The West House

Cosy fine British

roasted lamb breast, broccoli, shallot

The West House in Biddenden is one of the hand full restaurant in Kent that holds a Michelin star. Headed up by Graham Garrett, it is a family run restaurant serving contemporary British cuisine. Like most other Michelin restaurants in the UK, it offers a very affordable set lunch menu, a standard a la carte and tasting menu as well as a vegetarian tasting menu. What I really like about this place is the decor, very cosy and comforting in middle of THE countryside. Our group tried out a mix selection of its lunch menu and a la carte.

steamed brioche crab bun

spiced wood pigeon, walnut, lemon crumble

Crab brioche bun was an interesting dish, the freshness of the crab can not be questioned but I would love the ratio of the crab and brioche to be a touch more balance as the brioche was very thick. The wild bass was silky smooth and fresh, I was in love with the cuttlefish ragout as it delivered such a lovely aroma of the sea while the padron peppers added a small tone of spices to the finish to make this such a quality fish course. My main of venison was cooked medium rare, the meat was super moist with a good depth of earthiness and settled bitterness to it. The parsley root turned out to be a rather good combination with its grassy and hint of peppery notes. The West House's tiramisu was a perfect tiramisu for me, the mild sweetness of the coffee custard with the mascarpone ice cream was just sensational.  

bass, cavolo nero, cuttlefish ragout, padron pepper

Sika deer, smoked pear, parsley root, damson sauce

desserts

The cooking at West House has proven to be nothing short of quality, we had a fabulous lunch and a faultless service. Far too many restaurants these days greatly reduced the quality in their set lunch menu, but The West House is a different case, the good value set lunch might have a limited choices but in terms everything, from the portion sizes, refinement to the taste, it was just as good as the a la carte, if not better. This restaurant totally deserves its Michelin star and it would easily be my regular to go place if I ever decide to live in that area.

Food 4/5

Executive chef: 
Graham Garrett

What I paid: 
£45 per head

Average cost without drinks and services:
£45

28 High St, Biddenden, UK TN27 8AH

http://www.thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk/