Whether you’re after the freshest fish or the most imaginative vegan places, great food for families or a friendly welcome for four-legged friends, you’ve spoken (or, rather, voted) regarding your favourite restaurants in the county. Read on for the results!
Winner: The Dog at Wingham
A worthy winner, The Dog is at the heart of its local community, with a regular programme of events, from food tasting extravaganzas and laid-back jazz nights to the very popular villagers’ summer lunch, ‘a celebration of community spirit and togetherness’. Its mix of a great welcome, first-rate food and stylish atmosphere have ensured your votes, and an additional attraction is that you can stay in one of its lovingly designed boutique bedrooms if you’re too full to shift after sampling one of head chef Robert Mantega's gourmet dinners. So what sort of dishes can you look forward? Plenty of seasonal, local fare, that’s for certain, with imaginative options such as whipped ricotta tart served with roasted globe artichoke and black olive & sweet onion ketchup, John Dory with seaweed pressed potato and lemon verbena beurre blanc, or a perfectly executed pub classic, like a smashed burger. Then round everything off with a sweet treat, such as Kentish cherry clafoutis with caramelised white chocolate ice cream. A good-value set menu plus a menu for children ensure that there’s something for very sort of budget and every size of appetite.
thedog.co.uk
Highly Commended The Kings Arms, Elham
Another great local pub with wider appeal – the 16th-century, grade-11 listed Kings Arms lived up to its name, having undergone a full refurb in celebration of the King’s coronation in 2023. Today, visitors can relax in a colourful, quirky setting that reflects the warmth of the hospitality that you can expect here. The menu includes classics with a twist, such as chorizo Scotch egg and char-grilled chicken Caesar salad, with plenty of local fish on offer too. Just as alluring is the range of great local brews on tap – there’s always a guest ale from the county and you can enjoy the Maylam family’s Bonagold Canterbury Cider, produced just round the corner. Wines from Kent are available too. With the same award-winning team as that behind other local favourites, The Marquis of Granby in Alkham and The Tiger Inn, Stowting, it’s little wonder that this pub continues to maintain and build upon its loyal following.
kingsarmselham.com
BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
Winner: The Captain Digby, Broadstairs
What defines a great family restaurant? Open arms and practical considerations for guests of all ages (think high chairs and baby changing facilities) and good food, certainly – but having areas in which kids can play while their adults enjoy a relative bit of peace and quiet are a God send. The pirate-themed Digby delivers, with its very own soft play area inside, conveniently placed close to the family dining seating, to ensure you can keep an eye on little ones from the comfort of your table. On a sunny day, there is plenty of outdoor seating too, swings and slides and of course those lovely views over Kingsgate Bay to feast upon. Talking of feasting, a child-friendly menu featuring those classic favourites of chicken nuggets, burgers and pizza should keep even the fussiest diners satisfied, with an allergen-free menu available, too. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy hearty portions of fish & chips or perhaps a steak, all washed down with a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers. An understandable choice for a fun family meal out.
captaindigby.co.uk
Highly Commended: The Seaview Restaurant at The Sir Stanley Gray, Pegwell Bay Hotel, Ramsgate
It's another success for Thorley Taverns, which also owns The Captain Digby Booking yourself a family room at the hotel means you can really relax and make a stay of it – perhaps factoring some seal-spotting at Pegwell Bay itself or a visit to Ramsgate in to your plans. From the hotel, start with a little adventure as you take the subterranean tunnel under the road to the adjacent bar restaurant. Here, the whole family should love food from fish & chips and burgers, to Sunday roasts and desserts including a very tempting homemade Bailey’s & white chocolate cheesecake, while the outdoor play area with its nautical theme should make wannabee pirates of even the most committed landlubbers. And then there are those incredible sea views – no wonder all this found favour with our voters!
pegwellbayhotel.co.uk
'Thank you to our lovely customer who voted for us! We couldn't do it without you!' Bex Butchard, The Seaview Restaurant, Pegwell Bay
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Winner: Albion House, Ramsgate
Your votes have told us that a side order of historic, boutique chic goes down a treat with brunch. Albion House, dating from the 18th century and once the chosen bolthole for Princess (later Queen) Victoria when she needed to recuperate after illness, is today a quietly glamorous hotel whose dining rooms are open to non residents. Just a glance at its brunch menu makes it easy to see why Albion House has scooped the award in this category. The sort of dishes to tuck into (perhaps after a walk on the sands, when you’ve had a chance to build up your appetite) might include not a mere rasher of bacon but a whole bacon chop, served with potato hash, a fried egg and maple syrup – yum! For something sweet, try the poached rhubarb crumble with Swedish custard, or a freshly-baked chocolate brownie. As a decadent option, and with food served at a time that won’t cut into your whole day, Albion House has understandably proved a winner with you.
