Places To Eat In Kent: The Duck Inn, Pett Bottom

The Duck Inn at Pett Bottom, near Canterbury has always been one of my favourite food pubs. It might be out in the middle of nowhere, but ever since I have been old enough to appreciate a good pub, it’s custodians were always serving up something delicious. It re-opened this autumn under new ownership and with a brand new chef, so when I heard the food was still good obviously I needed to book at table.

We started from the nibbles section with some Pheasant Katsu Croquettes and a nice Spanish red – the wine list is good, with lots of by-the-glass options. The croquettes were tasty and well made with a good sauce, though I think it was a bit of a waste of pheasant (go with something like beef perhaps? because the bold flavours overwhelmed it somewhat. A nice snack, though!

Three out of four of us opted for their signature duck bun for our starter: a light, fluffy steamed bun packed with tender duck, topped with crunchy cucumber pickles and sitting in a pool of homemade plum hoisin sauce. A nice, hearty, fun dish with lovely flavours. Okay, so it needed a tiny bit more salt, but get this regardless.

The odd one out on the table was the seaweed cured trout with samphire bread and a light, I think cucumber granita. I sampled a little and it was generous, light, refreshing and something I’ll be ordering next time if it is still on the menu.

My main dish was an absolute triumph, and the main reason I think you should go and book at table at The Duck asap. Seasonal venison done two ways (a beautifully cooked piece of loin, and a cabbage-roll of slow cooked pulled meat) with cavolo nero, a good jus and some frankly revelatory butternut squash done two ways, both as thick, buttery, tender, rich roasted slabs (I really want to know which method the chef used to achieve this) and in thin, pickled ribbons. An absolutely fantastic plate of food.

I did get a taste of a similar dish done with pork belly, parsnip puree and purple kale which was equally as excellent, and the roasted salmon fillet with brussels sprouts and chorizo was apparently also rather good.

Turning to something a little more gastropub, their house ‘burger’Over The Road’ burger features a double smashed beef patty with truffle smoked mayo, onion confit, pickles and smoked applewood cheese on a potato bun, served with good French Fries and a bold, crunchy chipotle slaw. The verdict? Very, very tasty but also very, very messy – knife and fork required!

Not pictured, but we had a very well behaved almost-two year old with us who happily enjoyed a children’s meal of beans, French fries, and proper pub-style fish fingers. Both she and her mother were impressed!

Moving onto puddings, most of us had the chocolate fondant: simple and well executed with a lovely chocolate cookie crumble with boozy soaked cherries. However, how could I not include a picture of the simply beautiful buttermilk panna cotta with kumquat and pistachios? Again simple, but perfectly executed, rich, and creamy.

They’re still getting started and ironing out the cracks – my parents have been three times now and they’ve experienced both fantastic and hyper-slow service – but I think this new version of The Duck is off to an excellent start. Find out more and book here!

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