Champagne launch for new boutique hotel

A 200-year-old former village inn has been converted into a luxury boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant in the heart of Kent’s picturesque Alkham Valley, near Dover. To celebrate its launch, The Marquis is offering a free bottle of Champagne to guests staying for a minimum of two nights throughout November and December 2008, and January 2009. Luxury double rooms start at £95 per night, based on two sharing and including full English breakfast.

The Marquis is already proving a hit with celebrities – within three days of opening, Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond and his crew checked in en route to a filming assignment on the Continent.

Following a £1.5 million renovation, The Marquis offers five individually designed double en suite bedrooms, all with sumptuous furniture and fabrics, flat screen TV, luxury bathrooms, towelling robes and the finest toiletries.

The building has been stripped back to its original brickwork, extended, refurbished, and furnished to provide contemporary style and elegance in a rural setting, complete with fine dining restaurant, wine bar and private dining area.

Head chef Charlie Lakin, who trained with a Michelin starred chef, has created a seasonally inspired menu for The Marquis, where the emphasis is on robust, fresh flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

Whether it’s the catch of the day landed by the fishing boats at Deal, rabbit from the Alkham Valley, or wild herbs picked straight from the countryside, The Marquis serves the best that Kent has to offer.

The Alkham Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and three of the hotel’s five bedrooms have views of both the valley and the village’s tiny cricket pitch, which claims to be one of the smallest in England.

The Marquis is an ideal base for exploring the Garden of England, from Dover Castle to Canterbury Cathedral. And if you like walking, horse riding, sailing, golf, cricket or fishing, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The Marquis is just five minutes from the M20 and 10 minutes from the Channel Tunnel and Dover’s port and cruise terminal, making it ideal for an overnight stay on the way to or returning from the Continent.

For further information, details of special offers, or to book, visit themarquisatalkham.co.uk.