Tallow
Southborough, Kent
Britain's Best Local Restaurant 2023
Rob and Donna Taylor’s neighbourhood restaurant is considered quite the local asset thanks to its impeccable offbeat charm and superlative cooking. At heart, this place is about the sheer pleasure of good, local, seasonal food in all its diversity. The entire menu also changes every month: ‘I have only missed three monthly menus in the 16 months they have been open, it is my not-so-guilty pleasure,’ confessed one regular. The simple carte and a six-course taster are served in the small, comfortable dining room (an agreeable blend of dark wood and brick), while upstairs, there’s an airy, light, kitchen counter-style private dining room. Overall, there's just enough tasteful but quirky detail to ensure things never become dull, whether snacking on a moreish mini sausage roll and treacle bread or tucking into a punchily flavoured, spiced quail with almond curry sauce – considered the perfect start to our recent visit. However, pan-fried black truffle gnocchi with asparagus, candied hazelnuts and shallot dressing has received many endorsements, too. To follow, the attention to detail that customers love sees pan-fried pollock matched with a tangy yuzu butter sauce, charlotte potatoes and cockles, or there could be barbecued lamb with classic accompaniments of roasted red pepper chutney, smoked aubergine and goat’s curd. What else to expect? Desserts such as a Kentish raspberry and vanilla cheesecake make a delicately satisfying finale, service is engaging as well as flawless, and a knowledgeable dabbling around the globe satisfies most palates and budgets on a wine list that’s ordered by style, with prices from £28.
Dining Information:
Private dining room, Credit card required
15a Church Road, Southborough, Kent TN4 0RX
01892 3418765
