Business Details
Award-Winning Seafood Restaurant in Kent
The Dering Arms, established in the 1840s as a historic hunting lodge, has evolved into a celebrated dining destination and country retreat. With a rich legacy rooted in Kent's heritage, we specialize in award-winning seafood and traditional British cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our team, led by proprietor James Buss, combines decades of hospitality expertise with a passion for curating exceptional wine pairings and personalized service. As custodians of this iconic building, we maintain its character while offering contemporary comforts, including three elegantly appointed guest rooms.Our commitment to quality extends to every aspect, from meticulously curated menus to tailored events in our versatile function spaces. We adhere to seasonal availability and dietary requirements, ensuring an inclusive yet refined dining experience. As a trusted local establishment, we uphold transparency in operations while maintaining proximity to major transport links and tourist attractions, making us a reliable choice for both visitors and residents.
Services
Award-Winning Cuisine
Wine Cellar
Events Hosting
Boutique Accommodation
Seafood Specials
Seasonal Menus
Historic Venue
Special Dietary Needs
Private Dining
Local Transport Links
Highlights and features
- We specialize in award-winning seafood cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients
- Our wine cellar features rare vintages curated over decades
- Historic building with modern amenities for dining and overnight stays
- Experienced team maintains century-old hospitality traditions
- Conveniently located near Ashford International and major transport links
What people say
Great Food
Outstanding Wine
Attentive Staff
Historic Setting
Perfect Occasions
Services
Award-Winning Cuisine
Our kitchen delivers exceptional British cuisine with a focus on seafood, using locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu features traditional dishes alongside modern interpretations, with options for pre-arranged tapas evenings. Dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice, while maintaining the integrity of our culinary standards.
Wine Cellar
A curated collection of rare vintages and international wines complements our cuisine. The list balances New World discoveries with classic French, Italian, and Spanish varietals. Proprietor James Buss personally selects wines to ensure perfect food pairings and maintains specialized storage for optimal serving conditions.
Boutique Accommodation
Three stylish bedrooms offer comfortable retreats with historical ambiance. Each room features premium bedding, en-suite facilities (or private bathrooms), and breakfast options sourced from local producers. The rooms blend period charm with modern amenities like HD television and tea-making facilities.
Events Hosting
Our venue accommodates weddings, family celebrations, and special events with tailored support. We offer customized menus, dedicated service staff, and access to function spaces including the garden and events room. Classic car meetings and live music events are regular features.
Seasonal Menus
Menus rotate according to ingredient availability and local harvests, ensuring freshness and variety. Special blackboard dishes appear alongside permanent classics, with an emphasis on Kentish produce. The kitchen team prepares each dish individually to maintain quality during peak periods.
People
James Buss
Proprietor
James Buss has meticulously curated The Dering Arms' renowned wine cellar over decades, building relationships with premium merchants and auction houses. His personal knowledge of wine pairings enhances customer experiences, while his management ensures consistent service standards across dining and accommodation services.
Questions
Can I book a table at The Dering Arms?
Reservations require direct phone contact at 01233 840 371. Online bookings aren't available, and walk-ins may be turned away during peak times.
What dietary options are available?
We accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice, but cannot provide vegan menus or substitutions.
Are children welcome at The Dering Arms?
Children under 12 aren't permitted in the establishment according to our guest policies.
What makes The Dering Arms' wine selection special?
Our cellar features rare vintages acquired through auctions and specialist merchants, with both traditional European and unique New World wines.
Can I stay overnight at The Dering Arms?
Three premium guest rooms offer comfortable stays with breakfast, featuring king-sized beds and locally sourced breakfast ingredients.
Reviews (4)
Natasha Richard
Jan 11, 2022
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Had a great evening with some friends, excellent food and a good choice of decent wines. Lots of gorgeous fish dishes available and tapas, which makes a nice change
Max Spicer
Dec 08, 2021
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My Wife and I recently had an overnight stay at the Dering Arms. The room was very clean and the bed was one of the best nights sleep I have experienced. The evening meal was superb with a lovely atmosphere. James (the owner) was very charming and helpful with his knowledge of wine. We both had fish cooked to perfection and perfectly seasoned. My breakfast the following morning consisted of smoked haddock and 2 x poached eggs perfectly cooked.
Magnolia Purple
Dec 05, 2021
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A lovely, slightly quirky former hunting lodge in the lovely village of Pluckley, Kent. Wonderful food, great flavour and beautifully cooked. We will book earlier next time as this was a last minute decision and our table was in the smaller bar area. It was a cold evening and a little drafty, but will definitely return because the food was so delicious.
J.
Nov 29, 2021
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Where to start ,been to the dering arms before and have had I lovely time,but on this occasion the the proprietor James Buss can only be described as 100% buffoon. As an owner of a business his people/ customer service skills where well below par, referring to his bar staff as school children as they authorised a log being put on the fire. After stompping through the bar like a child having a tantrum and knocking the log and ash to one side he continued to berate not only customers but his stuff, this condescending, pompous-oaf does not deserve such lovely staff or premises. JAMES BUSS you should
