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From the
https://www.telegraph.co.uk accessed 30 July 2020.
The Barrow House, Egerton, Kent, England.
The younger sibling of the "Milk
House," in Sissinghurst, this is a thoroughly modernised old
village pub that offers a buzzing atmosphere and three attractive
rooms upstairs. The inn, which used to be called the "George,"
has been renamed for an important ancient barrow in a field nearby.
The white weatherboard inn dates from 1576, and timbers from
sailing ships and traditional cob and straw plaster still remain
behind the 17th century wooden frame and Kent peg tiles. It stands
in the thriving village of Egerton, which is dominated by its 13th
century church and retains a notable community spirit – film
society, running club, drama group, WI, you name it. The village,
reached by a network of narrow lanes, has magnificent views over the
Weald of Kent and Ashford Valley.
Like its sibling, the "Milk
House," also owned by Sarah and Dane Allchorne (they met when he was chef and she manager at a London
catering company), The Barrow House has been given a contemporary
look without undermining its countrified atmosphere. It has an airy
feel, with paintwork in pretty, chalky blues and creams, a stone
floor, a long bar and sofas in front of an open fire in one section.
The signatures of American and Canadian airmen, who frequented the
George in World War II, can be seen in the bar.
It’s the usual story in a brand new place: the owners have to build
a team and it takes time, especially in the kitchen where the
quality of the food can vary according to the staff. Sarah, however,
makes a delightful front of house hostess and there’s little doubt
that the success of the "Milk
House," will be quickly emulated. Free Wi-Fi.
There are three attractive bedrooms upstairs with lovely big beds.
Ours, Bowl, had a bathroom that was serviceable, though a little
cramped. It could do with some pictures on the walls too, but at
least it made us investigate the bowl barrow after which it was
named. The rooms are sensibly equipped, with a row of wooden pegs
for hangers instead of a bulky wardrobe.
There’s a large dining room (“elegantly distressed” said our
companion at dinner, “like us”) The food on our visit was a little
disappointing, certainly less appealing than the animated atmosphere
in the room. Dane is a fine chef and it’s probable that any
negatives are a result of the perennial difficulty in securing good
kitchen staff, not his menus (which include fish or cold meat
sharing platters to start as well as ‘grazing’, ‘small plate’ and
‘tear & share’ dishes). At breakfast, choose between ‘continental’
or ‘cooked’.
Doubles from £80 in the week, and from £140 at weekends. Breakfast
and Wi-Fi are included. Rooms feel like a bargain during the week;
at weekends they feel a little expensive.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Not suitable for guests using wheelchairs.
Family-Friendly?
Yes, but no special facilities and not particularly suitable. |
