FOOD + DRINK
THE SANDS BAR & GRILL , Margate
MARGATE HAS BEEN ON SOMEWHAT OF A JOURNEY ; REGENERATION , CULTURAL EDGE , AND FOODIE HAVEN NOW JUST SOME OF THE BUZZWORDS CONNECTED WITH KENT ’ S COOL COAST . PERFECTLY ENCAPSULATING HOW TO EMBRACE VICTORIAN SEASIDE LEGACY WITH MODERN BRITISH VIBES , THE SANDS BAR & GRILL IS A GEM OF SEASIDE SPLENDOUR WITH A CONTEMPORARY ARTISTIC FLAIR .
BY SAMANTHA READY
Located above Sands Hotel , Sands Bar & Grill not only offers a modern European menu , taking residents and guests from breakfast , through brunch and afternoon tea to dinner , but also unparalleled views across Margate Sands from its west-facing terrace , which offers year-round al-fresco dining when the weather allows .
Entry to the dining room is from the main entrance at 42 High Street , the road parallel to the seafront , and from the first steps across the threshold guests are greeted by a modern space and friendly welcome . The finish is contemporary with a classic edge . The high Victorain ceilings are subtly lit with spotlights and alcove downlights ; the floor-to-ceiling windows ( and doors to that terrace with spectacular views ) are framed with beautiful pleated drapes ; the decor offers a blend of textures , plants and some key contemporary installations including lifesize statues and metallic accents . Aside from the terrace and main dining room , which offers a mix of banquette seating and round tables with high back chairs , there is also a sleek curved white bar where you can pull up a bar stool to sample the cocktail menu beneath the crystal chandeliers – perfect for an espresso martini digestif !
When it comes to food , head chef Jamie Olive has embraced his Kentish seaside kitchen location to utilise a plethora of local and seasonal ingredients to create a modern European menu . His á la carte menu , which is available daily , harnesses the best local catch and classic flavour combinations .
With simple sections , the menu is actually anything but . Nibbles proffer delights such as the highly recommended Maldon rock oysters with shallot dressing ; thick , crunchy pork crackling straws , perfect to dip into the smoked apple sauce ; and homemade focaccia . The butterflied mackerel with romesco sauce , sea herbs and toasted almonds was our table starter favourite , closely followed by the delicate flavours of the fresh lobster and crab bisque .
As the name suggests , the menu offers a range of chargrill options for mains with a great variety away from the beef-heavy expectancy . Alongside the 32- day-aged 8oz sirloin and 10oz ribeye , why not opt for a marinated pork chop , Moroccan cauliflower steak or our table favourite , the whole south-coast plaice with caper mirin butter , perfectly paired with hasselback potatoes . Showcasing the flair of the kitchen team , the main course list also includes Sand ’ s buttermilk chicken burger , seared sea trout , and , befitting its location , beer-battered cod . My perfectly crisp battered fish elevated further with triple-cooked chips , samphire and sharp tartar sauce .
If you can make room , desserts are a delight too . As with all dishes , they are beautifully presented and pack a flavour punch . The dark chocolate and orange fondant offered rich , indulgent bittersweet wonder , while the Eton mess was a work of deconstructed art : delicate meringue kisses , zingy raspberry sorbet , Chantilly cream , fresh berries , and strawberry dust – in the words of Jamie Olive it is indeed ‘ simplicity done well ’.
With a delightful menu accompanied by a great locally sourced wine list , including Kentish heavyweights Hush Heath and Chapel Down , splendid views and impeccable service , Sands Bar & Grill should have you all wanting to be beside the seaside to dine here in a simplistic , but showstopping style .
Sands Bar & Grill 16 Marine Drive Margate CT9 1DH www . sandshotelmargate . co . uk / dine
sands _ bar _ grill
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