Review on George & Dragon
A marvellous job has been done rescuing and rejuvenating this splendid medieval Kentish pub the George & Dragon (one of the oldest in southern England) set in the village of Speldhurst. It now looks mightily impressive, with its black-and white half-timbered faηade, smart front terrace and an atmospheric interior dominated by massive beams, huge flagstones and a vast inglenook. Food is now top of the agenda and much of the action takes place in the casual first-floor restaurant.
Things get serious when it comes to sourcing ingredients. There are no shortcuts, unnecessary food miles or compromises; instead, a thriving local network provides the kitchen with organic meat, line-caught fish from sustainable stocks, abundant vegetables and even stuff foraged from the wild. The result is 'food from a farm, not a factory,' according to the blurb.
A glance at the menu tells its own story. Steamed samphire is served with clam butter, grilled Kent marsh lamb comes with summer vegetables and aοoli, and pot-roast Nash Farm chicken is cooked with mustard and thyme. Elsewhere, the kitchen shows touches of invention (stuffing courgette flowers with local Flower Marie cheese and sun-dried tomatoes or glazing crispy duck confit with liquorice, for example). Giant puffballs are pan-fried with Parmesan, and wild ceps accompany Sussex ribeye steak; the foragers also provide fruit to go with burnt cream, and gather wild cherries for posset.
George & Dragon is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Gastro pub / Modern British
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.00pm (4.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 9.00pm Mon-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card