcome !
Under no rush to leave , and in fact under encouragement to say for yet another beverage we finished our meal with a lovely coffee in front of the roaring fire , booking our next meal in the process …
The Dog at Wingham Canterbury Road Wingham Nr Canterbury CT3 1BB 01227 720 339 info @ thedog . co . uk www . thedog . co . uk
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