Port Lympne Illuminated: Foodie Guide 2025
Your festive foodie guide to the Port Lympne's most delicious seasonal treats.
Once upon a December evening, as the first stars twinkled over Port Lympne, a path of glowing lights appeared across the estate’s 600 acres…
Follow the trail and you’ll discover a world where sparkling displays, twinkling trees, and fairy disco await at every turn. Children squeal with delight, couples hold hands under the fairy lights, and families pause to take in the magic.
There’s a feast waiting around every corner. From indulgent crumbles to heartwarming pies and spiced drinks that warm your hands, here’s everything you can look forward to this Christmas.
Take a look at our map and see where your festive foodie adventure begins! From golden crumbles at The Orangery to creamy mac ‘n’ cheese at Basecamp, every corner of the Reserve holds something delicious. Keep reading to discover this year’s most magical bites.
The question is, which one will you try first?
The Orangery
Follow the scent of baked apples and buttery crumble to The Orangery, where this season's menu is all about cosy comfort and elevated quick bites. Perfect for warming up after your trail or taking a break from your adventure, these dishes bring a taste of home, with a Port Lympne twist.
Christmas Crumbles – £8 each
Baked Port Lympne apple and pear fruit compote with your choice of festive topping:
- Classic: Vanilla custard with oat and shortbread crumble
- Baked Alaska: Italian meringue and raspberry coulis with oat and shortbread crumble
- Tiramisu: Kahlua and espresso mascarpone cream with oat and shortbread crumble
Hot Food Favourites & Perfect Pies
- Traditional Cumberland Sausage – £10
- Served in a brioche bun with tomato ketchup, mustard & crispy onions
- Plant-Based Vegan Bratwurst – £10
- Served with all the trimmings
- Loaded Potato Bites – £10
- Choose from pulled pork & BBQ sauce with apple compote, or cheese & crispy bacon
Perfect Pies – £15 each
Served with creamy mash & rich gravy
- Roast turkey, leek & cranberry
- Honey roast gammon & pork sage stuffing
- Lightly curried sweet potato & parsnip
Marshmallow Toasting
Choose your flavour and toast over an open flame for the ultimate comforting sweet treat
- Madagascan Vanilla – £2
- Dark Chocolate – £2
- Raspberry – £2
- Gingerbread – £2
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Basecamp
When it’s time to refuel, Basecamp offers the perfect blend of indulgence and nostalgia. Expect hearty portions, big flavours, and a sprinkle of festive flair.
Main Dishes
- Pigs in Blankets Mac ‘n’ Cheese – £9
- Topped with crispy onions, chives & chilli jam
- Kids’ Pigs in Blankets Mac ‘n’ Cheese – £7
- Perfect for little explorers
- Red Pepper & Tomato Soup – £6.95
- Served with garlic & herb croutons
- Hot Sausage Roll – £5.25
- A golden, flaky favourite
- Belgian Waffle – £6.50
- With chocolate sauce & cream
Drinks to Warm You Up
- Classic Coffees, Teas, & Hot Chocolate (from £3.35)
- Hot Chocolate Deluxe – £4.95
- Spiked Hot Chocolate or Coffee – £8.50
Add Baileys, Kahlua, or Amaretto for a festive kick
- Mulled Cider & Mulled Wine – £6.50
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Pinewood Café
Tucked among the trees, Pinewood Café is your go-to for a peaceful pause. Whether you’re craving a creamy cappuccino or a crisp glass of Prosecco, this stop offers a mix of cosy and celebratory.
Hot Drinks
Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White, Espresso, Tea, Peppermint Tea, and more (from £3.35)
Cold Drinks & Refreshments
Harrogate water, Coca-Cola, Fanta Zero, Oasis, Peroni, draught Cruzcampo beer, or a sparkling glass of Prosecco — the perfect toast to a day well spent.
Menus available at The Orangery, Basecamp, and Pinewood Café across the Reserve. Offerings subject to availability.
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The Garden Room Restuarant
Nestled within 15 acres of landscaped gardens at the historic Port Lympne Hotel, The Garden Room Restaurant & Bar is surrounded by 600 acres of wilderness, dotted with some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals. The former stable yard of the original Sassoon estate retains its old-world charm and offers an inviting space for couples and families to dine.
Dinner Menu
A selection of our current seasonal dishes:
STARTERS
- Roasted Vine Tomato and Red Pepper Soup** (VG available)
- BBQ Chicken Wings
- Prawn and Salmon Rillette
MAINS
- Garlic Butter Chicken Kiev
- Cumberland Sausage Ring
- Fish Pie (Salmon, haddock, cod, and prawn
- Falafel and Spinach Burger (V, VG available)
DESSERTS
- Double Chocolate Chip Brownie (VG/GF available)
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
Children's Menu
Lunch and Dinner served Mon–Sun
MAINS
- Pork Sausage with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy
- Breaded Fish Goujons with chips, peas and carrots
- Beef Burger with chips, peas and carrot
- Penne Pasta (V, with Vegan option available)
- Jacket Potato (V, with Vegan option available)
DESSERTS
- Chocolate Brownie (V, with Vegan gluten-free option available)
- Ice Cream Selection (2 scoops)
A discretionary 10% charge will automatically be added to your bill. Please inform staff of any allergies or dietary requirements when ordering.
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Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a classic or sparkling afternoon tea at the historic Port Lympne Hotel or on the Western Terrace at the heart of Port Lympne Reserve in Kent. You'll be taking tea in the same surroundings as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and many other famous former guests to the historic mansion house, from just £36*.
View Full Festive Afternoon Tea MenuSavouries
- Mature cheddar and spring onions on white bread (V)
- Turkey, chive and cranberry mayonnaise on granary
- Smoked salmon, lemon and dill cream cheese on brioche roll
- Pork, sage and chestnut sausage roll, caramelised apple purée
Scones
]Freshly baked plain and raisin scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve (V)
Sweets
- Mince pie cheesecake
Chocolate, pistachio and sour cherries yule log - Clementine, amaretti and candied ginger choux bun (V)
Birchall Loose Tea Selection
Choose from:
]English breakfast, Decaffeinated, Earl grey, Darjeeling], Camomile, Green tea, Peppermint, Jasmine pearl, and Chai.
A discretionary 10% charge will automatically be added to your bill. Please inform staff of any allergies or dietary requirements when ordering.
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