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Tucked away within 35 acres of peaceful Kent countryside, Chapel House Estate is more than just a venue – it’s a place where nature, orchard to table dining in Kent, and celebration are woven together. From blossom-filled orchards in spring to golden meadows in autumn, every corner of the estate reflects the beauty of the seasons.
At the heart of this connection to nature is our orchard-to-table philosophy. Apples from our own estate, honey from our resident bees, and herbs grown in our gardens all find their way onto the menus at number nine, our award-winning restaurant. Our Head Chef carefully crafts each dish to showcase the finest local and seasonal produce.
But it’s not just about flavour; it’s also about sustainability. As we journey towards B Corp certification, we’re proud to nurture our grounds for wildlife, source thoughtfully, and create experiences that feel as good for the planet as they do for our guests.
In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Chapel House Estate’s seasonal journey – from orchard to table.
Steeped in history and thoughtfully reimagined, Chapel House Estate offers a sanctuary where modern elegance meets natural beauty. Spread across 35 acres, our estate is alive with wild apple orchards, fragrant gardens, buzzing meadows, and wildlife habitats.
This strong connection to the land is more than a backdrop – it’s an inspiration. The seasons influence everything we do, from the weddings that unfold beneath blossom trees to the feasts created at number nine. Our gardens and orchards provide not only beauty but also bounty, shaping the experiences of every guest who walks through our gates.
Our orchards are at the very heart of Chapel House Estate. In the spring, they burst into life with delicate blossoms, offering couples a magical and romantic setting in which to exchange vows. By late summer and autumn, the trees are heavy with apples – a true celebration of Kent’s countryside heritage.
These apples don’t just stay on the trees. They inspire our menus and cocktails, from spiced chutneys served with local cheeses to refreshing orchard spritzers. Even our desserts often carry a hint of the orchard – think warm apple tart with estate honey or delicate apple sorbets to cleanse the palate.
It’s this blend of beauty and utility that makes the orchard so special – a place where nature is both admired and savoured.
Food is central to every celebration, and at number nine, we take pride in creating dishes that showcase the best of each season. Our Head Chef, Stephen, and his team embody the orchard-to-table philosophy, crafting menus that showcase estate-grown produce alongside ingredients from trusted local suppliers, offering the very best of orchard-to-table dining in Kent.
Autumn brings earthy flavours, roasted root vegetables, orchard apples, and warming spices, while spring celebrates lighter fare with fresh herbs and blossoms. Estate honey finds its way into glazes and desserts, while nearby farms supply cheeses, meats, and wines that celebrate Kent’s reputation as the “Garden of England.”
Dining at number nine isn’t just about a meal; it’s about experiencing the story of the land, the season, and the estate itself.
As much as Chapel House Estate celebrates luxury, it does so with sustainability at its core. Our B Corp journey reflects our commitment to making choices that benefit not only our guests but also our community and the environment.
Across the grounds, wildflower meadows encourage pollinators, our orchards feed both guests and wildlife, and partnerships with organisations like the Hawk & Owl Trust and Nik from Get Wild ensure our estate nurtures biodiversity. We minimise waste by using seasonal produce and working with local suppliers, reducing food miles while supporting the Kent community.
For couples and clients, choosing Chapel House Estate means celebrating in a way that feels as good as it looks – eco-conscious, future-friendly, and genuinely authentic.
Whether you’re joining us for a romantic meal at number nine, celebrating your wedding beneath the blossom trees, or simply wandering through our wild meadows, you’ll always find a story of nature, flavour, and care woven into your time with us.
Come and taste the season with us – from orchard to table.
