History

Aylesford is said to be the oldest village in England. Its name comes from "Angle's Ford" - the place where the county's first invaders crossed the river Medway.

Brothers Hengist and Horsa, leaders of the first Anglo-Saxon invasion, landed in Aylesford in 449 A.D. and set themselves up as the first Kings of Kent. Horsa was killed in 455; his brother Hengist lived another 33 years.

Hengist itself dates back to the 1560s and has a varied history that includes a previous life as a restaurant.

Today, the restaurant is fast becoming one of the most famous in Kent, attracting connoisseurs of fine dining from all over the southeast and beyond.

The Perfect Group's restoration of Hengist has been carefully and sympathetically completed, paying close attention to the building's original features.

Note how the beautiful chocolate suede clad walls perfectly enhance the oak beams and the original stonework in the lobby; features which juxtapose to great effect with the decadence of the building's new décor.

Visiting Hengist is as much a lesson in fine interior design as it is a memorable eating experience.