FOOD + DRINK
FIT FOR A KING CONT .
HIDE AND FOX
THE SPORTSMAN
BRIDGE ARMS
From ancient inns with crooked beams and crackling open fires , to slick restaurants with marble-topped bars and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that frame scenes of the roaring English Channel , Kent is the ultimate place to delight every sense . Proud home to a host of notoriously exquisite fine-dining experiences , exceptional tasting menus , perfectly paired wines , elevated gastropubs and the creators who carefully crafted them - Kent will undoubtedly have any epicurean captivated . Here are just some of insideKENT ’ s selected fine-dining experiences , fit for foodies and royalty alike :
Hide and Fox , Saltwood www . hideandfox . co . uk
Sitting neatly in the pretty village of Saltwood in what was once the village shop , is the curiously named Hide and Fox . Although a neighbourhood restaurant , Hide and Fox takes on a contemporary identity in everything from food to decor . Serving vibrant modern cuisine , Hide and Fox revel in their friendly and informal atmosphere , which embraces an accessible fine dining experience with a relaxed and unpretentious approach . Praised by the Michelin Guide for its unique identity and take on food and having already claimed three AA Rosettes , Hide and Fox was first awarded their Michelin star in January 2021 which it retained for this year ’ s Michelin announcements in March . Head chef Allister chooses every ingredient with a focus on the best quality and designs menus to showcase the season . With the help of their meticulously selected suppliers , their aim is to source only the best produce available , locally where possible .
Offering a carefully crafted five or eight course tasting menu , as well as hand selected wine pairings managed by the genius of Alice , Allister ’ s sommelier wife .
The Sportsman , Seasalter www . thesportsmanseasalter . co . uk
Offering a five-course tasting menu consisting of small , seasonal dishes which showcase the local environment , The Sportsman has retained its Michelin star for 2023 , having held it since 2008 . This menu is put together day to day and includes recipes from the past twenty years along with new ideas . An inn has stood here since 1642 and The Sportsman ’ s reputation still brings diners from across the country to this windswept spot by the sea wall . The Thames Estuary provides wonderfully fresh fish and oysters , and the adjacent marshes , woods and soils provide meat , game and vegetables . The daily changing five-course menu is displayed on blackboards next to the bar and , while the place has a comfortingly traditional feel , the dishes mix old favourites with newer ideas . Cooking is assured and satisfying , with seamless flavour combinations and an understated level of complexity .
Bridge Arms , near Canterbury www . bridgearms . co . uk
Retaining their Michelin star for 2023 , this Grade II listed 16th century pub sits in the charming village of Bridge within the Nailbourne Valley and its low beams and fireplaces add plenty of character . The Michelin Guide comments : “ The kitchen knows to keep things simple when it ’ s called for – such as the fish cooked on the grill – but there ’ s plenty of imagination evident in the snacks and other skilfully executed dishes which deliver sophistication and refinement ; whatever you choose you ’ ll find the food immeasurably satisfying , comforting and nourishing .”
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