Valerie’s is a wine bar in Ashford, Kent. The decor is vibrant and retains a sense of casual luxury and the bar routinely plays host to a range of events, such as DJ nights, live music and wine tasting.
Boards of meat, cheese or both are the food options. Cheese boards come with a selection of biscuits, fruits, pickled gherkins and locally sourced chutney and are priced as follows: two cheeses (£7); three cheeses (£11.50); five cheeses (£18.50). The meat boards follow a similar pattern. They range from £7.50 to £17.50 and are served with olives, cornichons, watercress and bread and butter. Bar snacks are also on offer, such as smoked almonds and stuffed peppers.
The food menu is designed to accompany the extensive range of wines and cocktails. These prioritise local vineyards and distilleries. English sparkling wines are sourced from Kent and Sussex, rosé is from Essex and white from London. There is, of course, also wines from further afield than the south of England, many of which are excellent value and some are vegan or organic. Those celebrating can order one of four magnums of prosecco or champagne, priced between £48 and £120.
The cocktails list is equally as long. Here you’ll find classics (old fashioned, mojito and amaretto sour) alongside modern favourites (espresso martini and pisco sour). There’s also a range of perfect serves, including an Aperol spritz, Pimms and bloody Mary.