FOOD + DRINK
Award-Winning Dining cont ... alfresco dining , adds to the relaxed yet sophisticated experience . thekentishhare . com thekentishharepub The Kentish Hare
Updown Farmhouse Deal A beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse just outside Deal , Updown Farmhouse offers an intimate and rustic dining experience curated by executive chef patron Oliver Brown and wife Ruth Leigh . With a strong focus on hyper-seasonal produce , the restaurant - currently an impressive No . 12 in Squaremeal ’ s Top 100 Restaurant rankings - embraces a relaxed yet sophisticated approach to modern British dining .
The ever-changing 3-3-3 choice menu features dishes such as grilled lobster with fennel butter and slow-cooked pork shoulder with garden greens , all cooked with aplomb in the open outdoor kitchen . With a cosy yet refined ambiance , Updown Farmhouse is a hidden gem that effortlessly blends countryside charm with high-end gastronomy . updownfarmhouse . com updownfarmhouse _
Tallow Southborough , Nr Tunbridge Wells Led by acclaimed chef Rob Taylor , Tallow in Southborough has quickly gained recognition as one of Kent ’ s finest dining establishments . The restaurant ’ s ethos revolves around refined simplicity , showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients in dishes that are both elegant and flavourful .
Diners can expect beautifully crafted plates starting with showstopping and ever-changing breads and intricate dishes such as braised Roscoff onion with Lord of the Hundreds cheese , and roast rump of hogget with boulangère potatoes and black-garlic glazed shoulder . Alongside an intimate setting , exceptional wine pairings and outstanding service , diners also have the opportunity of snaring a sought-after seat at Taylor ’ s chef ’ s table , where he cooks tasting menus in front of guests at a custommade kitchen-come-pass dining counter , all of which make Tallow a mustvisit destination for food lovers . tallowrestaurant . co . uk tallow _ restaurant
The Blue Pelican Deal Sitting resplendent in its seafront townhouse , The Blue Pelican offers inspired Japanese small plate and sharer dining from an open pass under the stewardship of head chef Luke Green .
Intimate yet sociable , the neighbourhood restaurant is both classy and experimental . Against a backdrop of an incredible Hokusai-inspired mural by local artist Tom Maryniak , diners can delight in dishes such as enoki tempura with green mooli and tentsuyu ; line-caught seabass with Tokyo turnips and bergamot ; and pork katsu with bitter leaves and sesame dressing , all beautifully plated by Green who honed his culinary craft and inspired flavour combinations in Tokyo .
With its relaxed yet refined setting , The Blue Pelican is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan on the Kentish coastline . The restaurant ’ s strong commitment to sustainable sourcing and quality ingredients ensures a dining experience that is both delicious , authentic and worthy of its No . 82 Top 100 Restaurant ranking . thebluepelican . co . uk hebluepelicandeal
Quince Westgate-on-Sea Located in the charming seaside town of Westgate-on-Sea , Quince is a contemporary neighbourhood restaurant that champions local , seasonal produce with a creative twist . Led by chef-patrons Ben Hughes and Rafael Lopez , Quince offers an intimate and welcoming dining experience where guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate the best of Kentish , British and European flavours .
The menu showcases a variety of innovative dishes with seasonality at their core . Alongside local Doddington lamb with Jerusalem artichoke and anchovy dressing , you ’ ll find wood pigeon , seabass and venison . The restaurant ’ s rustic yet modern decor , featuring an open kitchen , creates a warm and inviting ambience that perfectly complements the dining experience . With its dedication to seasonality and sustainable sourcing , Quince has quickly gained a loyal following and a welldeserved No . 87 spot in the Square Meal Top 100 Restaurants list . Whether visiting for a casual lunch or dinner or a special occasion , Quince will deliver an unforgettable meal with a personalised touch . quincewestgate . co . uk quince _ westgate Quince Westgate
The Counter by Robin Read Tunbridge Wells A hidden gem in Tunbridge Wells , The Counter is an elegant and contemporary restaurant that has quickly made its mark on the Kentish dining scene . Known for eponymous Read ’ s artful presentation and exquisite flavour combinations , the restaurant , which was awarded a Michelin Guide listing and claimed the No . 97 spot on Square Meal ’ s Top 100 Restaurant list in 2025 , offers a choice of five-course , eight-course and a special ten-course taster menu , the latter of which is only available at the Chefs Counter , which overlooks the kitchen offering a unique dining experience as Read plates the dishes himself . With its refined atmosphere , intimate dining space and impeccable attention to detail , The Counter is definitely one to watch this year . thecountertw . com the _ counter _ tw
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