This quintessential country house hotel is surrounded by 35 acres of glorious gardens; it was, after all, once home to pioneering gardener William Robinson. Ornate ceilings and fireplaces feature in the beautiful sitting rooms, while the restaurant sits within a striking contemporary extension. The kitchen garden provides the kitchen's heartbeat, with the fruit (and veg) of its labours being used across carefully executed dishes that appeal to both the taste buds and the eyes – as in the seemingly simple but utterly delicious 'garden salad'.

15.6km

Shwen Shwen

African · Bib

££

Colourful, unfussy and joyous, there is so much to love about this great little restaurant decorated with warm hues and black-and-white photographs depicting scenes from West Africa, setting the stage perfectly for Maria Bradford’s generous, vibrantly flavoured food. A self-taught chef from Sierra Leone, she pulls inspiration from her home country and beyond for dishes such as meltingly tender beef short rib in a delicious groundnut and coconut sauce. The tasting menu is great for hungry diners, but brilliant value can be found when sharing plates from the à la carte.

12.7km

Kentish Hare

Modern Cuisine

£££

Behind the clapboard façade sits a spacious bar with bookshelf wallpaper and a modern extension where you can watch the chefs cooking steaks on two Big Green Eggs. Care is taken both in sourcing and cooking, and dishes are boldly flavoured and well-presented. Simpler dishes are available on the bar menu.

7.4km

Tallow

Modern Cuisine

£££

You'll get a warm and friendly welcome at this cosy neighbourhood restaurant run by experienced couple Rob and Donna. Situated overlooking the green at Southborough, it's a rustic, homely place with an intimate chef's table counter upstairs if you're looking for a special occasion. Time and care is poured into every well-constructed dish, with each one showcasing the kitchen's strong knowledge of culinary techniques while delivering bold, hearty flavours. Look out for seasonal desserts like sake-marinated Gariguette strawberries.

8.6km

Thackeray's Restaurant

Modern British

£££

A softly illuminated clapboard house; the oldest in town and once home to the eponymous author. Classic dishes have modern elements and feature lots of different ingredients. The moody first floor private rooms showcase local art.

9.6km

The Counter by Robin Read

Modern British

££££

Considering its name, it may come as a surprise to learn that there are actually only four counter seats at this dark and moody restaurant on a leafy street. Those spots are very much the prized tickets however, as they give you a great view of the action and you'll be served by the eponymous chef himself. His cooking is rooted in local suppliers (and some produce from the kitchen garden), resulting in dishes that shine a spotlight on top-quality central ingredients like succulent Sussex chicken – even the wine list features some nearby growers. The service is personable and pleasingly relaxed

10.2km

Cat Inn

Traditional British

££

This long-standing inn is an understandably popular local haunt that has retained the feel of a proper village pub, and its interior is packed with character thanks to its beamed ceilings, pewter tankards, open fires and plenty of cosy corners. The good value cooking focuses on hearty pub classics such as a well-baked, immensely satisfying pie of the steak, mushroom and ale variety, accompanied by triple-cooked chips. The service team are sweet and friendly, while four tastefully decorated bedrooms complete the picture.

16.3km

Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.

Tudor Wing

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Cottage

Facilities · 11

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