FOOD + DRINK
Edible Bucket List cont ...
BEARS ICE CREAM THE BRIDGE ARMS
developed from scratch , Bears Ice Cream uses only the highest quality ingredients , sourcing milk from Jersey to create their selection of in-house churned , plant-based flavours . Founded in 2016 by Phil Harrison and Vera Thórdardóttir , the ice cream parlour - alongside its sister location in London - has become an Instagrammable hotspot , attracting both locals and visitors to their doors .
In the shop , customers have the chance to get creative and mix their own flavour by choosing from over 40 toppings , which can be dipped , rolled or smashed into the ice cream , allowing for an endless combination of flavours and textures to be created . A fun visit for all the family , Bears Ice Cream is sure to provide a treat for your sweet tooth this new year . For those looking to combine one of Bears ’ unique ice cream flavours with the perfect at-home dessert , their website features a blog series with delicious recipes to make with little ones .
bearsicecream . co . uk
PERFECT FOR A DATE NIGHT : Thackeray ’ s , Tunbridge Wells
Standout dish : Soufflé ! Changes seasonally from classic strawberry to spiced pumpkin with gingerbread
Thackeray ’ s is a restaurant that offers seasonal menus , local produce and a warm atmosphere in the historic building that was once the home of author William Makepeace Thackeray . An ideal spot for date night dining , the restaurant ’ s fairy-tale cottage feel with slanted panels and sloping floors combines a homey background with the elevated dining experience . Led by head chef , Patrick Hill , Thackeray ’ s core values of provenance , attention to detail and creativity shine true with every dish they serve , staying ahead of food trends and flavours of the month with consistent tasty meals for all kinds of appetites .
Thackeray ’ s prides itself on being a dining option available to everyone from fledgling couples on first dates to those celebrating milestone anniversaries or newlyweds . Designed with accessibility in mind , their menus cover varying price points and levels of sophistication , featuring everything from daily lunch menus with affordable bites to indulgent chef ’ s tasting menus for those looking to push the boat out a little .
thackerays-restaurant . co . uk
MOST AWARD-WINNING : Bridge Arms , Canterbury
Standout dish : Short rib of Hereford beef with hand cut fries
Originally a coaching inn from the 16th century , the Bridge Arms is a Grade II listed pub that has been restored to its former glory under the ownership of Daniel and Natasha Smith . Gaining their first Michelin star in February 2022 , the team at the Bridge Arms are dedicated to combining the fine dining experience with a family-friendly atmosphere in the rural village of Bridge that they call home .
The Bridge Arms ’ menus are produce-driven with a focus on seasonality and provenance that supports local suppliers and highlights the very best of British ingredients . Offering a daily menu alongside a four-course
tasting menu , their dishes are often cooked in a Josper oven using charcoal produced from a local Kentish woodland . From their daily menu , guests can enjoy dishes including Maldon rock oysters , chickpea panisse with confit garlic mayonnaise and Scottish langoustine , with the option of a set menu at varying lunch and dinner times throughout the week .
bridgearms . co . uk
MOST ATMOSPHERIC : The Blue Pelican , Deal
Standout dish : Venison saddle with goji blackberries and sorrel
A hub of Japanese-inspired dining , seasonal cocktails and small bites , The Blue Pelican is an absolute must-visit for culinary connoisseurs looking to enjoy all that Kent ’ s best restaurants have to offer . Based on a Japanese izakaya - meaning means ‘ staydrink-place ’ - The Blue Pelican combines the atmosphere of a laid-back bar with small , expertly curated plates of food just a stone ’ s throw from the stunning coastline of Deal . Guests can book a table with a sea view , take a spot at the chef ’ s counter for an intimate meal or - for tables of six or more - be seated in their private dining room with clear views over Deal ’ s conservation grounds .
With a seasonal menu , weekly specials board and a set lunch for £ 23 per person available on Thursdays and Fridays , there are dining options for everyone at The Blue Pelican . Small plates include crab croquettes , enoki tempura and ribeye tartar , while tables can share larger dishes of pork katsu , rainbow chard rice donabe and squid
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