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hand picked restaurants

The first of the acclaimed Noura chain of restaurants to be set up in Britain, Noura Belgravia is a spacious and stylish dining space that effortlessly manages to combine contemporary décor with traditional Lebanese cuisine. Located on Hobart Place in Belgravia, the restaurant started by two enterprising brothers, features an elegant beige décor with rich furnishings and an elaborate bar area at one end. The food is a mix of brasserie style quick bites served at lunchtime and more formal, fine dining during the evening.

The a la carte menu includes starters of hot and cold mézzes such as batrakh, a traditional dish of boutargue fish roe with garlic and olive oil, moudardara, lentils and rice served with fired onions, and mousakaat banjan, baked aubergines with tomato and chick peas. Main courses include grilled sea bass served with olive oil, marinated and grilled lamb cutlets, charcoal grilled lamb skewers and kafta meshwiyeh-minced lamb with parsley, pine kernels and onions.

There are also exotic desserts of knafeh bel jebn, granulated pastry on melted cheese with warm syrup and ossmalieh, caramelised wheat filled with clotted cream.

The Vine Restaurant is located in an elegant Conservation area in the heart of Sevenoaks, it is situated opposite one of the oldest cricket grounds in England, the former tavern has been lovingly renovated by the current proprietors to retain many original features whilst adding a stylish new interior of inviting creams accented with French grey and burgundy overtones. Light and airy by day, the restaurant is transformed as dusk falls by chandeliers and candles to create a welcoming backdrop to the buzzing atmosphere.

An imaginative menu created by Head Chef, Richard Lee, combines the best of traditional English and French cuisine with Belgian specialities. The restaurant works closely with nearby suppliers to ensure a large proportion of produce is locally sourced, and then skilfully prepared with the passion good food merits. A carefully selected wine list provides the perfect accompaniment.

Gregg's Restaurant has been up and running since 2000, though the building itself dates back to the 16th century. An inspiring team under Gavin and Lucinda Gregg offer a traditional cuisine with just a frisson of international influence. Behind a traditional shop frontage has been created a charming restaurant, a positive invitation to relax and enjoy what fortune brings. And what it brings on the weekday a la carte is starters of, say, seafood terrine in saffron jelly, wrapped in smoked salmon with saffron mayonnaise, or perhaps slow roasted pork belly with a pickled fennel salad and fennel puree.

Main courses are instantly recognizable but stop short of earning that slightly dubious phrase of 'comfort food', however well meant. This may be food that comforts but it also is of a standard that demands attention. For proof of this keep an eye lifted for the grilled lamb cutlet with slow braised lamb stew and herb dumpling, confit of lamb shoulder, braised potato and carrot and swede puree. The continents are nicely bridged with a baked supreme of halibut on braised bok choi with crab, a potato and coriander cake and lemon grass sauce.

Puddings feature well, with a clever apple assiette, a mini apple crumble, light apple mousse on shortbread and an apple and cider sorbet. For Friday and Saturday evenings the menu stays broadly the same with a slightly smaller sauce, but you'd need to be very observant to notice. Sunday lunch is celebrated in great style with the traditional roast, and a supporting cast of options that seem calculated to accommodate all tastes.

Nine wines by the glass, including champagne, is a kindness to drivers and those who like changes of taste without the bottle problem. Bottle prices tend to hover round the £20 mark, leaving room for special celebrators to explore the higher altitudes. The list represents excellent value. A recent development has been the creation of a well-appointed dining/conference room on the first floor for up to 30 guests.

Nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside, the oak timbered Chartwell Restaurant at the Donnington Manor Hotel in Dunton Green evokes old world charm. The menu features modern British cuisine. The restaurant is within easy reach of the M25, M20, M26 and A21. Prior reservation is required for non-resident guests.

The Chartwell Restaurant offers a full à la carte menu in the evenings. All dishes are prepared with locally sourced fresh quality produce. Your dinner selection could include specialities such as hot Cornish crab cakes in filo pastry, hot peppered beef steak, Atlantic hake cooked in beer batter, homemade potato, cheese and onion pie and breaded escalope of pork with char grilled vegetables. Sandwiches on offer are bacon brie and coleslaw, tuna mayonnaise and sweetcorn, mature Cheddar cheese and pickle, and fried egg and bacon. Pair the meal with your choice of wine or have a drink at the adjoining Indigo Bar which has its own menu.

There's nothing slow about The Snail at Stone Street in Sevenoaks, but the air of relaxed calm that presides over it seems to blend in beautifully with the glorious Kent countryside atmosphere. The touch of rustic charm with the stone brick walls is romantic and on sunny days, the well maintained garden is perfectly delightful for a spot of al fresco dining. The food bears European influences alongside modern British classics and fish is a regular feature, displayed prominently on the specials board every now and then.

A typical starter might include a smoked salmon parcel filled with crab meat and crème fraîche and this could lead on to a main course of wild sea bass roasted in garlic and thyme or maybe a lamb steak on minted crushed potato with cranberry gravy. Don't miss out on the homemade banana pancakes for dessert and the reasonably priced wine list that offers a good variety of choices, along with spirits, locally brewed ales, bottled beers and lagers.

A white horse is well-known for its majestic appearance and magnificent gait but those looking for a stately restaurant may be in for a surprise. Having recently enjoyed the fruits of a comprehensive refurbishment, The White Horse's atmospheric interior coupled with attentive service is the main draw there.

The kitchen's focus is on modern British fare so expect to see starters of pork belly and bacon terrine with pickles and toast, and their famed smoked salmon with chive crème fraîche. Main course include the faithful ploughman's with a choice of cheddar, brie, Stilton and ham, and confit of duck legs with thyme, lardons of bacon, shallots and sautéed potatoes. Sign off with some delicious warm pear and franzipan tart with vanilla ice cream and praline cheesecake.

Their wine list is characterized by quality and sensible pricing. The White Horse team look forward to seeing many guests trotting over to experience some robust cooking and warm hospitality.

History has a way of adding colour to a place like few other things can possibly do and so it is with the George and Dragon in Ightham, located on the A227 Borough Green to Tonbridge Road. This remarkable pub dates back to 1515 and has many notable historical connections concerning the Earl of Stafford who is reputed to have lived there, or even Queen Elizabeth I who is said to have visited it. Today, it is a well known haunt for those looking for good food and drink in a relaxing atmosphere.

Diners seem to be comfortable in the bar or the restaurant but the large beer garden is also a popular spot. Favourites from Executive Head Chef Simon Brazier's menu include a seafood platter, Chinese 5 spice marinated duck and pan seared rump of Kentish lamb, all sourced from local suppliers. Drinking options include a selection of Kent-brewed Shepherd Neame's cask ales and an interesting wine list with many by the glass.