More a stylish restaurant than a community hub, this historic inn, set in a characterful village between historic Canterbury and medieval Sandwich, has a loyal following of foodies. Owner Marc Bridgen has a passion for local produce, and the kitchen sources ingredients from Kent farmers, growers, butchers and bakers, while the bar features local beers and cider. It’s a friendly and well-run place: ‘Each of the employees was really exceptionally welcoming and engaged and helpful,’ reports a reader. Bedrooms, including the beamed four-poster bridal suite, are individually designed, but all have pale, restful décor, a king-size or super-king Hypnos bed. Ground-floor room 8 has an ensuite shower room; rooms 1 and 2 are accessed by a steep stairway. Dishes at dinner might include beetroot gazpacho with dashi gel and golden beetroot cracker; Kentish lamb, five-spice lamb croquette, smoked aubergine and miso sweet potato gratin. Themed celebration dinners throughout the year might include live jazz, wine tastings, literary and art talks, National Lobster Day (who knew?). ‘There are places inside for cosy mealtimes as well as a generous outside covered terrace so ideal in all weathers!’ What's more, the Dog is dog friendly. (MAS)