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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 and try some of their delicious modern European cuisine.

Haxted Mill has been running as an upmarket establishment with accolades from the AA guide for the past twenty-six 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.

At noon their full menu kicks in, including light lunch options such as a variety of salads from lobster, whole cracked crab or smoked haddock on spinach and mash served with chive sauce to a grilled sirloin steak, pepper sauce with chips or poached fillet of organic salmon, crushed potatoes and steamed leeks. Additionally, many of the starters would be suitable for a light lunch.

A little later on, as the sun starts to sink, their full menu is again on offer, including sautéed scallops, black pudding and sauce vierge; char-grilled whole fish, mixed salad with home made chips; roast rack of lamb, minted vegetables and new potatoes, and pan roasted skate wing, small prawns, capers and brown butter new potatoes and green beans. Baked glazed lemon tart and lemon sorbet, 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 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.

Please note that they are closed from December 24th to April 1st.

The White Horse Inn is a 16th century country inn, richly endowed with historical significance and today, has emerged as an ideal spot for a weekend retreat particularly for golfing enthusiasts. There are some wonderful views of the Ashdown Forests and South Downs and it's located on the A264, with en suite rooms that are furnished with all the comforts. Their fine dining restaurant champions traditional British food, prepared freshly using locally sourced produce, fish and meat.

Starting with the char grilled king scallops with tomato, orange and rocket salad, move onto a main course of slow roasted lamb shank with a redcurrant jus served with creamed mash potato and vegetables. Other delicious options include pan roasted stuffed chicken breast and confit of pork with black pudding fritter. For dessert, the bitter chocolate torte with fresh raspberries and clotted cream hits the right notes and you could round off the meal with a cup of frothy cappuccino.