The Barrow House – Egerton, Kent
The Milk House was an instant hit and now its owners Sarah and Dane are at it again. In Egerton, with a fine 13th-century church and thriving community spirit, they have created a new kind of social hub at the old George Inn and now the pretty weatherboard 1576 building constructed of timbers from sailing ships, traditional cob and straw plaster, has an interior that’s stylish and airy, with walls painted in pretty, chalky shades of blue and a stone floor. There’s a large, elegant dining room, leaving the L-shaped bar area for drinking and relaxing in front of open fires: calming and pleasing to the eye. Dane’s food is, as at the Milk House, the sort you want to tuck into, with sharing plates on the varied menu. Upstairs there are three attractive bedrooms whose names, like the new name of the old inn, recall the ancient bowl barrow that rises from a field nearby. Doubles from £80.
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Name to Know: Dane Allchorne, owner and head chef, was born in New Zealand and is trained in classical French cuisine. Ask him about his travels (he has cooked all over the world) or local Kentish produce.
See: Egerton is beautiful rural village characterised by woodland, trees, fields, farm buildings and hedgerows filled with wildlife. The village is popular with walkers and boasts some great cycling trails due to its tranquil lanes and landmarks that include a 13th-century village church and a Bronze Age barrow (the pub’s namesake).
Eat: Whether you fancy a quick bite, a light lunch or dinner with friends and family, there’s something for everyone on the hotel’s menu. From traditional pub classics, soups and sandwiches to more adventurous smoking flavours, chargrilled treats and tempting puddings, you’ll be stuck for choice.
Buy: Tucked away near rural Great Chart, and forming part of the Godinton House Estate, The Granary Spa offers beauty treatments in a converted Victorian granary just five miles from The Barrow House. Book yourself in for an afternoon of relaxation.
Want to find out more? Visit the hotel's website.
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