From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 22 April 2010. Advertising feature.

FINE FOOD, WARM WELCOME

WHAT better way to toast the start of spring than with an outing to the charming Old Lantern Inn at Martin, where the finest real ales, superb food and a very warm welcome await.

This delightful and charming pub is quintessentially English and has a wealth of features to entice visitors, whether for a quick drink or for a memorable, superb meal.

Julian and Nancy Paten-Smith have lovingly rebuilt and restored the pub over the last 13 years.

Originally a farm building, the pub dates back to 1636 with the first pint served there in 1803.

Inside are low beams, exposed brick walls and a mass of memorabilia befitting a traditional country inn.

It has an outstanding reputation for its excellent food. The finest quality ingredients and the inspired skills of head chef Nancy, who has 31 years' experience, are keys to the mouth-watering, home cooking, with dishes prepared fresh to order. Free range and organic products from local farmers are used as much as possible and the menu changes regularly.

As well as pub classics including hearty pies, fine fillet steaks and that great favourite, lasagne, there are also scrumptious specials with some tantalising tastes and interesting ingredients to tempt discerning foodies. Whether you are vegetarian, prefer fish or meat, there are dishes to satisfy. Families are welcome and children particularly enjoy playing in the two stunning gardens, one with a two-storey Tudor-style Wendy House.

Private parties and functions are accommodated and there is separate, luxurious, comfortable, self-catering accommodation.

• The Old Lantern Inn is at The Street, Martin, Dover, CT15 5JL, on 01304 852276.