The Dog at Wingham

More a stylish gastropub than a community hub, this historic inn has a following of foodies, who rave about its ‘delicious meals’. Owner Marc Bridgen has a passion for local produce, and the kitchen sources ingredients from Kent farmers, growers, butchers and bakers. Senior sous-chef Rob Mantegna has now stepped up as head chef, cooking dishes on his continually evolving menus that might include wild mushroom and feta wellington or rose veal sirloin, bone marrow butter, smoked mash and black garlic mayo. ‘The food looked delicious,’ reported a Guide insider, who stopped by for a drink outside. ‘I had serious lunch envy, but thought the prices a bit high, and we could have done without the 1980s pop/rock from the bar.’ Drink and dine in a lounge bar with tub chairs and a log-burner, and when you’re dog-tired, head up to one of the stylish bedrooms, where plain paint finishes are enlivened by jazzy cushions and headboards. The cruck-beamed bridal suite has a barley-sugar-twist four-poster. Golf time can be arranged at Royal St George’s and other clubs, with transport laid on. Or visit the moon bears at Wingham Wildlife Park. (RS)