Bearsted really is a fab little village; not only is it very pretty, it also boasts several pubs that ‘do food’. We’d already visited one earlier in the week, but on this particular evening were booked in at the Oak on the Green, which dates back to 1665. Let’s just say that the car park is ‘interesting (though not as interesting as some of the parking; it would seem that the fancier the car, the crapper the driver!); another word would be ‘snug’ – you get the drift! Anyhow, we managed to bag a spot and made our way over to the entrance, via the outside seating area.
There was definitely more of a ‘heart of the village’ feel to ‘The Oak’ than there had been at its neighbouring pub; loads of chatter going on at the bar, dogs in the bar area (where you can still enjoy food), and generally just more ‘bustle’. However, I will just say that this was a Thursday evening [basically the weekend, no?], whereas we’d been to The White Horse on Tuesday; definitely different weekday feels. Lots of exposed red brickwork was in evidence, and I loved the garlands of Hops that were twining around the ceiling beams and an old ladder. Bits-and-Bobs decorated the windowsills and shelves around the restaurant, adding to its relaxed, welcoming feel.
Our lovely server, Emily, soon got us sorted with drinks: sparkling water for me and a pint of Moretti for His Nibs, then she left us to study the menu for a few minutes. Having gone the whole-hog/3 courses at Giggling Squid the night before, we reined ourselves in and opted for a single course at The Oak. I wanted something satisfying-yet-light, so I chose the Salmon Linguine (£16); The Man Bird ordered the Steak Shin and Bishops Finger Ale Pie (also £16).
As we waited for food, I had a look around and was pleased to see that only a trio of tables were unoccupied in our area (the bar had been totally full); a nice position to be in, for any business owner. They didn’t stay unoccupied for long, although a couple of tables near us then became vacant whilst we were there. Meaning no offence (and I’m sure none will be taken), the menu at The Oak is geared more towards crowd pleaser/mainstream diners; as we know, though, basic doesn’t mean boring or insipid.
Both our dishes were very nicely presented and Emily double-checked that we were ok for drinks and if His Nibs needed any sauces etc. before she left us to tuck in. Given the portion size of my choice, I was certainly going to be satiated!
The rose-pink Salmon had been flaked and swirled in to the linguine along with its Lemon and White Wine sauce, of which there was the perfect amount: not enough to waterlog the dish, but enough to provide a pleasing juiciness in the mouth. Salty fronds of Samphire added a spot of crunch and lifted things on the palate beautifully, and I was dazzled by the crunchiness of the crisped Salmon skin that formed a decorative touch on the top of the dish. I smiled as I munched away at the fish equivalent of crackling, surprised at just how flavoursome it was. Why have I never had this before?? If I was being super-picky about this dish, I’d say that the Linguine was a smidge over al-dente, but that’s not to say it was soggy; it wasn’t. This had been a jolly tasty morsel, and one I’d definitely have again.
His Nibs’ pie was a good size for being an individual one and its golden lid had been scattered with seeds for visual interest. The shortcrust, suet pastry was sublime, its fats melting like velvet on the tongue in the mouths’ heat. Snuggly housed within, were chunks of tender, rich-tasting shin Beef that were themselves bathed in an unctuous, ale-pimped sauce/gravy that certainly gained the interest of The Mans’ taste buds.
More of this delicious liquid was provided in a separate jug, and His Nibs finished every last bit by the time he’d concluded his meal. A large, whole Carrot had been braised in the gravy to soften it slightly and it had absorbed some of the deep flavour. Lightening things up a bit, taste-wise, was the nicely crunchy Cabbage, Leek and Pea medley, of which there was, again, a good portion. As with my plate, not a scrap remained on The Mans’ when he put his cutlery down with a sigh of satisfaction.
Hot Wings happily awarded to this superb Kent gastro-pub, we would certainly come back here. To book a table call 01622 737976 or visit the website www.oakonthegreen.com and hit the ‘book a table’ button. The Oak On The Green is open Sun-Weds Noon-10.30pm and Thurs-Sat Noon-11.30pm; obviously food service times will be shorter, so double-check this with the team when you book.
