Jill
FOOD + DRINK prides-itself on its vegan, vegetarian and meat offerings, the SONA seafood sharer of lobster, tuna, langoustines, wild prawns, scallops, brown crab claws and Bloody Mary dipping sauce shines bright, but is also rivalled by a stunning selection of oysters, caviar, sophisticated snacks and showstopping desserts.
Fish at 55, Rochester, fishat55. co. uk
Showcasing a sumptuous dining space of rich colourings and stylish furnishings that makes an evening meal here all the more special, Fish at 55 is renowned for its sophisticated takes on classic meat and fish dishes that feature the very best produce of both land and sea, as well as for its unique sushi offerings, each beautifully handcrafted by master sushi chef Thiago Krobath.
Little Rock, Folkestone, littlerockfolkestone. co. uk
With an inviting, laid-back vibe and Mediterranean-inspired decor that is enough to transport you to those very shores, Little Rock, from the same group as the iconic Rocksalt, takes shape within a converted shipping container on Folkestone’ s Harbour. Boasting plenty of personality, outdoor seating and the place to be on a warm summer’ s day for a thirst-quenching tipple with a view, this bright and brilliant restaurant sources its fish straight from the Folkestone trawlers operating out of the harbour and handpicks ingredients from esteemed nearby suppliers. Earning a well-deserved place in The Good Food Guide 2025, Little Rock’ s à la carte menu is made up of punchy snacks such as chilli and garlic prawns and dressed crab, as well as delectable larger plates including locals’ favourite, pale ale battered cod cheeks with salty skin-on fries.
81 Beach Street, Deal, 81beachstreet. co. uk
Striving for their menus to be a true celebration of all the Kentish coast has to offer, 81 Beach Street has unsurprisingly earned itself pride of place on the local foodie map thanks to its prime seafront location, imaginative ingredient pairings, picture-perfect plating and commitment to support nearby suppliers.
Boasting a wonderful, light-filled dining room complete with dreamy sea vistas and the warmest of service, 81’ s lovely menus considerately echo the seasons, with this summer’ s curations highlighting a beautiful oven-baked monkfish with a red lentil dahl and a perfectly grilled seabream fillet with saffron mash. For those seeking a light yet satisfying weekday lunch, the restaurant’ s daily set menu is certain to deliver.
Frank’ s Restaurant & Mussel Bar, West Malling franksrestaurantandmusselbar. com
Known for their designated mussel menu showcasing the distinctive mollusc cooked 22 ways, from fiery dressings to delicate drizzles, this market town gem is housed within a 14th-century inn and is abundant with character, complete with an open fireplace and beautiful exposed beams. If mussels aren’ t to your taste, choose from a wide range of great meat, vegetarian and seafood dishes such as halibut, prawns and sea trout, pairing with fresh vegetables of the day or a light side salad.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival, Whitstable 12- 14 September, whitstablerocksoysterfestival. com
Join the celebrations of Whitstable’ s historic and cultural connection to oysters at this family-friendly festival of tradition, fun and flavour. Taking place at The Grading Shed, a working part of the town’ s vibrant oyster industry, and The Long Beach, which becomes a hive of activity with lighthearted competitions and games, the festival gathers families to taste an array of seaside bites and oyster varieties, catch brilliant music performances from local artists, and, if you are feeling adventurous, take part in the legendary oyster eating competition!
FAMILY
FOODIE FUN
THIS SUMMER
School’ s out, the sun’ s( hopefully) shining – time to round up the family and head off on some delicious Kentish adventures!
First stop: the coast. No seaside trip is complete without an ice cream and Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium takes it to a whole new level. Think lavender and blueberry jam meringue swirl or miso, banana and butterscotch pudding. Their legendary ice cream sandwiches are the stuff of sweet-toothed dreams – it’ s basically Willy Wonka by the sea.
If you’ re in Folkestone, make a beeline for the Harbour Arm and pop into Hut 19 in the marketplace. Produced in Kent businesses are there every weekend showcasing a new foodie or maker alongside mouthwatering street food, drinks, live music and even adventure golf to keep the kids entertained.
Over in Hythe, grab a fresh seafood beach box, fresh filled rolls, quiches and more from The Boathouse Fisheries and head straight to the sand for a family picnic with sea views.
Want to ditch the deckchairs for something a bit different? Kent Quiz Trails are a great way to explore the county together – fun trails across 22 Kent towns, all created by a local family to help you discover hidden gems and fascinating facts.
There are plenty of great independent cafes and coffee shops to take a well earned break at like Bluebells Tea Room in Blue Bell Hill village – sweet and savoury treats await and the kids will love their milkshakes!
For even more family-friendly foodie finds, visit the Produced in Kent website. From farms and markets to quirky cafés and popups, there’ s something to keep every little( and not-so-little) foodie happy.
If you discover a new favourite this summer, tell us on socials – we’ d love to know where your Kent foodie adventures take you!
Jill
JILL SARGENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent. co. uk producedinkent
www. insidekent. co. uk • 105