The Beacon, Kent Hotel

Kent, UK

Rustic and romantic, this country house turned restaurant with rooms has put Tunbridge Wells back on the weekender list. Set within a 7ha estate overlooking Happy Valley, The Beacon has recently opened six boutique bedrooms and one wooden-clad Summer House, made cosy for winter. Interiors take inspiration from the surrounding woodlands and lakes as well as the house’s history. There’s no shortage of cosy corners, from the fur-lined chairs in the garden bar – the place for a pre-dinner cocktail – to the crackling fireplaces and original stained-glass window in the restaurant, where chef Scott Goss is at the helm. From breakfast to dinner, menus celebrate superlative British flavours. Start with salt-baked celeriac or wood pigeon with beetroot and liver parfait, follow with Romney lamb in a garlicky red wine-spiked broth, or Sussex beef with bone marrow bordelaise. To finish, it has to be the warm praline sponge with brandy clotted cream or selection of carefully selected British cheeses. When the time comes, the rich-toned bedrooms are a welcome retreat featuring botanical wallpapers, Victoriana and deep bathtubs. Good local fare, stunning views and stylish decor... The Beacon is everything you want from a Kent country escape – and only a half-hour train journey from London. Doubles from £123. 01892 524252, the-beacon.co.uk

Words by Megan Dickson