THE SALUTATION

Six reasons to visit this Arts and Crafts hotel, where the kitchen is now as popular as the spectacular gardens

1 In the quaint Kent village of Sandwich, The Salutation is a unique, relaxed 19-bedroom hotel. Houseplants, botanical prints and windows opening onto Lutyensdesigned gardens blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. 2

The kitchen garden informs the menus, and chef Shane Hughes works closely with head gardener Steve Edney to ensure the restaurant is supplied with fresh fruit, veg and herbs. Gardening courses are available – including a plot-to-plate class

– and the kitchen’s commitment to pickles and preserves ensures a taste of the garden all year round. 3 The menu is founded on classics with lighter, Asian touches. Highlights included cured and smoked trout with bantam egg in teriyaki and a dessert of olive oil cake, lemon posset and dill meringue. Kombucha spiked with garden herbs makes a refreshing palate cleanser. 4

For a touch of theatre, book a table in the Tasting Room. Glass panelling offers a full view of the kitchen, and chefs deliver dishes to each table. 5

Breakfast choices include homesmoked haddock with saffron beurre blanc, homemade fruit salads and compotes, along with locally sourced eggs and bacon. 6 A formal afternoon tea is served in the main house (booking is essential), and traditional coffee and walnut, Victoria sponge and chocolate fudge cakes are available in the on-site cafe. Head to the gift shop to pick up potted herbs and soaps made with garden botanicals. Christine Hayes