Since their beginnings in the 1970s The
Loch Fyne company have evolved the concept of Total Sustainability, in
which they tell us "fishing and agriculture are effectively
harmonised with the natural environment." They are now part of a
still growing chain of 25 seafood restaurants spread throughout the UK.
Much of the seafood is supplied by Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd situated at the
head of Loch Fyne, the longest sea Loch in Scotland, in Argyll on the West
Coast. This incidentally is the site where the first restaurant started.
The whole company is committed an ethical environmental philosophy with
quality produce, grown as naturally as possible, whilst showing commitment
to the sustainability of stock. Their restaurants will not sell the top 20
most endangered species of fish according to data supplied by The Marine
Conservation Society.
The Sevenoaks restaurant is located inside
an attractive tile-hung facade with white paintwork, which was for a long
time a familiar shop in Sevenoaks High Street, selling leather goods and
saddles. The building is now heritage listed and still retains original
features including wooden beams and the fireplace. The interior is very
clean with an attractive display of fresh flowers and bright-eyed seafood
laid out on crushed ice to greet customers as they walk through the door.
With well-designed lighting and good use of oak furniture the restaurant
has a light and modern feel.
The menu is varied, providing extensive
choice to seafood lovers. The first section is devoted to house
specialities, including oysters, mussels and a range of a smoked salmon
prepared in the style of several countries, including Japan, Scotland and
Sweden. For the intrepid and non-squeamish two spectacular shellfish
platters are also on offer. They both include hot and cold shellfish; the
first served with a whole crab and the second with a whole lobster, at
£34 and £44 respectively.
The menu continues more conventionally
listing starters and light dishes such as
Lobster Bisque With Aioli, Parmesan and Croûtons at £6 and Salad of
Smoked Glen Fyne
Beef with Pancetta, Rocket and Parmesan at £6.
.Main courses range from the simplicity of a
Smoked Fish Pie Topped with Isle of Mull Cheddar Gratin at £10, through to
Grilled Scottish halibut with sunblushed tomato pesto at £18. The main-course menu now also includes a couple of meat and
vegetarian dishes. A selection of side orders and salads are available to
order separately.
The cheese and dessert menu continues the
theme of simple dishes made from quality ingredients, and includes a
selection of Scottish and Irish cheese with oatcakes, as well as Ice
creams, Sorbets and a selection of home made desserts.
The company's ethical philosophy extends to
the wine list detailing producers who are eco-friendly or organic in their
grape growing and winemaking techniques. A wide selection of white wines
with varying body is available to complement the seafood emphasis on the
menu. These are mainly French, with a small selection from Spain and the
New World. Several of the more reasonable French white wines are available
by the half bottle and glass, including, to the delight of oyster lovers,
the house champagne. The red wines are similarly predominantly French,
ranging from £13 for the house red to the upper teens for better
quality bottles.
The restaurant also offers a specials menu:
-
£11 - Two Course Set Lunch -
from noon-7pm (Mon-Sat) come and enjoy our great value set lunch
menu (some sites may vary times so please give a quick call to
check)
-
Sunday Lunch....and beyond -
£12 for two courses, £15 for three courses all day on Sunday
The restaurant has full disabled access and
baby-changing facilities. Parking in the High Street is always a problem
but a pay-and-display car park located in South Park is a only a short
walk away. Those visitors to Sevenoaks looking for a diversion before or
after a meal at Loch Fyne Restaurant can sample the open spaces and
abundant deer of near by Knole Park or the attractive gardens and views of
River Hill House on leaving the town to the south.
Contact:
Loch Fyne Restaurant
63-65 High Street
Sevenoaks
Kent, TN13 1JY
Telephone number:
01732 467140
For more information visit the website:
www.lochfyne.com