Kent Restaurant Guide

“If you want to discover what fine food is all about without the flummery head here!” Stephen Harris’s famous seaside boozer on the marshes near Whitstable “is a surprise, as it looks scruffy, and the view from the back is of caravans and traffic cones”. But “it represents a somewhat magical and cherished escape to discover this remote yet first-class place, characterised by its modestness and very down-to-earth yet dedicated staff”. Key to the experience is the “out-of-this-world” food (from either the à la carte or tasting menu), “unfussily, yet superbly executed using fresh local produce” and its twinned with a wine list which, though less earth-shattering, represents “stunningly good value”. And while it looks “very unprepossessing” outside, the dining room is beautifully “light and airy”. “Fingers crossed they don’t wreck it by expanding the building”. Top Menu Tip – “the best ever homemade bread and butter” and “outstanding slip soles”.

“Revamped but still maintaining the original eating parlour” – this “quirky, mildly eccentric, and very English” institution (est. 1856) has survived enlargement largely unscathed, and still provides “a bizarre environment – like eating in someone’s front room” – that’s “as cosy as a teapot”. But “the modest frontage belies the superb cuisine inside”, where “sublime” yet “unfussy” seafood dishes are served at “fair prices”, and “BYO makes it a very good value experience” indeed. “I have had so much fun sitting in the ‘shop’ and falling into the most entertaining conversations with all types of people from a celebrated yet humble sax player, to a local plasterer, to a TV actor…”

“A lovely position with uninterrupted views of the most picturesque part of Folkestone Harbour and out to sea” is the crown jewel feature of Mark Sargeant’s “beautifully located” venture (“make sure you book a window table”). Its fish and seafood cuisine is far from incidental though, and most reports record “fantastic” results.

“Fine Indian food with a European twist, with some superb flavours and interesting combinations” consistently wins rave reviews for Div Biswal’s “relaxed” and “surprisingly great” pub-conversion, which “while perhaps not quite in the same league as London’s best Indians such as Quilon, offers fantastic value for money”: “I’ve visited at least 50 times and never had a bad meal!” See also Ambrette Canterbury.

An addition to Pete Cornwell’s four-strong, memorably named ‘I’ll Be Mother’ group three years ago – this relaunched country inn has made “an excellent addition to the local dining scene”; the rambling venue (set in 17 acres, with three lakes) offers “good food and service as well as an outstanding view from the terrace”.

“Picturesque” and “stylish” harbourside restaurant with “great views”, by Broadstairs beach – a “great place to savour fish”, but there’s “plenty more on the inventive menu”.

Simon Ulph’s “imaginative food from an interesting menu” wins high praise for this “cosy” venture, named for the number of diners this ‘test kitchen’ – part of the ‘I’ll be Mother’ group – can accommodate.

“Fantastic pizza traditionally cooked in a clay oven” is the draw to Gennaro Esposito’s “proper Neopolitan”, improbably located “in that well-known suburb of Naples, Herne Bay!”. Fun fact: it’s one of only two UK pizzerias accredited by Naples’ Associazione Verace Pizza.