KENT ’ S SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD SPOTS
FOOD + DRINK
SANKEY ’ S OLD FISH MARKET
AHOY !
KENT ’ S SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD SPOTS
WITH 350 MILES OF GLORIOUS COASTLINE , KENT IS AWASH WITH SUBLIME SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS HELPING TO KEEP THE COUNTY ’ S CENTURIES-OLD FISHING HERITAGE ALIVE AND THRIVING .
Fishing : one of mankind ’ s most ancient skills . It is safe to say that ever since humans walked upon this fair isle , the waters of Kent have forever been fished and our love of seafood has never waned . For all of Kent ’ s coastal towns , fishing and the trade that comes with it has played a crucial role in the development of the character and culture that defines them today .
Two such places in which fishing thrived the most were Folkestone and Ramsgate . Today , visitors can take a trip back in time and appreciate this heritage at Folkestone ’ s Fishing History and Heritage Museum . Here , a hands-on display shows fishing equipment , artefacts and fascinating historical pictures of former Folkestone fishermen and their boats . For those that want to get a real glimpse into the art of fishing and see fishermen in action , visit Ramsgate Harbour , which is still very much representative of its fishing heritage . According to www . fishingnews . co . uk , Ramsgate Harbour started with humble beginnings , but swiftly became a major fishing spot in southern England . “ After a major storm on 16 December 1748 , which caused considerable damage to many vessels off the Thanet coast , it was decided to develop Ramsgate harbour as a safe haven . Fishing expanded at a rapid pace . In 1863 , there were some 50 fishing boats registered at Ramsgate , and by 1873 this figure had risen to around 140 . It would eventually peak at 185 . By 1890 , there were over 300 fishing vessels using Ramsgate , from as far away as Brixham and Lowestoft . During these boom times , the daily autumn herring catch could reach 150 tonnes .”
No matter which coastal Kent town you visit , remnants of a history with fishing is certain to be seen , celebrated and still practised . Come 2023 , this heritage blends seamlessly into a blissful modernage of seafood dining , with every one of Kent ’ s seaside towns being home to an eclectic mix of both fishmongers and seafood restaurants . Whether they be traditional traders reflecting the skills of our ancestors , or modern brasseries embracing alternative twists and international influences on classic dishes , Kent has plenty to pick from . Here are just some of insideKENT ’ s favourites :
Sankey ’ s Old Fish Market , Tunbridge Wells @ sankeysrtw
Situated in the Old Fishmarket building in the heart of The Pantiles , Sankey ' s exclusive Champagne and seafood bar has become a real jewel in the town ' s crown . Serving a wide range of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world , it is a fabulous place to relax and enjoy the very best British fish and shellfish in a romantic setting full of charm and character . Specialising in oysters and shellfish , a range of oysters never before seen in the town include catches from Carlingford , Colchester , Lindisfarn and The Duchy of Cornwall to name but a few . Fresh crabs and lobsters from Cornwall arrive live and direct from Cadgwith Cove and are dressed by the expert chefs on site daily .
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