The Plough - Ivy Hatch, Kent

On the pretence that I was up for a spot of post xmas sales shopping @ Bluewater, I managed to negotiate a 10 mile detour south to the tiny hamlet of Ivy Hatch to sample the delights of The Plough. http://www.theploughivyhatch.co.uk/  How many times have you walked into a pub to be met by the stench of a wall of chip fat? Well this was like entering your grannies cottage, warm, cosy and the waft of home cooked food. Like many gastropubs, the decor was a combination of old and new but everything was very homely, especially the beautiful fireplace and with the staff being so friendly I actually considered moving in.

The menu changes daily, hence is seasonal, mainly British and is well priced. The braised pigs cheeks starter was enough for two with the rich meat offset nicely by the sweet parsnip puree. After what seems like a life sentence of eating meat over xmas, the filo pastry basket filled with wild mushrooms, roasted beetroot, ricotta and spinach was a wise move. However, if you're like me and love a game bird, the confit leg and pan fried breast of pheasant with bubble & squeak, root veg and red wine jus simply kept the festive season rocking on. There was no room for dessert which was a shame as the pub also has a special pancake menu with several savoury and sweet offerings every day. With a couple of drinks each, approx £22 per head seemed very reasonable and it was good to see the pub using beer from the local Royal Tunbridge Wells Brewing Company.