The highest standards in food, wine, and service. That’s what the new team at The Kitchen Garden promise each and every one of their diners.

The restaurant is owned by husband and wife duo Jon-Paul and Charlotte Davies, managed by Chris Quick, and relies upon a supply of the freshest local produce for its execution of uncomplicated English and French cuisine.

Menus are seasonal, as the Kitchen Garden team strive to provide diners with whatever is fresh, available and accessible.

Forging food from traditional foundations, Kelham’s cooking is also at the forefront of country cuisine, as the team strives to re-invent dishes with new and exciting twists.

Formerly the Redhouse Country Manor Hotel, current owner Jon-Paul acquired the premises in February 2010, with the intention of restoring its authentic and original Kelham House roots;
“We had two key objectives,” says Jon-Paul. “To meet the needs and expectations of today’s more discerning customer, and also to revive the Edwardian elegance and grandeur that the house deserves.”

Steeped in history, Kelham House’s biography is arguably as intriguing as its food. It was
constructed in 1903 by the Manners-Sutton family, after their original residence — the village’s larger, Victorian style mansion, Kelham Hall — was destroyed by fire.

The venue has since changed hands several times, but present owner Jon-Paul has perhaps been most diligent in capitalising on the property’s original features. The Old Coach House for example, now boasts five luxury bedrooms, whilst a full refurbishment of the main house has served to maintain, and even accentuate its historic qualities.

The hotel’s restaurant has also since been independently branded by Jon-Paul and his team.  The ‘Kitchen Garden’, remains autonomous from the hotel in a bid to broaden its non-residential dining appeal. Jon-Paul is keen to promote the venue not only for accommodation, but as a first-class dining experience for non-residents too.

From the outset, the hotel and restaurant have been a genuine family affair — an attribute which Jon-Paul assures us makes a real difference to both the restaurant’s quality and ambience. Joint owners Jon-Paul and Charlotte, share their culinary pursuit with four-year-old daughter Poppy, who is also impressed with mummy and daddy’s creation!

The team are already looking forward to their next venture — an exciting project for 2012 in the form of a new Function Suite — to be stationed in the house’s walled garden, and will be purpose-built to cater for those wishing to celebrate their wedding at the venue.

Back to the kitchen, and the restaurant is well-equipped to satisfy 40 covers, which are set between two dining spaces — The Averham, and The Kelham Rooms. Whilst The Averham Room alone can seat between 14 and 16 diners, the larger Kelham Room can accommodate up to 24 guests at full capacity.

Curtains, blinds and soft furnishings have all been hand picked to ensure that its interiors have a modern, yet classic feel in order to elegantly enhance the age and appearance of the House. Jon-Paul’s wife Charlotte is responsible for the suitably subtle lighting, and the clean, fresh tone throughout.

In addition, à la carte evening dining is enriched not only by the execution of great food, but also through the continuation of crystal chandeliers and crisp white linen. Fresh flowers and candles also lend to the restaurant’s ambience.

The Kitchen Garden is by no means exclusively an evening affair though. Lunchtime diners are treated to a spread of health conscious but tasty treats, including an impressive array of light bights, and also the finest salads combining, for example, tender chicken or relishing red snapper — perfect either for ‘ladies that lunch,’ or the restaurant’s other diners. The tempura battered fish and chips also continues to be popular — a true reflection of the aforementioned blend of traditional, and contemporary influences upon which the restaurant prides itself.

Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch offerings are additional crowd-pleasers, whilst home baked bread, and hand-made chocolate truffles are further proof of the restaurant’s endeavour to go that extra mile.

What’s more, acknowledging — where possible — how meat and fish have been locally sourced on the menu is testament to the culinary charm of the Kitchen Garden’s food. This also accounts for the popularity of classic dishes such as Rib eye Steak, and Loin of Pork.

For those with a sweet tooth, a special Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry and Mint Salad, or Profiteroles with Chantilly Cream and Baileys Chocolate Sauce are sure to satisfy.

“Where we can, we try to let diners know exactly where their food has come from,” says Jon-Paul, “I always endeavour to see things through the customer’s eye, asking myself crucial questions such as; ‘As a diner, what would I like to know about this plate of food?’” — this perspective is extremely important to me.

The restaurant’s proximity to reputable suppliers of local produce also lends to its fine reputation. The team sources its meat and game from Porters of Newark, whilst Maxey’s of Hockerton is only a stones throw away for the freshest home grown vegetables.

With such dedication and a wealth of local ingredients, it’s no wonder that the Kitchen Garden
it putting great food and local ingredients back on the table, making it this month’s Eating Out in Lincolnshire recommendation.