The Dog at Wingham, Kent

Overview

At the heart of a thriving village midway between Canterbury and Sandwich, The Dog dates back to the 13th-century and embodies period charm. The striking roadside presence is eye-catching and encourages you to pull over to explore further.

With the building restored to its former glory, the inn is now a contemporary and stylish pub-restaurant with rooms. Cool grey hues and upholstered chairs mix with ancient timbers and the brick inglenook in the informal lounge, where you'll find local magazines and the daily papers to peruse over a pint.

The combination of old and new continues in the dining room beyond - expect blue-painted panelled walls, faux fur on bar stools and high-backed wall benches. Or, head outside and make good use of the smart, hedged terrace replete with cane chairs, deck chairs and wood-burners for cooler evenings. The whole place has a relaxed and informal atmosphere and the hands-on approach from owners has yielded numerous local and national awards for The Dog.

Rooms from

Doubles: £80

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco dining
Parking available
Dog stay: £25

Family favourite
Families are made very welcome here, with smaller portions for children on offer when dining and with two bunk beds available, Room 8 is an ideal space for the whole family.

Dog-friendly
Canine pals are allowed in the bar and in all the bedrooms, where treats and bowls are provided.

No car needed
A short drive from Sandwich in a taxi, guests at The Dog can leave their car at home.

Rooms

Reached via steep creaky stairs, six rooms ramble across the first floor of this ancient building. Accessed via the terrace, two more are located in the self-contained Doghouse at the rear of the pub, making it the perfect option for a group of friends or family.

All rooms boast super-comfortable Hypnos beds, crisp linen, decent toiletries, and small but smart contemporary bathrooms with walk-in showers.

The best rooms are the two suites - Rooms 3 and 5 - offering oodles of space and charm, as well as showcasing the age of the building. Whilst Room 3 is open to the eaves with an exposed timber queen post and a funky tiled wet room, Room 5 is filled with antique furniture and a fabulous four-poster bed. There's a feature fireplace and views extend past the parish church to open fields.

Restaurant & bar

Having spent time in the kitchens at two of the best foodie pubs in the land, The Sportsman at Seasalter (also in Kent) and Tom Kerridge's Hand & Flowers in Marlow, young Sam McClurkin has been cooking up a storm since owner Marc asked him to step up to head chef in 2017.

Sam delivers innovative modern British dishes on seasonal menus using quality produce from Kent-based suppliers, including fish from Deal day boats, bread from Wingham bakery and local farm meats from the butcher in neighbouring Preston. There's a fantastic spread here, from door stop sandwiches served in the Lounge Bar, refined main dishes such as Dingley Dell pork chop, harissa and honey, fine beans and chorizo sauce, followed by rhubarb cheesecake, macaron and rhubarb sorbet.

To drink, expect an eclectic list of well-chosen wines, which includes some cracking wines from small producers and local fizz from Barnsole Vineyard. Kick off dinner with a classic cocktail or peruse the 20-strong gin list, or if you fancy a beer, then there's Shepherd Neame's Whitstable Bay and Harvey's Sussex on tap.

Things to do

For a day out at the seaside, why not venture to sunny Margate? The town still retains its retro, Victorian feel, whilst nearby chalky cliffs shelter a string of unspoilt sandy beaches. Don't miss the Turner Contemporary, home to a range of rotating exhibitions, dramatic seaviews and a brilliant cafe. You're not far from the Viking Coastal Trail here, where you can cycle or hike along some stunning coastline and pretty Kentish countryside too.

Star of the Canterbury Tales, literary and history enthusiasts should head to the incredible pilgrimage site of Canterbury Cathedral. World famous, the spectacualr cathedral houses the shrine of Thomas Becket and the seat of the Archbishop. Be amazed at the stunning medieval stained glass windows or explore the beautiful Romanesque crypt.