On my first trip to Kent two years ago, I was taken to a restaurant located in the beautiful Chapel Down vine yard estate and owned by the celebrity chef Richard Phillips. The restaurant was perfect and quickly became my favorite place to eat in the UK, however unfortunately due to the local council imposing function restrictions, last year it was closed.
Although Phillips has three other restaurants within the South east, they have all been a little too far for me to travel too. Therefore when I heard about his newest opening, The Windmill in Hollingbourne, I was over the moon and eager to try it, so on the Saturday after Christmas my boyfriend and I visited.
On arrival, the pub itself looked dainty, traditional and a lot less sensational than I imagined; Chapel Down really was a breathtaking setting. However entering through the large oak door I soon began to be wowed. The pub encompassed low ceilings, several small dining rooms, dramatic real fires and low lit lighting, transforming this traditional inn into a romantic and charming building bursting with character.
Once through the door we were greeted by a young waiter and directed to the cosy bar area for pre-dinner drinks. Whilst enjoying an iced gin and tonic and local ale, my boyfriend and I admired the bar’s imaginative decor and wide selection of local ales and fine wines. The one and only Richard Philips was also stood opposite us and was happily socialising with the local punters.
Whilst at the bar, we were handed large A3 menus containing wholesome dishes all reasonably priced and made using local and seasonal produce. If you were visiting The Windmill for lunch they offer a reasonable two course menu for £10.00 or three for £12.00. If it is just a light bite that you fancy, their ham and cheese platters with a bottle of wine to share or small plates such as Scotch Egg with Black Pudding, Piccalilli would definitely fit the bill.
Once we had ordered our food we were directed to a snug table at the corner of one of the small enclaves and served two large glasses of wine. The atmosphere was busy yet intimate and everyone around us seemed to be having a great time. The Windmill seemed to cater for all; whether you are a local wanting a good pint, a family looking for a relaxed and value for money meal or a knowledgeable foodie searching for high quality food and stylish surroundings, The Windmill offers something for everyone.
To begin our meal we chose a basket of Bread, Olives and English Cured Ham (£3.40). The Ham was aged and full of flavour and even the bread was impressive, as it was home-baked and served with garlic butter wrapped in clear sweet wrappers.
Breads and ham
To follow, I enjoyed Poached Fillet of Smoked Haddock with a Soft Poached Hens Egg, Crushed Potatoes with Chives and a Grain Mustard Butter Sauce (£13.50); the fish was flaky, the potatoes soft in the middle and crunchy on the outside and the sauce indulgently creamy and complimentary to the whole dish. My boyfriend tucked into Slow Cooked Haunch of Kentish Venison served with Roast Baby Onions, Local Foraged Mushrooms, Chestnuts, Smoked Bacon and a Red Wine Sauce (£18.25); although still tasty, the Venison did require a little more sauce as it was verging on the dry side but nothing to complain about.
Poached Haddock
Finally we shared a chocolate parfait (£5.95) which looked like a work of art and tasted rich and velvety. We were then directed to two large armchairs in front of the fire and enjoyed coffees served with complimentary homemade, hot mince pies; a tasty added touch.
It took a lot for us to leave the warmth and charm of The Windmill but with the service, food, drink and overall price, we will definitely be returning soon. Everyone should give this establishment a try, these days it is quite difficult to find somewhere that can please every taste and budget whilst remaining high-class and extra special – so here is a top find that fits all of that!
Pantry Secrets 