Lakes - Swale
Menu
A complete menu of Lakes from Swale featuring all 14 dishes and drinks can be found here on the menu.
Lakes is the restaurant located within the charming Hempstead House, a family-owned country house hotel nestled in the beautiful Kent countryside. Established in 1998, Lakes has garnered prestigious awards from the AA, RAC, and English Tourist Board for its exceptional dining experience. Chef Matthew Levett showcases his talent through a menu featuring classical English and French dishes made with locally-sourced fresh fish and meat, as well as produce from Covent Garden. Indulge in exquisite offerings such as a roasted tomato stuffed with goat’s cheese on aubergine cumin purée, succulent yoghurt-roasted rack of Kentish lamb with bean and lentil casserole, and a delightful taster plate of coconut tart, Amaretto mousse, and pistachio ice cream. Lakes is truly a culinary haven.
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Nestled within the Hempstead Hotel, this restaurant showcases excellent food and attentive staff, making it a popular choice for both casual and special occasions. Diners have praised the generous portions and well-presented dishes, appreciating the overall dining experience. However, some have expressed disappointment over limited menu options for younger guests and a lack of organization during large gatherings. A mandatory service charge has also stirred debate among patrons. Despite these concerns, the restaurant remains a charming venue, offering a mix of culinary delights and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages return visits. Overall, a hidden gem for fine dining enthusiasts.
Went for Sunday lunch. Good food delicious and good portions. Vegetarian and vegan well catered for. Service very good and staff lovely and very attentive. Did not feel rushed. Dining room had a lovely ambience. Will definitely go back. Prices very good.
We had planned this meal for our family gathering on Boxing Day, with relatives traveling from across the UK to meet up. We were hoping for a special dining experience, but unfortunately, we were quite disappointed. The dining area was not up to par, with people passing through in casual attire and dragging suitcases. Our table was not carefully set, and we were not provided with any festive crackers, unlike other tables in different parts of the hotel. Despite paying the same as other guests, our meal was lackluster, with small portions and mediocre quality. One member of our group received a flat beer, while the rolls and starters were cold and hard. Additionally, some of the desserts were frozen and not properly thawed. Some of our meals were missing components, and the service was unusually slow - we even had to remind the staff about our included coffees. It was disappointing, as we had been looking forward to our meal at the Hempstead Hotel. It's possible that they were short-staffed, but the lack of organization and coordination was evident.
The restaurant was excellent with a very high standard of service and quality of food. The room was spacious and beautifully decorated
The restaurant is excellent with attentive staff. However, our family was disappointed with the limited menu options and lack of specials, especially for younger diners. Despite this, we would still give it 4 stars. We were also surprised by the mandatory service charge, as we believe tipping should be left to the customer's discretion.
If you like fine dining this is the place for you. The restaurant has a faded elegance vibe but we like that. The food is excellent, well presented and the service was faultless when we were there.
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