FOOD + DRINK
Award-Winning Dining cont ...
FORDWICH ARMS SARGASSO
Fordwich Arms Fordwich , nr Canterbury Set within a charming 1930 ’ s building in the country ’ s smallest town , the Fordwich Arms exudes warmth and sophistication . Gaining its Michelin star in 2019 , just months after opening , the restaurant is led by chef-patrons Daniel and Natasha Smith , whose classical training and modern flair are evident in every dish . Voted the Observer ’ s Young Chef of the Year 2016 and named Estrella Damm ’ s Top 50 Chef of the Year in 2024 , Dan has steered a meteoric rise of acclaim across not one but two Kentish culinary gems ( see below ). The seasonal tasting menu here is a work of art , featuring dishes such as aged beef with truffle and Madeira , or wild turbot with brown butter and capers ; not to be missed is signature dessert , the Fordwich ‘ Snickers ’, that has everyone from returning locals , epicurean adventurers and Giles Coren himself raving about it . Not content with its cosy , oak-walled dining room complete with fireplaces and vintage bar , Fordwich Arm ’ s riverside terrace adds a quaint touch to seasonal dining experiences here , making it the perfect setting for a leisurely yet perfectly executed meal accompanied by an extensive and considered wine list . fordwicharms . co . uk thefordwicharms Fordwich Arms
Bridge
Arms Bridge , nr Canterbury Sister restaurant to the Fordwich Arms , the Bridge Arms in the village of Bridge offers a more relaxed take on Michelinstarred dining while maintaining the Smith duo ’ s impeccable standards . The openfire cooking method is at the heart of the ethos here , giving dishes a rustic , smoky depth of flavour . Highlights include the bar snack mainstays of grilled flatbreads with caramelised onion and Parmesan , buttermilk fried chicken with coronation mayonnaise , Josper-grilled scallops , Scottish langoustine , and of course the flame-grilled aged beef , with locally foraged ingredients woven into each elegant plate . The atmosphere is warm and inviting , combining traditional Kentish charm with contemporary touches for unrivalled ambience . bridgearms . co . uk thebridgearm The Bridge Arms
Angela ’ s Margate Sustainability is at the heart of Angela ’ s , a small yet mighty restaurant in the heart of Margate . Recognised with a Michelin Green Star , which it has retained since 2021 , this seafood-focused eatery champions ethical sourcing , ensuring every dish is both delicious and environmentally responsible . The daily changing menu reflects the freshest catches from local fishermen , featuring simple yet expertly crafted dishes such as linecaught sea bass with samphire and butter sauce , and crab and heritage tomato salad . The minimalist interior enhances the focus on the food , making for an unpretentious and unforgettable dining experience . angelasofmargate . com angelas _ of _ margate Angela ’ s of Margate
The Small Holding Kilndown , Goudhurst A true farm-to-table gem , The Small Holding in Kilndown epitomises sustainability and self-sufficiency . Chefowner Will Devlin has created a culinary haven where nearly all ingredients are grown , foraged or reared on-site . One of the first ever restaurants to be awarded a Michelin Green Star when introduced in 2021 , which Devlin has retained ever since in testament to his culinary approach , the restaurant ’ s menu is a reflection of Kent ’ s natural bounty , changing frequently to showcase hyperseasonal produce . Expect dishes such as wood-fired heritage carrots with goat ’ s curd and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with wild garlic eaten in an intimate setting for a fully immersive dining experience that makes this one of Kent ’ s most unique destinations . smallholdingrestaurant . com the . small . holding thesmallholding
Sargasso Margate Housed inside a former boat shed on Margate ’ s harbour wall , Sargasso offers small-plate pared-back dishes in a pictureperfect seaside location . Its seasonally changing menu , just like its London-based sister restaurant , Brawn , puts quality produce at the forefront of its seasonal , fish-forward , designed-to-share menu with ample pairings from a clever wine list with a natural and biodynamic lean .
Kent ’ s current only Michelin Bib Gourmand accredited offering , which recognises good quality and good value cooking , expect dishes such as brown crab remoulade with soft egg and chervil , squid with chickpeas and gremolata , and Torbay sole with brown butter and capers - all served unpretentiously and packed with flavour . sargasso . bar sargasso . bar
The Dog at Wingham Wingham , nr Canterbury The Dog at Wingham is a celebrated gastropub that masterfully combines refined dining with a warm , traditional pub atmosphere . Under the leadership of head chef Robert Mantegna , the menu focuses on seasonality and local provenance , featuring dishes such as whole roasted lemon sole with brown shrimps and ratte potatoes , and confit of Kentish lamb shoulder with curried carrot , smoked feta , black garlic and redcurrant lamb sauce .
The Dog has earned its place among the top gastropubs in the UK , currently ranking No . 48 in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list . The charming setting , tempting all-day menus , celebration menus , Sunday lunches , excellent wine list and dedication to quality all combine to make it a must-visit . thedog . co . uk dogwingham The Dog at Wingham
The Kentish Hare Bidborough , nr Tunbridge Wells Located in the picturesque village of Bidborough , The Kentish Hare is a refined yet welcoming gastropub owned by the acclaimed Tanner brothers , Chris and James . Consistently ranking in the Top 100 Estrella Damm Gastropub list ( currently No . 59 for 2025 ), the renovated inn prides itself on using the finest local and seasonal ingredients to deliver creative British cuisine with an emphasis on flavour and presentation . The menu features standout dishes such as South Coast cod with St Austell Bay mussels , smoked leeks , agretti and horseradish , and a 60-day , dry-aged sirloin from Philip Warren Butchers served with short rib , celeriac , Brussels and classic Reform sauce . The warm and stylish interior , along with an inviting terrace for
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