I went to the UK’s ‘golden triangle’ of vineyards – with award-winning hotels and royal-approved wines
IF you’re looking for some of the best wine in Europe, France and Italy normally spring to mind.
But just 40 minutes from London St Pancras by train, Ashford is home to more than 50 vineyards, some of which have beaten their European rivals to scoop prestigious awards .
All in the name of research, I decided to try some of the finest plonk in the UK – starting with a quick tipple at Searcy’s Champagne Bar at the station.
On a normal day, you are likely to see business travellers waiting for their train home or tourists before their Eurostar trip.
Dating back to 1868, St Pancras is now known for its famous Tracy Emin artwork, as well as the communal piano signed by Elton John which is often used by commuters passing through.
Also connecting to 16 European destinations by rail, it is home to 50 stores and restaurants, including the longest champagne bar in Europe.
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Along with “press for champagne” buttons, you can sit in Searcy’s train carriage booths complete with a closing half door for privacy.
It’s easy to knock back the champers, but I was careful not to be too boozy in case I miss my ride. And less than an hour later I was in the “golden triangle” of Kent’s vineyards.
One of the newest to open is Warehorne, a family-run business which launched its first wine last year and is one of the few in the UK to be growing red wine.
There is also Wayfarer, which started as a retirement project by Jeff Ashford in 2016 and has since developed what is the lightest Chardonnay I’ve ever tasted.
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Of course, it may have helped that the drink came on a sunny day among the vines, which felt like I was actually in the south of France.
But the big dog of UK wine is Chapel Down, whose Kit’s Coty Coeur De Cuvee Extra Brut 2016 was given the gold medal in the established Decanter World Wine Awards this year.
If you fancy a royal tipple , try its rose too – it was used at Kate and William’s royal wedding in 2011.
And if you’re thinking, “How can I drink that much wine and still make it home” that’s where Wine Tours step in.
My guide Claire happily ferried me around each vineyard as I steadily got woozier with each tasting. And while a free train station drop-off is included, I opted for a stay at Boys Hall instead.
A former 17th-century inn, the hotel opened last year and has already been named one of the best country retreats in the world.
Its largest room, the Bishop’s Quarter, was rumoured to have welcomed Charles I and comes with peaceful views over the garden as well as a fantastically deep copper rolltop bathtub.
The hotel is delightfully wonky – to be expected with the old building – but the rooms cleverly blend the original wooden beams and panelling alongside more modern interiors and kingsize beds. The on-site restaurant is popular with both locals and guests.
The food alone will have you returning. I devoured their deep-fried paneer with orzo, followed by a roast lunch that rivalled my mum’s.
Their cocktail list is extensive too.
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I was recommended a limoncello spritz by staff which left me feeling remarkably fresh after a rather heavy day.
I’ll raise a glass to that!
GO: KENT
GETTING THERE: Trains from London St Pancras to Ashford take approximately 40 minutes. For more info see .
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at Boys Hall start from £180 per night on a B&B basis. See .
OUT & ABOUT: Three-vineyard wine tours with lunch from £120pp. See .