Your Kent Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 89)

Catch up on all the latest from around the county Nearlywed NEWS LOCAL LOVELY Chislehurst’s Bank House Wine Bar and Kitchen opened in September 2019, with husband and wife team Stuart and Cecilia Gillies at the helm. Housed in a former Victorian brownstone bank on Chislehurst High Street, this independent bar and kitchen specialises in serving a weekly-changing menu of modern European plates, beautifully complemented by a dynamic wine list. The space has been converted over two floors, with the upstairs able to play host to intimate wedding receptions for 50 guests. I was lucky enough to be invited to sample the food and ambience at Bank House, and ducked through the doors on a chilly December evening, to be warmly welcomed by Stuart himself. The first thing I noticed as I was shown to my table was the lively atmosphere. It’s a buzzing restaurant, with an informality that belies it’s high-quality dining experience. Making selections from the tapas-style menu was no easy task, as everything sounded so delicious. Head chef Bobby Brown uses artisan produce and locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farms to create his menus. Eventually, I opted for the goat’s cheese, and toasted walnuts, with chestnut honey; baked crab gratin with crostini and parmesan; and 36-day aged fillet with shallots, thyme and red wine. Of course, I couldn’t do without sampling the side orders too, so I added the mini roast potatoes with garlic mayo and chicken salt to my order. The plates were delivered hot as and when they were ready so the meal felt like it had a nice leisurely pace to it. They were all well sized, so that you felt as though you were enjoying a good meal, whilst getting the chance to sample a good range of the delicious dishes on offer. Everything was a joy to demolish. Dessert was a flourless chocolate cake with Chantilly cream, which went down a treat with my sweet tooth. So, if you’re looking for your next date-night spot, or an intimate wedding reception venue, you’d do very well to check out Bank House Wine Bar and Kitchen. For further information and to book a table, head on over to bankhousechislehurst.com AWARD SUCCESS The team at Hever Castle is celebrating after a hat trick of wins at the Beautiful South Awards. The historic attraction and wedding venue scooped a gold award in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, with fellow Kent venue Leeds Castle receiving silver. Hever Castle was also awarded a joint gold award alongside Blenheim Palace in the Wedding Venue of the Year category. Plus, its beautiful five-star bed and breakfast was given the bronze award for Small Hotel of the Year. Duncan Leslie, CEO of Hever Castle says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won these awards, it’s a huge honour and is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff across all departments.” Check out hevercastle.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9 LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS! Award-winning record shop and eatery, the Orpington, has launched a fabulous new Ladies Evening offer, including a free bottle of Vaporetto Prosecco with four main dish orders. Perfect as a hen do with your #bridesquad, or just an excuse for a night out with the girls, the Orpington’s new menu consists of a range of delicious dishes embracing its passion for wholesome food and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The offer will run from Tuesday- Saturday from 5pm, to Saturday 28 th March 2020. Quote “the Orpington prosecco offer” when booking. Check out theorpington.co.uk