One dark evening in November, I braced the newly cold winter weather and ventured to the heart of the historic coastal town of Sandwich in Kent. Sitting prettily on the banks of the River Stour and almost astride its ancient namesake, which still operates as a swing bridge today, The Toll Bridge restaurant stood out against the black of the night sky ready to welcome me with open arms into its newly transformed, lively and thriving venue. 

Pass under the prettily lit sign that informs you you are now in ‘Fisherman’s Wharf’ and enter through the doors of The Toll Bridge where you will immediately sense the overwhelming friendly ambience of the restaurant. Whether you visit on a night where the place comes alive with the laughter of guests, or a quieter weekday evening which gently hums with cosiness, the layout of the building and its quintessential English character (exposed beams and a sturdy well-stocked bar!) gives guests a heartwarming atmosphere. In the summer months, The Toll Bridge restaurant is perfect for waterside dining and boasts a small balcony as well as a seated courtyard, both made for basking in the sunshine with one of their signature cocktails. For now, we’re sat in the spacious upstairs dining room, supplying us with an intimate place to enjoy our meal.

Visit The Toll Bridge, and like us, you will undoubtedly be bowled over by the hospitality and passion of their staff. Escorted to our table by manager Silva, we immediately knew we were in brilliant hands when he recommended we start our meal with the Passion Fruit Martini that comes from a menu of irresistible cocktails, a varied collection that is everything even the most critical of cocktail connoisseurs could dream of. There is also a carefully curated wine list, consisting of both worldwide and local Kentish wines, rest assured that Silva and the team will be on hand to help you pair a glass (or bottle) with your dish.

Painstakingly sourcing local food with careful consideration and research is one of the elements that lie at the heart of The Toll Bridge and its ethos. Owners Jez and Laurence Brown embraced the guidance and genius of Michelin-starred chef, Shane Hughes, to craft a distinctive menu made from quality local meats and other ingredients that come from only trusted nearby farmers and producers.

The concept behind the menu at The Toll Bridge is that marinating and smoking taking centre stage. Celebrating authentic BBQ flavours, diners can choose from tender five-hour smoked pork ribs, perfectly grilled fish or chicken slowly smoked over beer.

We sampled a truly outstanding array of dishes on our visit, including Bao Buns with crispy pork belly and sriracha mayo; ‘Surf and Turf’ consisting of prime ribeye steak over hot coals with native lobster, flame-grilled sea bream with tomato and basil pesto, smoked beef short rib with grilled pineapple glazed with Mount Gay Rum, a smoked pork rib with spicy BBQ rub, bourbon and honey glaze, as well as delicious sides like chargrilled broccoli with toasted pine nuts and chilli and lastly, freshly-baked Guinness bread with garlic butter. Needless to say, every single dish was a knock-out.

Chef Shane Hughes

Having honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants Ynyshir in Wales and Thackeray’s in Tunbridge Wells, Head Chef Shane Hughes spoke to us after our meal. The passion he has for cooking and his new menu simply radiating from him. “Sandwich already has some great pubs offering traditional pub food, so we really wanted to introduce something a little different at The Toll Bridge. Inspired by the American Smokehouse style and Korean BBQ dishes, we have created a menu that explores smoking, barbecuing, and grilling, with beautiful cuts of meat, fresh local seafood and marinated vegetables”.

The bar is open from midday till 11pm Wednesday to Saturday and 10pm Sunday. The Lunch Menu is available Wednesday to Saturday 12pm till 3pm.

On Sunday, food is served from 12-5pm and the menu includes a traditional Sunday lunch complete with Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings. 

The evening restaurant is open for reservation between 6.30pm and 8.30pm Wednesday to Saturday.

Book a table by calling 01304 613959 or visit thetollbridge.co.uk

Photo Credit : joejoslandmedia.com