albionhouseramsgate.co.uk
Highly Commended:
Sheldon Spa, Sheldwich nr Faversham
‘We aim to make everyone feel truly nurtured, both inside and out – whether it’s as a spa guest or just to eat. We’ll wait on you hand, foot and finger!’ So says Sheldon Spa’s owner Joanna Jones, making it instantly easy to see why her venue's won the hearts of Kent Life voters. As with the popular lunch and afternoon tea menu here, brunch dishes (served 9.30 am to midday) are cooked to order by renowned chef, Neil Evans, who makes everything here himself - not just dishes and deserts, but marmalades, jams and breads too. There's a strong emphasis on using the most local of produce. Explains Joanna, 'We grow strawberries, peppers, lettuces, herbs, micro-garnishes and tomatoes on-site to ensure quality, and if we don’t grow it ourselves, we’ll source it from a local grower. Guests are asked both to pre-book and pre-order, so that food waste and food miles are kept to a minimum, 'and of course it allows for the meticulous management of any food allergies or dietary preferences.'
Those popping in for brunch appreciate not only this outstanding level of TLC but options including gluten-free pancakes served with fruit and coconut yoghurt, home-made baked beans, sliced avocado, portobello mushrooms and crispy streaky bacon to boot. Joanna and her team also aim to find every visitor the perfect dining spot: ‘We’ve fed people poolside, on their lounger, in our teepee, marquee or outside in our established garden when the UK weather allows! Seeing our diners' faces full of delight as they tuck into Neil's expertly crafted, delicious food is a real joy and the complete reward,' says Joanna.
sheldonspa.co.uk
Winner: Hempstead House, Sittingbourne
The tinkle of teaspoon upon china… the elegant setting… the delicious combination of savoury and sweet treats: Kent Life readers clearly appreciate afternoon tea. And you’ve chosen as your winner in the county the generous and beautifully-presented tea-time selection served in Hempstead House’s Lakeside dining room, an opulent space full of period charm. It’s a decidedly classic experience – sandwiches include cream cheese & cucumber, egg mayonnaise or smoked salmon, there are fruit and plain scones on offer, as well as a selection of cakes you’ll definitely want to allow room for. Just as you’d expect, drinks include a wide range of speciality teas and filtered coffee to choose from, and those celebrating a special occasion (or just ‘because…’) can upgrade and enjoy a glass of Chapel Down fizz. Ended up saying yes to that second cake and feeling a little too full afterwards? Head for a walk around the grounds, or indeed for the inhouse AquaManda gym and spa. You don’t even need to go home (and you probably won’t want to!): simply book into one of the hotel’s beautifully appointed rooms and make a stay of it. Then you can see how breakfast, lunch and dinner compare with afternoon tea here!
hempsteadhouse.co.uk
Highly Commended: The Yarrow Hotel, Broadstairs
There’s much that makes tea at The Yarrow enjoyable, but we know that the chance it affords to to support up and coming culinary talent is an additional appeal for KL voters. Supporting the hotel’s professional staff are students from Broadstairs College catering and hospitality departments, who get the chance both to hone their skills and showcase their abilities. Afternoon tea here has long been considered a Yarrow speciality, with homemade scones and cakes and savoury snacks on offers, plus deliciously light pastries freshly made by aspiring student chefs, working under the watchful eye of executive head chef, Ben Williams and head chef, Sam Spratt. If you want to see another aspect of the young team's hospitality skills, book a stay here.
yarrowhotel.co.uk
BEST ATMOSPHERE
Winner: Bank House, Chislehurst
What keeps customers coming back for more (and more) to Bank House – and Kent Life readers voting it the county’s most atmospheric restaurant? A combination of elements executed to a superb standard, all brought together by Stuart and Cecilia Gillies, a couple who know exactly what they’re doing (she has years of high-level restaurant experience and he is both an award-winning chef and the former CEO of Gordon Ramsay’s empire). Yes, there’s great food – but there’s also a plethora of events and occasions on Bank House’s calendar that bring a real buzz to the place, from bottomless brunches hosted by a DJ who’ll get everyone’s toes tapping, to cocktail nights when guests have the chance to sample the latest drinks, created by the crack team of in-house mixologists. Devotees say they appreciate the super-stylish setting, too – plenty of warm copper, bronze and brass tones and reclaimed features, such as the original bank’s vault repurposed as wine storage. And with so many of Bank House’s team connected with Chislehurst, there’s a real community sense here too – you’ll get a friendly welcome in this most glamorous and lively of settings.
