Sitting on a bench in the Garden of England: A Review

The Bench in Ashford, Kent, is a rustic restaurant located in a courtyard overlooking rolling fields. It was a beautiful setting, and I was intrigued.

Inside, about 12 tables filled a small room framed with wooden beams and a low-hung ceiling. Just as we took our seats, a man started singing whilst playing guitar. His music was just as rustic and charming as the restaurant he was performing in and he incited a warming and relaxed atmosphere amongst the guests.

A low hubbub of conversation bubbled under the sound of the music, loud enough to be heard yet quiet enough to not intrude on individual tables’ chatter.

We were presented with what can only be described as one of the best cocktails I have ever tasted. I had a traditional mojito with a passionfruit twist that was sharp and bitter, yet somehow beautifully sweet.

As it was a Sunday, we had ordered the roast. Nobody had prepared me for how it would be delivered to our table. A roast portion big enough for four but served altogether on one very bulky wooden board. It brought a whole new meaning to the idea of a ‘sharing platter’ and was perfect for those of us with a smaller appetite who like to serve themselves. The board also brought a friendly and exciting feel and I believe that there is something very important about families and friends discussing, sharing and enjoying food as a group.

The beef was perfectly pink, and the pork tasted wonderfully ‘porky’. The meat was served on top of the usual trimmings; crispy, golden brown roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots, cauliflower cheese, airy Yorkshire puddings and vinegary red cabbage. Each person also got a fun mini saucepan of gravy.

It was a roast dinner that combined all the traditional aspects with a quirky and original presentation style that mirrored the distinctive vibe of the restaurant.

A shared pudding board concluded the meal. A dark, rich chocolate mousse complimented the sharp raspberry ice cream whilst the crème brûlée embraced the caramel ice cream. All aspects were finished with the snap of a shortbread biscuit.

As a passionate foodie who has eaten in many restaurants and appreciates good food, it takes a lot to impress me. But with its unique twist on the classic roast and the appeal of a sharing board, The Bench impressed me.