FOOD + DRINK
Rocksalt
2016 ; clearly a fan , it ’ s not the first time Kelly has ventured to the Folkestone favourite as she ’ s also been papped at the same restaurant with her partner Jeremy Parisis . rocksaltfolkestone . co . uk
The West House , Biddenden A former 16th-century weaver ’ s cottage on Biddenden High Street , this diminutive family-run restaurant and previous holder of a Michelin star amongst many other accolades that still stand today packs a serious punch when it comes to star power . Opened by Graham and Jackie Garrett in 2002 , the restaurant has a stellar reputation for excellent food , largely earned through Graham ’ s focus on the finest local ingredients . Gregg Wallace , who lives locally , has raved about the restaurant , Coldplay drummer Will Champion is a regular , and Cate Blanchett and Julian Clary have also been known to grace its tables . thewesthouserestaurant . co . uk
The Ragged Trousers , Tunbridge Wells Former Newsround presenter and Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba is known for being a down-to-earth , lovely guy , so much so that he often takes his wife Portia and her parents out for dinner at The Ragged Trousers for some hearty Anglo-French cuisine . The presenter and actor even headed to the Pantiles-based eatery for a pre-Christmas Sunday lunch with his family just days after lifting the prestigious glitterball trophy with dance partner Joanne Clifton . theragged . co . uk
TOP 100 UK PLACES TO EAT 2024 - KENTISH ENTRIES :
IN 51st PLACE … The Sportsman in Seasalter , a fine dining restaurant with an incredibly strong reputation thanks to a top-tier menu crafted using only the very best local ingredients . thesportsmanseasalter . co . uk
IN 69th PLACE … The Small Holding in Goudhurst , a restaurant and farm in Kilndown with a set menu that celebrates the best local ingredients across the region , delivering a unique connection between the land and our table . smallholdingrestaurant . com
IN 82nd PLACE … Broadstairs ’ acclaimed restaurant Stark , the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Thanet and one of four in the whole of Kent . Catch this intimate , relaxed restaurant serving the finest seasonal ingredients while you can – Stark relocates to Essex next month ! starkfood . co . uk
IN 84th PLACE … The Fordwich Arms in Fordwich – officially England ’ s smallest town ; accomplished yet approachable seasonal menus focusing on provenance , showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients and sourced directly from local farms and producers . fordwicharms . co . uk
IN 85th PLACE … Wheelers Oyster Bar ; the oldest restaurant in Whitstable based in a charming bright pink and blue painted townhouse on the high street . Serves an ever-changing menu of seafood dishes cooked using fresh produce caught by local fishermen . wheelersoysterbar . com
IN 95th PLACE … Hide and Fox in Saltwood ; modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment , with a focus on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients and fine wines . hideandfox . co . uk www . insidekent . co . uk • 107