SPECIALFEATURE
The Lust List cont ...
THE WEST HOUSE FLORENCE ’ S ARTISAN BAKERY
GILDA BAKERY THE SPORTSMAN
The Sportsman , Seasalter
Offering a five-course tasting menu consisting of small , seasonal dishes which showcase the local environment , The Sportsman in Seasalter has retained its Michelin star to the present day , having held it since 2008 . This menu is put together day to day and includes recipes from the past 20 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 soil 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 .
DIVINE DINING … Ignite the flames of love with an affair of the senses .
The West House , Biddenden
Based in a 16th-century weaver ’ s cottage , The West House is a small family-run restaurant-with-rooms that boasts a reputation for fantastic food earned through chef-owner Graham ’ s focus on excellent delivery of Kent ’ s finest ingredients . Since opening , both Graham and the restaurant have been the recipients of numerous awards and accolades , with Graham ’ s food gaining the restaurant multiple awards and mentions in all of the major guidebooks .
STARK , Broadstairs
‘ Good food , laid bare ’ is the mantra that Michelin-star winning chef Ben Crittenden uses for STARK and its frequently changing seasonal six-course tasting menu . An intimate and relaxed restaurant , all that the Broadstairs-based husband and wife team ask of their guests is that they ‘ sit back , trust them with your dinner , and enjoy .’ Ben has been working as a chef since leaving school and is utterly dedicated to preparing and serving quality food made from the best seasonal ingredients .
Shampan , Westerham , Welling & Bromley
Shampan ’ s restaurants boast the kind of unfussy Indian food that has always been a magnet for locals and those beyond . Although keeping their menus deceptively simple , Shampan ’ s dishes are full of flavour and freshly prepared . From traditional items diners will have come to love from the Indian repertoire to their signature house creations , Shampan have won a strong following among those who are both new to cooking from the subcontinent and those wellversed , spice connoisseurs . From the cosy and ambient Bromley restaurant to the airy luxuriousness of the Westerham restaurant complete with ‘ wow ’ factor interiors , expect gorgeous surroundings as you dine .
PERFECT PASTRIES … Where masterful bakers craft confections that are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the taste buds .
Gilda Bakery , Bishopsbourne
Gilda Bakery is nestled in the heart of one of Kent ’ s prettiest villages amidst rolling green countryside and Jane Austen-style stately homes . The bakery was established by master in his trade , Jon Warren , who brings his rich culinary experience from one of the world ’ s food capitals , San Sebastian , to the Kent countryside . A delicious range of plain and flavoured loaves and decadent flaky pastries can be enjoyed alongside a coffee from next door Tadpoles Tearoom - but beware - these pastries are so good that you will not be able to stop thinking about them for the rest of 2024 .
Florence ’ s Artisan Bakery , Hythe
Delectable little artisan bakery freshly opened in Hythe . Specialising in pastry , expect divine croissants of all shapes , sizes and flavours , including highlights such as ‘ peanut butter creme patisserie and jam hugged inside a cruffin ’, house-made cardamom buns and out-of-this-world pain aux raisin . It doesn ’ t stop there ; enjoy good , strong cups of coffee too - served just how you like it .
White Finch Bakery , Meopham
A myriad of mesmerising cakes , beautiful brownies , scrumptious scones , perfect
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