bankhousechislehurst.com
Highly Commended: Jetty, Broadstairs
‘It’s summertime in bistro form’ enthuses one regular visitor to Jetty, former estate-agent Christian Miles’ seaside venture. This is a happy, friendly place, whatever the weather and whatever time of year (although of course sunshine does add a certain something to any visit here…). Diners pop in for fresh fish simply and beautifully cooked, plus imaginative specials – seared tuna & salmon sashimi, for instance. There’s a crowd-pleasing kids’ menu, too, which includes mini Jetty cheeseburgers and local St Peter’s sausages. On a fine day and with an outside table, guests understandably love to linger here, drinking in those gorgeous views across Viking Bay and savouring the supremely relaxing vibe.
jettybroadstairs.co.uk
Winners: The Cook’s Tale Canterbury and Tallow Southborough
It’s a tie here for two outstanding but very different Kent restaurants. Multi-award-winning Dev Bishwal’s The Cook’s Tale in Canterbury brings not only a sense of occasion to every meal, but a sense of adventure, too: a brilliant example being his exotic roast lunch, where options include leg of goat or lamb, both served with gently spiced roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, onion bhaji, gravy and Yorkshire pudding. Presentation is beautiful – but this certainly isn’t about style over substance. Robert and Donna Taylor’s Tallow in Southborough was named Local Restaurant of the Year in 2023 by the Good Food Guide and is included in the Michelin Guide, no less. Again, both food and presentation here are top-drawer, with wonderful attention to detail (even the bread and flavoured butter is house-made, tickling the taste buds with unusual flavour combinations from the get-go). What both our winners have in common, though, is the sense that you’re somewhere truly special and attentive service that's delightfully unstuffy.
thecookstale.co.uk; tallowrestaurant.co.uk
"The team takes great pride in a job well done and they're extremely happy to receive such an accolade.
"While recognition by judges from major national guides is gratifying - particularly as we attract many gastro-tourists to the area - it's Kent residents who are the lifeblood of our business.To be honoured by such a high-quality local magazine as Kent Life, then, is especially satisfying.'
Dev Bishwal, The Cook's Tale, Canterbury
Highly commended: Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company
What a lovely spot this Whitstable stalwart is – the twinkle of candle- and-fairylights, not to mention the very freshest of seafood (worthy of a mention in the Michelin Guide), keeping our voters combing back time after time. No, this isn’t ‘fine dining’ in the sense of endless courses, cheffiness and starched white linen (we’re talking gingham table-cloths here) but there’s finesse in the execution – and if rock oysters Rockerfeller (with black truffle and Champagne) doesn’t constitute fine dining, our voters don’t know what does! There restaurant is also home to a private dining space complete with impressive chandelier for exclusive entertaining.
whitstableoystercompany.com
BEST FOR DOGS
Winner: Macknade, Faversham
Clearly as popular with four-legged customers as it is with two, food village – now in its fourth ear as a vibrant outdoor dining and drinking space - is decidedly dog-friendly. Expect plenty of room for wandering around, bowls of water and perhaps the odd titbit – canine visitor Max certainly enjoyed tucking into a bone from the inhouse butcher recently. Owners will be kept busy visiting pop-up stores selling all sorts of street food, from pizza to tacos to crepes and Asian fusion food.
macknade.com
Highly Commended: The White Horse, Dover
This legendary Dover pub, the oldest in town, with its 700-year old building, ghosts and scribbled signatures from channel swimmers on its walls, has long been a favourite with KL readers. They know they’ll get a warm welcome, a great pint and the sort of hearty food to keep a person going: a steak with onion rings and chunky chips, for instance. All this can be enjoyed in the knowledge that visitors' pooches will be welcome, too, with bowls of water, perhaps the odd treat. You''d be barking mad to head for a dog walk in Dover without stopping here afterwards.
facebook.com/whitehorsedover
Winner: The Goods Shed Restaurant, Canterbury
A natural winner, the restaurant here – under the direction of chef Jackson Berg, previously of St John’s in London, brings a fresh take on what it means to cook with what nature puts in front of you. The wonderful indoor market that the restaurant sits within serves as a larder, with fish from Ramsgate, local meat and freshly picked fruit and veg – much of it from the Goods Shed’s own land – mean farm-to-fork eating is a delicious reality here. A venison scrumpet (rather like a rissole) served with pickled walnut and pork shoulder with celeriac sound exactly like the sort of dish we want to be eating this autumn.
thegoodsshed.co.uk/restaurant/
The Fordwich Arms, Fordwich
No one could accuse the kitchen at Daniel and Natasha Smith’s Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms of failing to make the most of the Garden of England’s bounty. Daniel and his team offer all sorts of menus, from vegan to vegetarian to pescatarian, tasting to a la carte, plus a Sunday lunch and weekday set lunches and if there’s one thing they all have in common, it’s the desire to use local ingredients whenever possible - guinea fowl from the Stour Valley, for instance, is just one of the seasonal delights on the menu, with local wines and cheeses also well represented.
