This tiny village is a hidden gem for foodie break, boasting a vineyard and award-winning pub just a short trip from London
Having been raised in the Home Counties, I understand that for urban dwellers, any glimpse of countryside within London’s reach feels like discovering hidden treasure. After spending several years living in the capital, each journey back to visit my parents feels like a welcome retreat from the chaos.
Existence moves at breakneck speed, but even a fleeting view of undulating fields and tucked-away, peaceful villages provides a refreshing respite. Opportunities to leave behind the frantic pace are rare, but occasionally you simply must make the leap.
A recent trip brought me to Kent’s M25 borders, close to Sevenoaks, to a village reminiscent of Midsomer Murders where time appeared to stand still. Shoreham (not to be confused with its namesake) in Kent is a picture-perfect village nestled in the Darent Valley. Truthfully, if you’re driving through, you could easily miss it in the blink of an eye.
Concealed amongst the farmland sit two culinary destinations that demand attention: The Mount Vineyard and the county’s ‘Most Loved Local Pub’: The Samuel Palmer. A mate of mine recently explored both of these Shoreham treasures and couldn’t praise them enough, reports the Express.
She informed me the vineyard serves “the best sparkling wine I’ve ever drank, so unfortunately now nothing will compare”. That sealed the deal. I was completely convinced.
Shoreham sits less than an hour by train from Elephant & Castle in south London, making it virtually impossible to resist visiting. English wine has experienced somewhat of a revival over the past ten years, establishing a reputation amongst wine enthusiasts.
Tucked away amongst woodland, sweeping meadows and endless rows of vines lies this remarkable vineyard. Taking a friend’s recommendation on board, we sampled the sparkling wines — all three of them.
The Mount produces its own sparkling white, rosé and red varieties. A sparkling red? You read that correctly.
Hoping my friend hadn’t oversold the experience, I needn’t have worried — it more than delivered. The Mount Vineyard Sparkling White is refreshingly crisp with a subtle touch of sweetness, and extraordinarily easy to drink.
This is undeniably a hidden gem. The Mount’s sparkling red proved to be the standout surprise; boldly fruity with berries yet never overwhelming.
The sparkling rosé was elegantly light and equally quaffable. Personally, the sparkling range surpasses The Mount Vineyard Rose Key, which struck me as slightly too sharp on the palate.
The ideal accompaniment is the Deli Board, featuring a selection of meats and cheeses. The Charcoal Cheddar was a particular highlight — so impressive that we purchased a truckle from the vineyard’s shop. Don’t be deterred by the cheese’s striking dark appearance.
The Mount is the ideal retreat for those seeking to lose themselves in the moment — tranquil yet lively, with an infectiously positive atmosphere.
After whiling away several hours beneath the Kent sunshine — and acquiring an inevitable sunburn — we ventured a short distance to The Samuel Palmer, The Mount’s sister pub; a quintessentially British establishment housed within a 15th-century building. The establishment recently secured the prestigious title of ‘Most Loved Local Pub’ in Kent at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026.
The reasons for this recognition are immediately apparent.
Low-hanging beams, exposed timber and intimate nooks embody everything one anticipates from an authentic British pub. It would undoubtedly serve as an ideal location for enjoying a Sunday roast or gathering beside the hearth throughout the colder months.
The venue also features an inviting restaurant area, offering views across the pub’s garden. With spaces suited to every occasion and atmosphere, we opted to sit outdoors during our visit, maximising the summer sunshine while engaging in numerous rounds of card golf.
An impressive array of regional and well-known beers are available on draught, complemented by a comprehensive range of wines and beverages to satisfy any preference. My primary objective, however, was to experience the exceptional cuisine.
The restaurant has maintained two AA Rosettes since 2023. Such recognition isn’t awarded for ordinary pub grub.
The Samuel Palmer’s menu evolves with the seasons, championing locally sourced ingredients. For our evening dining experience, we selected the line-caught seabass accompanied by English peas, smoked roe, Cocos de Paimpol (a white bean originating from Brittany, France), and beurre blanc; Cornish fish croquettes paired with tandoori mayo; and a 12-hour braised lamb belly flatbread.
The seabass captivated me from the initial mouthful. Perfectly crisped skin, tender flesh with a delicate salinity that compels you to return for more.
The fish croquettes accompanied by a curry-infused mayonnaise evoked memories of an upmarket fish and chips supper with curry sauce. The combination of fish and curry flavours complement each other beautifully, and I won’t hear any arguments to the contrary.
The lamb proved sticky and sweet in texture. While lamb isn’t personally my preferred meat, it undoubtedly pleased my dining partner.
The establishment truly understands how to bring joy to its patrons. It’s reassuring, welcoming, and striking without appearing pretentious. A marvellous British pub that I’ll happily revisit when seeking respite from the eye-watering pint costs at my neighbourhood local.
While Shoreham may seem tranquil, it certainly deserves attention. This peaceful Kent enclave provides sufficient escape from urban life – and remarkably close to home.
Exceptional wine, superior cuisine, and a delightfully unpretentious atmosphere mean Shoreham doesn’t require much to leave a lasting impression.
