Having never been to The Isle of Sheppey, I wasn't sure what to expect as we crossed the bridge surrounded by bleak fields. The Ferry House is a short drive from the crossing and at the end of a windy road that looks out across the swale to Faversham Quay in a serene and peaceful setting that is unique and beautiful in every way.
Being a cold sunny day in January, a warm, cosy fire on arrival was most welcome; staff are friendly and hospitable, and the pub building gives cosy country pub vibes.
After being shown to our cosy modern room with country boutique touches, I was treated to a full body massage in the onsite spa treatment rooms, which was the perfect beginning to a relaxing stay at The Ferry House. You can enjoy a massage or facial as part of an overnight stay, or visit solely for some you time. Treatments are offered seven days a week whenever you need some self-spoiling.
After a relaxing afternoon and drink beside the fireplace, we enjoyed a three-course meal in the onsite restaurant with produce from the Ferry House Kitchen Garden and family-owned farm. The menu is game-heavy, with beef and game from the Ferry House family estate and local produce from local suppliers. Their menu is inspired by what's at its seasonal best, and as a third-generation farming family, food provenance is at the heart of the menu. Grains from their farm are used by The Copper Rivet Distillery at Chatham to make their artisan spirits. Wild game, free-range eggs and many forages of the shoreline and hedgerows complete their homeborn menus.
For starters, we had the Estate Duck Breast, Preserved Garden Glacé Cherries, Garden Celeriac & Apple Remoulade, Kentish pork, and black pudding croquettes with bacon and garden chilli jam—perfect winter warming first courses, from ingredients earthy rich ingredients that are fused perfectly.
For the main course, we sampled the pan-fried hake, bisque brandade ravioli, an emulsion crafted from salt cod, olive oil, and potatoes, served with garden sea vegetables and mussels.
To give a rounded perspective, we tried the Estate Duck Wellington, Duck & Garden Sage Farce, served with garden-roasted turnips and duck Jus; this is an excellent twist on a traditional beef wellington for any game lover. Sides include triple-cooked hand-cut chips with parmesan cheese, sauteed brussels, and garden Chinese artichoke.
Desserts include garden pumpkin pie, bowyers brie tart, and preserved garden quince. We opted for Dark chocolate with garden aubergine, blackcurrant, salted caramel and hazelnuts, another unusual but delicious combination that uses fresh onsite seasonal produce.
After a peaceful night's sleep, breakfast is served back in the restaurant, with options including a full Kentish breakfast, vegetarian breakfast, pancakes, home-smoked fish, eggs royale, or a healthy grazing bowl. Breakfast is charged at £15.00 per person and includes fresh Kentish juices from Owlets, tea, coffee, and a continental buffet.
The Ferry House is the perfect choice for a weekday or weekend escape in a beautiful, unique setting that is just a short distance from wherever you live in Kent. The Ferry House also caters for private and corporate events and weddings.
The Ferry House. Harty Ferry Road, Harty, Kent, ME12 4BQ Tel: 01795 510 214. www.theferryhouse.co.uk
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