FOOD + DRINK
KENTISH SUCCESS IN ESTRELLA DAMM TOP 10 GASTROPUBS LIST 2023
The Sportsman in Seasalter , The Kentish Hare in Bidborough , and The Fordwich Arms , near Canterbury have been named in Britain ’ s top 10 best gastropubs list .
It was a seventh-time listing for The Sportsman , the Shepherd Neame-owned site , run by brothers Stephen and Philip Harris , which scooped fourth place in the list which is determined by industry experts including food critics and writers , gastropub chefs and other food influencers .
Judges praised head chef Stephen Harris ’ menu for being sourced almost exclusively from the land surrounding the pub , with seaweed picked from the beach , homemade salt from the sea , and meat from ‘ bountiful ’ local farms .
Stephen Harris said : “ It is a really strong list – there are so many great places on it , so we are really pleased to go back up to fourth place . It is down to the hard work of the people here : we do it because we love it and we love the place .
“ I am very aware that it is a tricky time for a lot of businesses at the moment and we are just thankful that we are in a good position .”
STEPHEN HARRIS
The Tanner brothers secured a coveted number 5 slot for their welcoming The Kentish Hare near Tunbridge Wells . While Fordwich ’ s Michelin star debut offering from Dan and Tasha Smith , The Fordwich Arms came in at number 9 .
A ( RESTAURANT ) COUP FOR WHITSTABLE
The latest concept of chef and fire cooking enthusiast , Jim Thomlinson , Nip & Cluck has opened on the ground floor of The Workers League in Albert Street following a series of successful pop-ups with Thomlindson ’ s Merman brand at the venue during late 2022 .
Nip & Cluck offers Jim ’ s spin on the humble chicken shop , with a wood-fired and seaside twist . While the menu primarily focuses on a range of high-welfare , locally sourced fire-cooked chickens - served as whole , halves and bone out legs - the new project will stay true to Jim ’ s signature seafood style with flame-grilled local lobster served whole , half and as claws and tails , and other ‘ nippy ’ fruits of the sea such as crab , crayfish and langoustines popping up seasonally on the specials board .
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