Elizabeth's of Eastgate

Located in a very authentic old Tudor building in the centre of town, quoted in the Charles Dickens novel, Great Expectations as the home of Uncle Pumblechuck, this charming restaurant is the direct inheritor of Elizabeth's Tea Rooms, with its pleasing red brick and half-timbered interior. Known nowadays for its enthusiastic use of local ingredients, it has become a hub for the community who appreciate the freshness and imagination of its food.

Only two minutes walk from Rochester Cathedral and Castle, Elizabeth's also provides a suitable setting for family parties and special occasions, where reliability and quality are important. An á la carte menu leads the way with starters of baked Portobello mushroom with red onion marmalade, goats' cheese and buttered spinach.

'Limousin' côte de boeuf features largely amongst the main courses, and there is fresh Dover sole with new potatoes and tartare sauce. The rest of it rarely deviates from the French or modern European script, think grilled rump of Romney Marsh lamb with Lyonnaise potatoes and rosemary jus, and roast Barbary duck breast.

Garlic mushrooms, mixed salad and spinach make attractive side orders and carry a pleasing measure of distinction.

A riot of wickedness awaits those for whom desserts are a temptation that just cannot be passed by - chocolate and coffee delight, warm tart tatin and vanilla crème brûlée - last but not least, crepes Suzette.

A lunch menu offers incredibly good value from a choice of five starters, including Elizabeth's fishcake, and six main courses where you can find fillets of sole.

Every so often a special occasion's menu is offered. After an appetiser chicken millefeuille is served, followed by honey roast turkey and ham, Cumberland chipolatas wrapped in bacon, apricot and tarragon stuffing, roast potatoes and cranberry gravy to prepare the palate for the big event.

Whilst not familiar with Elizabeth's cellars you could imagine them to be some subtly dry, as only proper cellars can be, with that aroma around and a stable temperature that moves no more than within 4 degrees maximum. Certainly what comes out of it is satisfying and in some cases quite adventurous. It has certainly not been selected by anyone but a dedicated lover of the grape.

Their Website is clear and easy to use - click on it for further information, particularly about gourmet nights and other events.