Haxted Mill Riverside Brasserie & Bar, The

There are very few settings for restaurants that can truly be described as unique; however, it certainly applies in the case of Haxted Mill, where their wonderful candlelit terrace overlooks the mill race and pond, ideal for dining al fresco in the summer. The restaurant is situated in the beautiful Eden Valley in the heart of the Kent countryside, where you can watch the sun go down over the fields, and sip on a glass of well-chilled premier cru Chablis. In winter, you can enjoy the warm comfort of their superbly beamed dining room.

Haxted Mill has been running as an upmarket establishment with accolades from Michelin and AA guides for the past twenty-four years, but has now introduced fixed price menus for lunch and dinner as well as an à la carte, which reflects a more casual and relaxed style of eating, more in tune with today's trends of dining out.

The day starts with morning coffee and croissants baked in their kitchen, with a light brunch menu of scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, pastries and coffee available at weekends.

At noon their full menu kicks in, including light lunch options such as freshly baked filled baguettes, and a variety of salads from lobster, whole cracked crab or blackened redfish with lemon dressing to a simple chicken Caesar salad or niçoise with grilled tuna. Additionally, many of the starters would be suitable for a light lunch.

From 2.30pm, afternoon cream tea is served with homemade fruit scones, jam and clotted cream, but only from April 1st to the end of September..

A little later on, as the sun starts to sink, their full menu is again on offer, including sautéed whole prawns and diver caught scallops, old fashioned air dried smoked salmon, roast loin of Red Highland deer with game sauce and a hint of Valrhona chocolate, and pan-fried 6 oz filet mignon. Baked Bramley apple and cinnamon crumble with clotted cream, and raspberry semi-freddo contribute to making the dining experience one to remember.

The Haxted Mill Riverside Brasserie is the place to relax by the river whether you are hiking the Vanguard Way, walking your dog across the fields, celebrating with friends or simply having a quiet dinner for two.

A clever wine list demonstrates only too clearly that it is not necessary to spend on wine sums of money that could diminish your pleasure in the meal overall, yet still enjoy carefully chosen class wines from the world over that have character, with a sensible number of them by the glass.

However, Haxted Mill is much more than just a restaurant. They also have jazz days - again from April 1st to the end of September - host weddings, offer light lunches and have set menus on offer on certain days that represent excellent value. For further information view their very comprehensive Website. Do note that they will be closed from 24th of December 2009 until April 1st 2010.