THE LOCATION

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of zealous typing because we are so excited to tell you about this new luxury B&B. Sitting centrally in the pretty period heart of West Malling, here visitors can enjoy the perfect mix of modern shopping and dining alongside the market town’s Medieval character.

Recently opened (in summer 2021) St. Leonard’s is an exceptional dining destination, with beautiful boutique rooms to boot – should you wish to make a weekend of it. And why wouldn’t you? From relaxing walks in its parks to historic landmarks and indie shops on the handsome high street – this location has it all. With Sevenoaks just to your west, Maidstone just to your east and London about an hour by train – you’ve also got transport links in all directions.

THE LOWDOWN

We knew this venture was going to be top notch when we heard about the team behind it. St Leonard’s is the joint collaboration of Terry Brouet (front of house) who will be a familiar sight as he has been the welcoming face at many leading local estabishments and Tom Genty (head chef) who had been working his culinary magic at Berry Brothers & Rudd prior to joining St Leonard’s so it’s little wonder that the food and wine pairings are so excellently put together.

THE RESTAURANT

This is a destination in its own right, and definitely not just for those staying overnight. Tom Genty and the kitchen team create contemporary dishes that celebrate seasonal produce and elegant, heartfelt cooking to the table – marrying excellent British ingredients with a well-travelled twist.

The light and airy restaurant offers refined, superbly executed fare, where nothing is too fussy, letting the fresh, local ingredients and cooking skills be the real star.

The slightest glance at the menu and the food photos on the website, will tell you all you need to know. They had us at homemade ‘Caraway bread and sea salt butter’ and that was before we spied the stunning roasts complete with Yorkshire pudding, dripping roast potatoes, glazed carrots and red wine jus. (Salivating, much?)

Stay overnight and you can enjoy a brunch in the morning that includes perfectly put together classics – Eggs Benedict, Royale and Florentine and summer fruit pancakes too.

THE ROOMS

The four boutique bedrooms are contemporary and stylish – reflecting the same feel as the restaurant – that less is more. They all come with with everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. If it’s a couples’ break you’re after we recommend the Sophia – the largest of the four rooms and its extra spacious bathroom is the only one that comes with a roll-top bath, walk-in shower and double sinks.

We told you there was so much you’re going to love about this new restaurant with rooms.