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The tomato base on both is wonderfully flavoursome , as is the perfectly melted cheese . Fresh pizza at its finest .
Other dishes come thick and fast from the kitchen , brought to us by landlord Andrew Hennessey . It is because of Andrew and his wife Natalie that The East Kent ’ s eclectic menu has its acclaimed Australian twist . Leading chef and restaurant professionals , Natalie and Andrew Hennessy took over this landmark pub in 2018 . After 15 years of Natalie working in Australia and setting up her own bistro , the couple relocated to Kent , Andrew tells us . Not only is this wonderfully laid back beach-style approach reflected in the ambience of the pub , but also the menu . Australian highlights entwine with Whitstable ’ s identity as a fishing town , resulting in dishes such as the famous white fish tacos and crab tostadas . The battered fish in the tacos is beautifully fried , dolloped with tartare sauce , reminiscent of traditional English fish and chips , yet modernised with the global influence of jalapeno mayo . The crab tostadas are yet another example of this blend of Kentish coastal tradition combined with
global cheffing influence and both dishes make for bites of ultimate flavour sensation .
This is again explored in the form of the bao buns with pork belly , sriracha mayo and coriander . These bites are perfectly sized , the fluffy buns encasing a filling that really packs a flavour punch . Perhaps the most obvious Australian-inspired dish on the menu however , is the appropriately named ‘ All Aussie Burger ’. This is an absolute must for burger lovers . A rich part-beef part-kangaroo patty with the ultimate high-quality burger texture comes topped with melted cheese and bacon . Smeared with a delectable pickle chutney and encased by a fluffy bun , this is burger bliss - especially when eaten in the sunshine and accompanied with perfectly salted golden fries and a glass of Shepherd Neame ’ s finest beer .
Yet another global influence is added into our meal when The East Kent ’ s signature slowroasted lamb is placed in front of us . A sharing platter for two , this dish almost transports us to a Greek Island , consisting of lamb slow-roasted overnight in the wood-fired oven and served
with flatbreads , tzatziki , hummus and an iceberg salad topped with sheeps ’ cheese and drizzled with a lemon and oregano dressing . Perfectly tender and utterly delicious , this is the ultimate platter to enjoy at The East Kent when the sun is high in the sky and your day has been spent exploring Whitstable .
Never a group to turn down desserts , we order banoffee pie , Biscoff cheesecake , key lime pie and a chocolate brownie , each with either fresh cream or ice cream . A scrumptiously sweet and satisfying end to our meal in the sun , we spent as much time soaking up the atmosphere as we do savouring the sweetness of these puds .
The East Kent 72 Oxford Street Whitstable CT5 1DA
theeastkentpub . com
@ theeastkentpub theeastkentpub
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