FOOD + DRINK
Fish Out of Water cont...
BUOY & OYSTER
KEBBELLS
Fish Union Bar & Grill, Chislehurst fishunion. co. uk
First a fishmonger with a mission to supply the county and beyond with the finest seafood around, then an innovative fishmonger and restaurant pairing striving for sustainable dining, before landing anew this year with a refreshed and refueled identity as Fish Union Bar & Grill- a superb restaurant and bar ready to set the coastal cuisine stage alight.
Helmed by renowned chefs Richard Kirkwood and Andy Roberts, and nestled amongst the thriving indies of Chislehurst’ s Royal Parade, Fish Union is dedicated to putting sustainability at the forefront of their all-day menus with a curated cocktail lineup that’ s just as tempting as its vibrant food offerings. The result of a wonderfully skilled team as devoted to excellence as ever, dishes here are brimming with artistry and passion, and are sure to leave you longing for your next visit.
Kebbells, Broadstairs, kebbells. com
A relaxed yet sociable dining experience that beckons diners to relish the timeless pairing of great food and good company, Kebbells’ celebrated seafood-focused menu is all about keeping things as fresh and local as possible. Guests can take a seat at the bar to watch the expert chefs in action or soak up the sunshine on the terrace before savouring delicious Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates- from fresh oysters topped with a perfectly complementing dressing of the day to tasty tuna tartare infused with fragrant Asian flavours.
Sankey’ s The Old Fishmarket, Tunbridge Wells, sankeys. co. uk
A gloriously stylish Champagne and seafood bar set within the characterful Old Fishmarket building in The Pantiles that regularly tops the list when it comes to seafood destinations with a true sense of occasion. With sublime oysters and shellfish their speciality, expect exclusive cut-abovethe-rest varieties including Carlingford, Colchester, Lindisfarn and Duchy of Cornwall alongside fresh crabs and lobsters that are dressed spectacularly by the chefs on arrival direct from Cadgwith Cove. While a traditional starter and main format is available, menus also offer diners the unique opportunity to create their own platters and come complete with a delightful selection of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world.
This year, the team at Sankey’ s are celebrating a momentous milestone of 45 years since they opened their very first restaurant, as well as their subsequent journey with a buzzing Seafood Kitchen at Mount Ephraim, the transformation of The Old Fishmarket, and as a burgeoning fishmongers supplying top-quality seafood countywide.
Buoy & Oyster, Margate buoyandoyster. com
Since opening their doors in 2015, husband and wife Nadine and Simon Morriss have lovingly poured their hearts into creating a fun and family-friendly dining environment that leaves each and every guest with a lasting sense of joy. Valuing honesty and responsible sourcing as top priority, and joined by the equally driven head chef Craig Edgell, the Buoy & Oyster team work closely alongside Kent-based fishermen covering the waters of Margate, Whitstable, Ramsgate, Folkestone and Broadstairs, meaning most of their fish and shellfish is usually landed and on your plate the very same day.
Championed by their vibrant Margate location, the restaurant is fully equipped for families of all ages with a delicious Little Sailors menu of fresh and tasty classics. For the grown-ups however, the options are endless. Whether you are swayed by the simple yet ever-pleasing fish and chips, are itching to sample Craig’ s famed Sunday roast, or opt for something refined at the Seafood Bar, Buoy & Oyster promises an unforgettable feast for the senses that tastes just as good as it looks.
Wheelers Oyster Bar, Whitstable wheelersoysterbar. co. uk
Steeped in over 165 years of history and nestled proudly on Whitstable’ s colourful high street, Wheelers Oyster Bar is owned by the wonderful Delia, who learned the art of seafood while working alongside her parents. With charming daily offerings, an expertly composed evening tasting menu and unique ready-to-eat picnic boxes- perfect to enjoy on the beach- sourcing is of paramount importance to the team here. So much so that Wheelers have developed a local organic garden to grow salad, herbs and fresh fruit for their dishes, and work directly with local fishermen to source Kentish lobsters, cockles and whelks, and of course Whitstable’ s very own native oysters. Also producing everything from scratch, from fresh bread to ice cream, menus here are as proudly local as it gets.
Dungeness Snack Shack, Dungeness dungenesssnackshack. com
For over 11 years upon the shingle beach of Dungeness, the hearty, family-run Snack Shack and adjoining fishmongers has caught fish from the neighbouring sea on their very own boats for the locals and coastal explorers alike to enjoy. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and the traceability of each and every catch, in an unpretentious manner that always allows for the natural sea flavours to shine, top catches of the day such as fillets, scallops, whelks and prawns are cooked and served up either on their own or in freshly baked rolls and flatbreads, complete with salad and generous dollops of flavoursome homemade slaw or tartar sauce.
www. insidekent. co. uk • 103