Stylish boutique rooms and innovative Spanish fare in the Kent countryside.
The Wife of Bath is one of the best-known of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and Wye, the location of this restaurant with rooms by the same name, featured in the stories as a place of rest for weary pilgrims en route to Canterbury. The theme continues inside the property – each room is named after a character from the great poet's works. In the hands of Mark Sargeant since 2016, it's the third addition to his group –
Rocksalt and
The Duke William came first.
There are six stylish bedrooms, four above the restaurant, two in the cottage annexe (these can be booked out together if you're a foursome or a family). A welcome pack, complimentary toiletries, ironing facilities and flat screen TV can be found in each, and guests have access to a communal honesty pantry. Exposed timber beams blend with contemporary furniture, colourful works of art and muted tones on the walls. The result? A soothing atmosphere, a relaxing haven. We particularly like Sir Thopas: sup on the glass of sherry left out as a check-in treat and admire the capacious, high-ceilinged space.
Food-wise, inspiration is taken from Spain, notably Cataluña, the Basque Country, Cantabria and Galicia. Dishes such as octopus with carrot, chorizo almonds and pickled shallots, or Iberico pork with cauliflower, wild mushrooms and morcilla feature on the a la carte menu in the light and airy restaurant, whilst an array of scrummy tapas can be devoured at the rustic bar (think crispy squid with smoked paprika, Manchego croquetas, salt cod fritters and crispy salmon skin with smoked cod roe). To drink, try one of their cocktails (we like the Galician Negroni), a Mahou lager or a glass of Fino. Breakfast is a real delight – choose from a hamper full of goodies delivered direct to your door or head to the restaurant for a Spanish cooked breakfast.
There's much to do in the local area – check out nearby Nature Reserve, jump on the train to Canterbury, a city filled with history, or explore the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on foot – the Wye Downs circular walk takes about three hours and offers some spectacular views. If you can drag yourself away from the comfort of The Wife of Bath that is.
