DAYSOUT
NEWEST DISCOVERIES WE LOVE IN KENT
ONE OF THE PINNACLES OF THE ‘ NEW YEAR , NEW ME ’ MANTRA IS A PHILOSOPHY OF POSITIVE CHANGE , SO WHAT BETTER WAY OF ESCAPING THE MUNDANE EVERYDAY THAN EXPLORING WHAT OUR EVER-GROWING COUNTY HAS TO OFFER ?
Now that the January rush of resolutions and post-Christmas cleanup has passed , it ’ s time to travel outside of our collective comfort zones and try somewhere new . From seaside restaurants and quaint countryside cafes to historic exhibitions and stunning places to stay , here are insideKENT ’ s top 10 newest discoveries we love in Kent .
Bar Ingo , Broadstairs bar-ingo . co . uk
A San Sebastián-inspired gem in the heart of Broadstairs , Bar Ingo is a place for small plates and great wines . The restaurant opened its doors in July of 2024 , and has been taking inspiration from the fun , informal and fast service of the Basque Country ever since . Far more than ‘ just ’ Spanish cuisine , Bar Ingo is a space for all occasions , from a quick bite to an indulgent glass of wine with an extra special dinner . Led by the Swedish-born chef , Tomas Eriksson , with the help of his son , Rio , Bar Ingo boasts a delicious menu that truly is the pinnacle of alfresco dining .
Standout dishes include their burrata with salsa verde , chicken schnitzel with pickles and curry mayo , and seared tuna with romesco and chimichurri . Alongside a positively sparkling wine list featuring the very best bottles of white , red , rose and fizz , guests will be sure to find the perfect pairing with their small plates . Serving flavourful dishes in a warm environment filled to the brim with ambience , Bar Ingo is a must-visit .
Station Books , Tunbridge Wells stationbooks . co . uk
Since opening their doors to the town of Tunbridge Wells in November of last year , Station Books have become a welcome respite for book-lovers in Kent . A true indie bookshop owned and run by Tunbridge Wells locals , Laura and Ross , Station Books is high on our list of must-visits this year . Having curated the best reads in new and classic fiction , politics and humanities , children ’ s titles and much more , Station Books hopes to build a name for itself as a thriving community hub with a range of events fit for every bibliophile .
By community request , Station Books have since launched not one , not two - but three book clubs ! From their Cosy Club of heartwarming fiction to In Translation , an exploration of translated titles and Better World , which prompts the big questions in pursuit of a brighter future , there ’ s a club for everyone ’ s reading tastes . Each meeting sits 10 people and takes place for one hour a month , which can be booked in advance for £ 3 per person via their website . As we move closer to World Book Day on 6 March , there ’ s never been a more perfect time of year to shop local and support a passionate , community-driven independent business , all the while scoping out your future favourite reads .
Fifteen Square Metres , Broadstairs fifteensquaremetres . co . uk
A cosy dining room just 15m ², this intimate location opened in August 2024 just a stones throw from Viking Bay . Run by MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd and wife Becky ( their last offering was notable London hotspot Copper & Ink ), Fifteen Square Metres is where an eclectic style meets creative culinary flair . With a menu that is entirely gluten free , vegans are in luck too as all vegetarian options can be made to suit their dietary needs . Dishes are best enjoyed in a sharing style , with tasty snack plates of olives , smoked almonds or focaccia and butters to start .
Their menu changes frequently with the seasons , though currently features plates of seared venison loin with figs and king oyster mushrooms , winter vegetable rosti with parsnip puree , and cod loin with porcini risotto and tarragon oil . As for desserts , the restaurant spares no expense when maximising flavours with their chocolate baked yoghurt and blood orange compote , or their crémeux with miso caramel and vanilla sesame ice cream . Always delicious and fresh , a meal at Fifteen Square Metres is the perfect place to unwind after a day spent along the Kentish coastline .
Stacks , Whitstable stackskent . co . uk
Hidden within Emma ’ s Cafe in Whitstable is Stacks , a sandwich shop with a mission to create
www . insidekent . co . uk • 37