fordwicharms.co.uk
BEST FOR VEGGIES/VEGANS
Winner: The Wallflower Café, Herne Bay
Soul food’s what they’re selling and soul food’s what you’ll get at Herne Bay’s The Wallflower, with an exceptional 100% vegan menu winning your hearts and votes. It’s the sort of place to bring carnivorous friends who’ll never miss the meat – why would they, when the vegan sausage and bacon is so good, those beans are smokey, and the mushroom hoisin wrap is packed with unami flavour? Specials are seasonal and change weekly – you might find chickpea and sweet potato curry on the menu, or perhaps a vegan chilli with all the trimmings. Gluten-free options are on offer too and many of the main meals include sides of hand-cut chips or a generous portion of salad. Desserts cakes, bakesand luscious banana pancakes. The vegan ethos goes beyond the menu – all the café’s teabags, take-away cups, cutlery and napkins are compostable and the team only use vegan cleaning products. You probably won’t be surprised to hear, too, that animals are welcome.
vegan-cafe.co.uk
Highly Commended Secret Spices, Margate
This Asian favourite has plenty of traditional Indian meat dishes on its menu, but has won plaudits for its vegetarian and vegan nights, where dishes have included scrumptious curries from jalfrezi to vindaloo. With such a wide range to enjoy, it’s an ideal choice of restaurant for a group featuring mixed food preferences.
secretspicesonline.co.uk
Winner: The Pig at Bridge Place
The pandemic forced The Pig, like so many other places, to lie low – which is presumably why you’ve voted it best newcomer, despite the fact it opened in 2019. So much to enjoy here: the bucolic setting (infact in the very village that The Pig’s co-founder Judy Hutson grew up in), and a kitchen that makes use of fruit and veg grown on site, with a menu that can change as much as twice daily depending what’s in season. From the county comes Folkestone fillet of bream, Morghew Estate potatoes and salad grown in The Pig’s own walled garden – - all on a special 25-mile menu, committed, as its name suggests to serving food from within that radius of the hotel. Local Hoaden Court Farm apricot meringue served with honey from The Pig’s own hives is a pudding option, along with ‘0-radius’ (so presumably grown-on site) gooseberry trifle. Local cheeses such as Winterdale Shaw will appeal to dairy fans. A very worthy winner - and one that makes us excited to think what the Pig's next opening - at Groombridge, just outside Tunbridge Wells and pencilled in for 2025, will bring...
thepighotel.com/at-bridge-place
Highly Commended: Colina Margate
Colina means hill in Spanish – and to reach this new restaurant, at the heart of Fort Road Hotel, you have to climb to the highest point in Margate. Our voters agree, though, it’s worth expending a little energy and working up an appetite for dinner here. And whatever the British weather throws at us, voters clearly appreciate the taste of sunshine that Colina’s menu offers with its Southern European influence – think food inspired by the cuisines of Naples, Greece and Andalusia. Either share a tapas-lie selection of plates or plump for a special. The shrimp burger sounds like a winner to us – though we must say we’re rather torn between that and the lamb merguez, fregola and broad-bean salad. We might just save time and go for them both!
fortroadhotel.com
Winner: Buoy and Oyster, Margate
Easy to see why this family-run favourite was your winning choice – a lovely setting, all glass and seaside colours (tables on the front balcony offer views across the water) and a catch-of-the-day taste to everything on its vibrant menu, plus days when locals can eat at a reduced rate, happy hours and unlimited mussels on certain Wednesdays. Popular choices include beer-battered oysters, whole local crab and a sharing platter that features grilled octopus and lobster.
buoyandoyster.com
Highly commended: Wheelers Oyster Bar, Whitstable
There are many excellent fish restaurants in Whitstable, but for our readers, Wheeler’s is certainly the go-to choice, with voters clearly appreciating the combination of informality and an incredible range of seafood to sample, from guiness-battered oysters to lobster lasagne, crab cakes to sea bream. You could argue that, having been going strong since 1856, the pink-fronted restaurant’s had plenty of time to get its menu very, very right but it takes no little skill and commitment to maintain standards for so long and helping to maintain and build on the brilliant consistency here is head chef Mark Stubbs, who has himself been bringing his expertise to the venue for over quarter of a century. Want to push the boat out and sample a range of dishes? Our top tip is to go for the Wheelers tasting menu, which is sure to surprise and delight in equal measure.
wheelersoysterbar.com
