KENTSTAYCATION
KENT ’ S WATERSIDE CONT .
An unmissable pink-painted attribute to the town ’ s high street , which is not only a pretty sight but also a delightful experience for the tastebuds , is Wheeler ’ s Oyster Bar ( www . wheelersoysterbar . com ). Founded way back in 1856 , it has served delectable morsels and far more than just the famous Whitstable oyster ever since . We recommend visiting their counter which serves mouthwatering arancini ( think succulent crab and prawn ) to make any Italian proud and so many more divine deli-style items . Owner , Delia learnt the art of seafood working alongside her parents making everything from scratch including bread which is baked on the premises right through to the ice creams . Savour your treats on the beach and watch the sailors of Whitstable Yacht Club ( ww . wyc . org . uk ) create a picture-perfect scene out on the water as you eat .
For those looking for a tipple to have on Whitstable ’ s picturesque beach that ’ s sure to be thriving in the summer months , visit the bar at The Old Neptune ( www . thepubonthebeach . co . uk ), which sits in film-worthy style atop the pebbles . Serving Kentish ales such as Whitstable Bay Pale Ale ( www . shepherdneame . co . uk ) and Maidstone Distillery ’ s Ranscombe Wild Gin ( www . themaidstonedistillery . com ), you can sample some of Kent ’ s best drinks while soaking up one of the county ’ s favourite spots and most cherished views all at the same time . Nearby and also looking out to sea is Lobster Shack ( www . thelobstershack . co . uk ), a beach bar serving a selection of hot and cold seafood with daily specials , amazing local beers and wines , and lots of outdoor seating - great for admiring that ocean view . Neighbouring Tankerton Slopes blends Whitstable beach into one and is the perfect spot for families and groups of friends who are looking to spend the day at the shore . Make your time here all the more memorable , enjoyable and convenient by renting a beach hut through Whitstable Holidays ( www . whitstable-holidays . co . uk / beach-hut ). Sitting neatly in the front row with uninterrupted views , the beach hut is a cosy base providing the options to make a cup of tea , open a bottle of wine or snooze in the shade .
Another angelic little beach town that has a laidback barefoot surfer style to rival Cornwall ’ s coves is Broadstairs . The cherry on top of this archetypal beach town comes in the horse-shoe shape of Viking Bay . Lined with stripey beach huts and coming complete with a harbour , life-guard service , deck chair rental and the fantastic Kent Surf School
( www . kentsurfschool . co . uk ), there is plenty to keep everyone amused for hours on end at Viking Bay . As well as beachside shops , cafés and kiosks , the town of Broadstairs sits right behind , offering fresh gelato from Morelli ’ s Ice Cream Parlour ( www . morellisgelato . com ) and award-winning fish and chips at The Seafarer ( www . facebook . com / seafarerbroadstairs ). A favourite of Charles Dickens , the sandy bay , cliff-top promenade and boardwalk make Viking Bay a place of timeless beauty and excitement for all .
Jutting out into the ocean and rounding off the bay itself is the small jetty , which is home to the eponymous restaurant , Jetty Broadstairs ( www . jettybroadstairs . co . uk ). A bistro serving fresh , locally sourced food and drink in a relaxed and fun environment with unrivalled views over the harbour and beyond , this unique and inspiring coastal setting is the ideal location to savour the delicious assortment of dishes , complemented by gorgeous wines . After all , there ’ s nothing quite like a perfectly cold , crisp glass of wine next to the ocean while the sun sets . If you ’ re fancying breakfast or lunching while you stroll along the beach , a takeaway service offers a diverse range of street and seafood .
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