The Sportsman (Fish & seafood Restaurant)

“From the outside you would think you had arrived at a run down pub”, but Stephen Harris’s legendary, if “shabby looking” coastal tavern – “on the North Kent marshes near Whitstable” – is nigh on “the perfect pub”. Few establishments can match its consistency – “they get it spot on, every time, all of the time” – be it the “chilled-out” atmosphere; the utterly “charming” service; or his “inspired”, “honest”, “strongly-flavoured” cooking – most particularly “out-of-this-world fish dishes”. “Go – just go!” Top Menu Tips – “magnificent native oysters” and his “pitch-perfect slip sole with seaweed butter: the most delicious fish dish ever… and he makes his own butter!”

“The shabbinness, isolation and beautiful remoteness on the windswept north Kent cost are all part of the charm” of this “phenomenal” coastal pub, whose “unassuming style” (the harsh would say it looks “like a Harvester next to a caravan park”) gives no hint that it is one of the UK’s most popular gastronomic destinations. Owner, Stephen Harris, takes local produce, and creates “exciting”, “pitch-perfect” dishes (most notably on the 12-course tasting menu). “The fine food, the sea air and the scenery all justify the long trip – it’s like a day’s holiday.” Top Menu Tips – “to-die-for slip soles, and lamb cooked to pink perfection”.

It’s “one of the UK’s standout places to eat”, yet Stephen Harris’s “rather run-down-looking” coastal pub puts on “no airs and graces”, and delivers “really honest, beautiful and carefully prepared” food, “with real heart”.