The Dog Inn at Wingham - Wingham

The Dog Inn at Wingham, a Grade II-listed, thirteenth-century village inn is a real Kentish charmer with its oak panelling, heavy beams and delightfully appealing little conservatory dining room. Since arriving on the scene in 2004, owners Richard and Sherry Martin have done a grand job in raising the Dog Inn's profile and they have put much of the emphasis on providing modern gastropub food.

The menu kicks off with appetisers along the lines of smoked Dungeness eel with horseradish mousse and oak-smoked sprats, hot courgette and local goats' cheese tart, and black and white pudding terrine with Kentish plum compote. Also don't miss the superb breads produced exclusively for the Dog Inn by Wingham-based artisan baker Richard Wilmhurst.

Local produce also fares well when it comes to main courses. Among the 'Runners' you might see roast rump of Romney Marsh lamb, free-range pork and parsley bangers with herb mash and 'three onion gravy' or suprême of free-range chicken wrapped in air-dried ham with fondant potato, roasted Jerusalem artichoke and tarragon sauce. Alternatively opt for one of the 'Swimmers' – perhaps whole roasted line-caught gurnard with a confit of cherry tomatoes, grilled Dover sole or Whitstable seafood chowder with saffron potatoes. Finish off in style with strawberry mini-charlotte or chocolate roulade. The well-spread list of more than 40 global wines includes an enterprising selection from the Chapel Down Vineyard in Tenterden and the Barnsole Vineyard, Staple.

In addition to enjoying sustenance and a sleepover, you can also get hitched at the Dog Inn: licensed civil ceremonies are held under the shade of a gazebo in the garden – weather permitting.