Occasionally I share details of a day out or night away that I think you might also enjoy. So here is my mini review of the very lovely Boys Hall in Kent
A couple of weeks ago, architects Hollaway Studio sent me details of a handsome restaurant extension they had built at Boys Hall. I was intrigued, not only because the restaurant looked stunning using traditional methods and local oak to tie the new structure into the historic house, but also because this project is just 30 minutes away from where I live in Kent.
With a wedding anniversary to celebrate we booked dinner in the smart new restaurant (it only opened in September) and also decided to treat ourselves to an overnight stay in one of the handsome bedrooms.
The interiors for this Grade II listed Jacobean manor were created by Tenterden based KAGU Interiors, (KAGU have been shortlisted for the project in the BIID Interior Design Awards) and they are a triumph. Comfortable lounge areas downstairs in rich shades of sage green and plum are matched by the seven comfortable bedrooms each decorated in a slightly different way and featuring a mix of contemporary and antique furniture.
We stayed in Sovereign, so named because a stash of 17th Century gold coins were found hidden in the floor during a renovation. The room features a grand and very comfortable four poster bed, lovely view of the garden, small but cosy bathroom with Pelegrims toiletries and drench shower.
Dinner in the restaurant was excellent thanks to chef Shane Pearson’s inventive menu (sticky braised lamb on a crumpet with aubergine was a delicious starter) and the decor is modern, well lit and with good acoustics (too often I struggle to keep up a conversation in crowded, echoing settings)
To be honest Ashford, the local town, is not worth visiting, but Boys Hall is a short drive from the lively seaside resort of Folkestone (I recommend a stroll along the harbour arm with its many pop up bars and food stalls). Or if you just want to hang out at the hotel there are sunny terraces in the garden or, on colder days, grab the papers and curl up in front of the open fire.
It takes just 40 minutes on the fast train from London St Pancras to Ashford International then it’s five minutes in a taxi to the hotel.
Booking details are here. If you visit let me know what you think. I loved it
