Quintessentially English pubs aren’t hard to find in Kent, but The Duke of William in Ickham has everything one could want from a Kentish public house: a stylish dining room, seasonal menus made with locally-sourced produce, cheery staff and gorgeous views from the garden out back. And it’s not just a spot geared towards visitors either – regular events, plus summer fetes and barbecues keep locals coming back to this cosy hub again and again.
Equally inviting in winter as in summer, this smart pub possesses a comfortable dining area complete with rustic wooden tables and chairs inside, as well as stools at the bar, armchairs by the open fire and picnic tables in the pub garden, making it suitable for couples, families, solo travellers and four-legged guests. Whether you pop in for a drink and a snack or book in for a hearty Sunday roast, expect tempting menus built around the best local produce and suppliers the surrounding countryside and coastline has to offer.
The pub menu changes according to the seasons, but the kinds of dishes guests can expect to find include the likes of haggis Scotch eggs, Kentish pie of the day served with mash and mushy peas, and Romney Marsh lamb neck curry. There are also a selection of steaks, several vegetarian options and a range of tempting puddings such as chocolate mousse with honeycomb, seasonal crumble with custard or ice cream, and an apricot Bakewell tart.
The Duke William also offers a vegan menu, gluten-free menu and special kids’ menu, making it an easy choice for parties with differing dietary requirements. Sandwiches and burgers are also available all day. Drinks-wise, The Duke William is extremely well-stocked, particularly for beer lovers, so whether you’re in the mood for a locally-brewed ale, a draft craft beer or a continental lager, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy. There’s also a diverse and eclectic wine list and a varied list of local and international spirits