The Hotel du Vin & Bistro in Tunbridge Wells occupies an imposing Grade II listed sandstone mansion, which was originally built as a private residence in 1762 during the Georgian heyday of the town. Even though centrally located in the town the garden terrace at the rear of the hotel offers rewarding views across Calverley Park.

This small boutique hotel chain recently celebrated its 10th year of success having opened a total of 7 Hotel du Vin & Bistro themed outlets in towns and cities around England. Two entrepreneurs, Robin Hutson and Gerard Basset, originally set up the venture but were recently bought out by the Malmaison Hotel chain in October 2004, although thankfully the format remains the same. The chain has been showered with awards including AA Hotel of the Year 2003, as well as Hotel of the Year in 2003 and 2004 in the Guardian Travel Awards.

The bistro is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and seats a total of 80, with 44 seats on the garden terrace in season. The decor is classy without being fussy, employing striking colour combinations on the walls, complemented with attractive antiques. The menu is described as "European cuisine with a contemporary edge". Matt Green-Armytage, the new head chef, adds his own daily selections to the menu with a philosophy of 'fresh local produce, cooked simply'. The contemporary edge demonstrates itself in dishes such as Pan-fried Turbot with Cauliflower and Chorizo Risotto and Confit of Duck Leg with Pak Choi and a Red Wine Jus, both priced at £14.50.

Across the chain the bistro also offers a range of 'simple classics', such as Locally Smoked Salmon as a starter or main course at £6.75 and £12.50 respectively. Another delicious dish from this menu is Veal Saltimbocca, from Italy, combining pan-fried veal with parma ham and sage in a reduced Marsala sauce, served with Rocket and Parmesan Salad at £14.50.A good selection of simple but beautifully prepared side dishes can be ordered separately at £2.75.

Creativity in the dessert menu is not neglected with original offerings such as a Honey Roasted Figs with Goat's Cheese Ice-cream, Gooseberry Fool with Lime Sherbet as well as a selection of home-made Sorbets, including Fig, Pineapple and Apricot, all priced at £6.75.

With a name like Hotel du Vin the wine list has to do justice. It succeeds with the help of a dedicated sommelier to guide diners through the numerous French wines on offer, along with many from the rest of Europe and the New World. A good many of the wines listed are offered by the glass and a small selection of good-value wines are offered to complement each day's specials.

For a treat or special occasion The Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells or its sister outlet in Brighton is hard to beat for an excellent meal or accommodation or both.

Contact:

Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Crescent Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent, TN1 2LY

Telephone number: 01892 526455

For more information visit the website: www.hotelduvin.com

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