FOOD + DRINK
THE EAST KENT , WHITSTABLE
A CHARMING FAVOURITE ON THE KENTISH COASTLINE , WHITSTABLE IS A SEASIDE TOWN WITH PEBBLED BEACHES , A BUSTLING HARBOUR AND A RENOWNED OYSTER MARKET . WITH SUCH FRESH FOOD AVAILABLE STRAIGHT FROM THE WATER , IT ’ S UNSURPRISING THAT THIS SUMMER-SEASIDE STAPLE IS FILLED WITH INCREDIBLE PLACES TO EAT . BY DAISY ELEANOR
From whimsical cafes along the highstreet to afternoon tea at Whitstable Castle , there ’ s something for everyone in the town , and , for visitors looking to enjoy a meal out in the British sunshine , The East Kent is a perfect choice .
Less than a 10-minute walk from the beach , The East Kent is a cosy pub that ’ s stood proudly in the town since 1802 . Located on Oxford Street , you ’ ll spot its name emblazoned in gold and know you ’ re in the right place . Stepping through the front door , the sunlit interior is instantly welcoming ; with dark wood floors , sage green walls and exposed brick , the ambience is relaxing and polished .
Outside is a sun-kissed sanctum of alfresco seating with an expansive patio and tall pergola to sit underneath . Under cover from the elements are tile tabletops , tasteful grey benches and chairs that feel intimate and homely . The entire garden follows suit and is secluded yet open , with circular picnic tables that make excellent spots for refreshments in the sunshine .
The East Kent has two kitchens : The EK Kitchen and Whitstable ’ s only Wood-Fire Kitchen . Located in the garden , The Wood- Fire Kitchen serves delicious slow-roasted lamb and authentic Italian pizzas for guests to enjoy in the fresh air . With everything from light grazing plates to hearty meals as well as vegetarian , vegan and gluten-free options , The East Kent ’ s menus are carefully crafted for every occasion .
Chef and owner Natalie Hennessy discussed the EK Kitchen menu with us , highlighting the precision of their dishes , each made with fresh , locally sourced ingredients and plenty of passion . We perused the timeless cocktail menu , also noting locally brewed lager on tap from Shepherd Neame , but deciding on espresso and pornstar martinis as well as a virgin mojito before ordering starters of pork belly bao buns , whipped mozzarella , duck pancakes and seared masala mackerel .
Our drinks and dishes came quickly , served to us by assistant manager , Molly . The pork belly bao buns were packed with the zingy flavours of sriracha mayo and coriander - an absolute table favourite that vegetarians will be glad to know can be supplemented with courgette in place of pork . The whipped mozzarella was equally delicious , with wood-fired flatbreads to dip into the soft , fluffy cheese and tangy green pesto . The chopped tomatoes on this dish elevated its freshness even further , pairing it well with the warmer starters . The duck pancakes came as components , with sliced cucumber and spring onion , hoisin sauce and oven-roasted duck to shred at the table ; great fun to assemble and a savoury treat for our taste buds . Lastly , we enjoyed seared masala mackerel and homemade roti with rich , smokey flavours that balanced exquisitely with creamy raita .
Soon enough , our mains arrived and each plate was both well-balanced and beautifully presented with creative flair . The chilli prawn linguine was an especially satisfying dish with a moreish tomato-chilli sauce and perfectly cooked prawns . The fresh sea air at The East Kent made for an
excellent place to enjoy the beer batter fish , too . With a classic crispy , salty coating , a generous serving of French fries and a side of delectable tartare sauce , this was a quintessential dish of the day . Next , crispy chicken with red Thai curry noodles resting on a bed of garden-fresh greens ; a splendid recommendation from Sarah , the succulent chicken was the clear star of the dish .
Not to be missed , the roasted lamb burger was also an absolute treat with halloumi , garlicky tzatziki and salty French fries that made for a well-rounded meal in the sunshine . The final dish we tasted was ovenroasted cod with harissa , preserved lemon and sliced courgette . Pairing the fish with sides of tenderstem broccoli and devilled butter potatoes , the result was a clean explosion of punchy flavours , although the oven-roasted cod itself was everything you could want from a meal : fragrant , spicy and best of all , it couldn ’ t have been fresher .
Our visit to The East Kent was a day out in the sun well spent , with excellent food , friendly service and a relaxing atmosphere . It is certainly a spot that lives up to its ‘ Eat . Drink . Be Happy ’ strapline and well worth a visit next time you head to Kent ’ s north coast .
The East Kent 72 Oxford St Whitstable CT5 1DA
theeastkentpub . com theeastkentpub www . insidekent . co . uk • 117