Today we were heading to Hollingbourne near Maidstone in Kent, south-east from London. We will be here for four nights, and have chosen this town as a central point to explore Kent. The direct route from Heathrow to Maidstone is via Motorway, so we took a longer route on smaller roads via Winchester -of Winchester Cathedral fame. 
 
We left Heathrow in bright sunlight. Drove down into Berkshire and took a detour when we saw a sign for Royal Ascot. My memories of Eliza Doolittle at the races in ‘My Fair Lady’ do not match the picture of the massive modern grandstand building that now dominates Royal Ascot. The area is huge with of course many stables etc in the area, and also ‘frock’ and hat shops with windows displaying finery.  
 
As we took a wander in Amesbury the sky blackened. It was a stark background for viewing the lovely old bridge over the River Avon. In the nearby Norman Church of SS Mary and Melor we walked up the path flanked by daffodils. Inside we spoke to a volunteer warden who told us she has relatives in Australia. As in the Netherlands, most people seem to have family who have moved to Australia, so they are always very positive about Australians.
 
One of my loves in overseas travel is checking out food items. As we ordered coffee in a very friendly bakery in Amesbury I saw baked items that I have only read about - Lardy Cake, Eccles Cakes and Deep Treacle Tart. The coffee was good, so the English can do more than make good tea.
 
By now it was raining. It poured. But luckily for us it was rain and not hail as other areas nearby received. As we made for Maidstone, we realised the weather had caused issues on the roads, and the traffic was slow. No problem, except we had a date at ‘The Dirty Habit‘. 
 
I had checked from home for a place for a birthday dinner, and this pub in Hollingbourne seemed to fit the bill. It was a fantastic choice. In a little village street, it is timber lined , low ceilinged, and full of atmosphere. The menu was great, and the staff lovely. So for my food loving friends and family, here is what we ate.
 
I chose an entrée and main from the specials menu. Foie Gras Parfait with Toasted Brioche and Quince Jelly - the silky smooth parfait was delicious. The main course - Guinea Fowl Supreme, Parmesan Gnocchi, Celeriac Puree, Cured Bacon, Broad Beans and Truffle Jus was delicious. Just small amounts of the various elements but very tasty. We don’t often have 3 courses, but it was my birthday, so the dark and White Chocolate Fondant with a Malted Milk Anglaise did the trick. The place was full, and the 4 guys beside us very friendly so it was a perfect night. Nearly forgot, Bob had Potted Crab (Note for B) with Fennel Salad followed by a Old Spot Pork Loin, Fondant Potato, Pear Puree, White Cabbage and Pear Jus.  
 
And no signs of the dreaded jetlag. How good was this?