The Fordwich Arms
Fordwich, Kent
In the quiet little town of Fordwich, some three miles north-east of Canterbury, Daniel and Natasha Smith continue to build on their reputation for original and intricate dishes that embrace the twin tropes of seasonal and local. It’s a gift of a location, a solid brick-built 1930s pub beside the river Stour, and on a sunny day a meal on the wisteria-covered terrace is ‘very pleasant’. The Fordwich Arms still possesses much of its character as a pub (drinkers are welcome), but these days it operates as an upmarket restaurant and regulars recommend booking a table in the long, airy bar, which has an open fire at either end; the oak-panelled dining room has been described by one reporter as 'soulless'. To get a glimpse, the short-choice carte is a good intro. Otherwise it’s six courses, beginning with a series of one-bite snacks and a bread course that delivers some dangerously moreish soda bread. The highlight of a June meal was duck liver parfait with a stunning 'Carmes de Rieussec' 1998 Sauternes jelly, served with three mini savoury doughnuts, which was followed by turbot with a smoked butter hollandaise, Jersey Royals, a fat spear of local asparagus and Champagne sauce. Autumn diners have praised hay smoked chalk stream trout with Celtic mustard and citrus hollandaise, and roast Chart Farm fallow venison with its slow-braised shoulder and accompaniments of cep, kale and quince. On the sweet side, autumn brings a Kentish honey tart with crème fraîche parfait, orange marmalade and honey cream, summer a delicately made strawberry and almond gâteau. Service is professional and the wine list shows dedication and enthusiasm. If you fancy lingering, the owners now offer accommodation in a converted cottage 10 minutes' drive from the pub.
Dining Information:
Accommodation, Private dining room, Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Electric car charging, Dog friendly, Credit card required
King Street, Fordwich, Kent CT2 0DB
01227 286690
