TASTE OF ITALY IN THE WEALD

An authentic Italian dining experience is now on offer deep in the heart of the Weald.

The Riverside Inn, the Chequers in Lamberhurst is run by Italian father and son team Egidio and Giandonato Rosa, who took over the Shepherd Neame pub at the end of last year, and have introduced a new menu of dishes from their homeland. The food is being created by the pair and their Italian team, using authentic produce imported from the country. There is a main á la carte menu, and lunchtime pasta bar menu, offering two courses for a set price, and a children’s menu. Seniors can also enjoy a two or three course fixed price menu. Giandonato, 27, said: “When I was growing up, my father was a chef and pizza maker who ran restaurants and cafes, and his passion for food was contagious. I moved to England to study, working in the hospitality industry in my spare time, and my father also came over to run an Italian restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. We decided to look for a joint project last year.” Originally built in 1137 as a manor house, The Chequers has been a pub since 1414. It is now also home to the Rosa’s Italian food market, open from 11am to 6pm every Saturday and Sunday, selling Italian produce including pasta, wine and sauces.

The family have also opened a delicatessen and host fortnightly regional Wednesday food tasting. More details at chequerslamberhurst.co.uk or call 01892 890260.

Italian father-and-son team Egidio and Giandonato Rosa