Hildenborough Restaurant Guide

“Straightforward and generous Sunday lunch in a very nice village pub” is a regular occasion for many fans of this “thoroughly enjoyable” local pub in the Kent countryside, which numerous reports attest is particularly “good for families and family occasions”. Its “quality food in a lovely environment” also wins praise, though, from a much wider audience too.

“Very interesting flavours and excellent cooking” lead to an “excellent-quality” experience at Rob & Donna Taylor’s “lovely” venue: a small room in a converted townhouse in Southborough, which burst onto the local dining scene in 2021 and was instantly fêted with awards and boosts from ‘big name’ restaurant critics in the press. Service is “incredibly friendly and knowledgeable” and serves a focused à la carte menu that changes on the first of every month: some of the same dishes are available in a five course tasting format for £85 per person. A typical autumnal meal might start with Roast Pigeon with Pickled Kentish Cherries, then proceed via Roasted Monkfish with Celeriac and Apple puree to Warm Ginger Parkin with burnt Honey and Thyme ice cream.

“Thank goodness for Number Eight” – “a relatively new arrival” (est. 2022) from Stuart Gillies (ex-of illustrious haunts like Le Caprice and NYC’s Restaurant Daniel) and wife Cecilia, also behind Bank House in Chislehurst. In “a scene which primarily consists of chains”, the cosy corner bistro really stands out, turning out food with “individual flair” that ranges from small plates to a “99% perfect” Sunday roast and Wednesday steak and taco night.