insideKENT Magazine Issue 108 - April 2021 | Page 45

DINING in Kent

KENTSTAYCATION
WITH LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS SOON TO BE EASING , WE ’ RE ALL DREAMING OF THE DAY THAT WE CAN VENTURE OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE FOR A MEAL , AND LET ’ S FACE IT , COME RAIN OR SHINE , WE WILL BE GOING ! WHETHER YOUR TASTE BUDS ARE TINGLING FOR SEAFOOD ON THE WATERFRONT , OR YOU ’ RE JUST IN NEED OF SOME GOOD OLD PUB GRUB AND A COLD GLASS OF KENTISH CIDER IN A BEAUTIFUL BEER GARDEN , WE HAVE SERVED UP SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS WHICH ARE NOT TO BE MISSED THIS SUMMER !
THE PIG & STY
The Pig & Sty , Bethersden
Located just a short drive from Bethersden village , in the heart of the Kentish countryside , the Pig and Sty is a Grade II listed public house in a beautiful setting . Not long renovated by the Elite Pub Group , the place oozes with historical character , with its traditional fireplaces , exposed brickwork and Dering windows . An ecofriendly menu showcases some of the best local produce , offering a variety of classic and international dishes – this is pub food with a twist . One of the pub ’ s best assets though , has to be its garden . The huge space boasts views across the surrounding fields and beyond , there ’ s even a beautiful wooden play area for the kids making this a great pick for family dining too . A great little spot to watch the sunset , whilst enjoying a mouthwatering , wood-fired pizza and glass of chilled , local wine – perfection .
www . elitepubs . com / the-pig-and-sty
Secret Garden , Mersham le Hatch
This secret hideaway in the Mersham-le-Hatch estate is a real gem destination . Situated in an elegantly converted 19th century coach house , the Secret Garden restaurant serves up hearty , seasonal dishes , with all ingredients sourced from the onsite walled gardens or local farms and suppliers . For the best experience here select an outdoor terrace table and take in the fantastic views over the tranquil walled gardens , which you can later explore . Renowned for its afternoon teas , indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches , sausage rolls and a choice of homemade cakes , you can also have a bottle of bubbly to celebrate a special occasion . Whether it be late lunch with friends , an afternoon tea treat for mum , or a romantic meal for two , dining on the terrace here will have you feeling as though you ’ ve dined abroad – even better when the sun ’ s out !
www . secretgardenkent . co . uk
Buoy and Oyster , Margate
Looking for the ultimate seafood haunt with great coastal views ? Buoy and Oyster might just be the one for you ! Opened in 2015 by husband and wife team Simon and Nadine , the restaurant has continued to grow and expand into the triumph it is today . Now in its fifth year , the restaurant proudly holds 2 AA rosettes and a whole host of other awards , all credit to its incredible food and service . As the name suggests , oysters feature on the menu here , along with a whole variety of platters and fish dishes , it ’ s very apparent that head chef Craig Edgell has a great passion for seafood . Sit on the terrace facing the sea , tuck into delicious dishes and enjoy a cocktail or 2 – it ’ s simple , minimal but so well executed .
www . buoyandoyster . com
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