The Dog at Wingham

A passion for Kent produce, a monthly dining club, tee times and transport to nearby golf clubs, including Royal St George’s, are among many reasons to commend Marc Bridgen’s village gastropub. ‘The service,’ says a reader, ‘really is second to none.’ Bedrooms, styled by Marc’s mother, Marilyn, have plain walls, rustic original features and touches of pizzazz (bright fabrics, a statement headboard). The bridal suite has exposed timbers and a four-poster; a family room has bunks for kids. The pub interior is stripped out and airy. Dine indoors, in the conservatory, or alfresco. Samuel McClurkin sources as much produce as possible from local farmers, growers and fishermen for his regularly changing menus (though smoked salmon and small-batch hand-made black pudding are from the Isle of Lewis). Typical dishes might include caramelised onion tart with asparagus from Sevenscore Farm; classic fish and chips; herb-fed chicken with polenta; or Moroccan spiced lamb with smoked chickpea and black quinoa. ‘I can’t stress enough how delicious the food is.’ Wingham Wildlife Park is almost on the doorstep. (JC, VC, and others)