FOOD + DRINK
Fish Out of Water
ANCHORED IN THE COUNTY’ S LONG-CELEBRATED FISHING HERITAGE, KENT IS RIGHTFULLY PRIDED ON ITS THRIVING TIDE-TO-TABLE PARTNERSHIP, RESULTING IN TRIUMPHANT COASTAL CUISINE PACKED WITH THE FRESHEST OF SINGING SEA FLAVOURS.
With a breathtaking swathe of coast stretching across an extraordinary 350 miles and decorated with ample working harbours and many a picturesque pebbled shore, Kent has forever been shaped by its evocative coast and the generations of local fishermen who haul in a rich variety of seafood from it every day.
Lending further to our reputation for coastal excellence is an exquisite array of superb local species, with heritage-rich Whitstable producing the most delicious native oysters, both Folkestone and Ramsgate supplying the most delectable whelks and crabs, and our across-the-border neighbour Rye renowned for its scallops. Not to mention the popular flatfish, Dover sole, which, while it’ s widely fished from waters of the Atlantic, was named after the town’ s port where it was regularly landed and exported during the 19th century.
Playing a key role in not only our bountiful county’ s history and economy, but also our vibrant cultural identity throughout the ages, the working coastal towns of Ramsgate, Folkestone, Whitstable, Deal, Hythe and Dungeness, some known for their beautifully historic harbours, still thrive to this day with fervent fishing communities who send out their day or beach-launched boats to supply Kent and beyond with the finest, flavour-packed catches of the season.
Making the very most of these fresh flavours and celebrating this colourful maritime heritage is a proud array of seafood restaurants, quirky pop-ups and innovative eateries who, inspired by the waters and driven by sustainability and seasonality, create vibrant, produce-led menus that truly bring to life the plentiful delights of the Kentish coast. With that in mind, we have put together a helpful guide to just some of Kent’ s most-loved seafood experiences, from hearty beach shacks that highlight tasty natural flavours to utterly outstanding fine-dining establishments famed for their sea-to-plate strides. As the sun shines and the sea glistens, there is no better time than now to indulge in a little seafood splendour.
Angela’ s & Dory’ s, Margate angelasofmargate. com
This rightfully revered seaside duo just around the corner from one another is built upon an uncomplicated yet admirable philosophy that states:“ We will always consider our people and our planet first, working directly with growers, fishermen and suppliers who understand how to make the most of their produce and at the same time, minimise the impact on our environment.”
Over at Angela’ s- a small seafood restaurant with rooms- diners are treated to truly marvellous fish and vegetable-based dishes from a daily changing menu based on the best pick from the morning boats.
Within the intimate dining and bar space of Dory’ s overlooking the Margate Main Sands, equally beautiful dishes of raw, pickled, cured and baked seafood and vegetables await you, as well as a wine shop stocking English and European organic, biodynamic and low-intervention wines.
100 • www. insidekent. co. uk