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FOOD + DRINK Quirky Eats cont...
Matches, Ashford & Canterbury matchessportsbar. com
Matches is‘ all about the social’- and they really aren’ t lying! This quirky, gamechanging sports bar, with locations at Elwick Place in Ashford and in Canterbury’ s city centre, is the place where it’ s all happening. Watch, play, party, eat and drink- all under one roof! Sports fans can gasp over their favourite games on 22” ultra HD screens while tucking into one of the irresistible smash burgers and loaded fries. But, it’ s the interactive games that really get people talking. Choose from a lineup of darts, shuffleboard, cashless pool, karaoke and retro gaming- there’ s something for everyone. They’ ve also got an endless supply of cocktails and kids are welcome too, so gather your friends and head on down.
The Shufflehouse Tunbridge Wells theshufflehouse. com
Shuffleboarders! You’ re up. Ever wanted a unique experience where you eat, drink and shuffle? And, no, we’ re not talking about dancing! The Shufflehouse in Tunbridge Wells is a vibrant two-storey South American / Latin tapas and pizza house that features two 14-foot shuffleboards to keep you entertained while you eat, drink and be merry! The tapas menu is authentic, flavoursome and generally out of this world featuring gems like Bolivian-style chicken wings, beef empanadas, corn ribs and crispy plantain, while the London-style pizzas rip up the rulebook- crispy, crunchy and loaded to the max. Beautifully paired with a game or two of shuffleboard, we’ d call that an evening well spent.
Hot Rod Diner, Northfleet hotroddinernorthfleet. co. uk They don’ t come much more American than this: checkerboard floors, neon signs, striped leather booths- and that’ s just the interior. Welcome to Hot Rod Diner in Northfleet, home of big burgers, juicy steaks and ridiculously thick shakes. It’ s giving deep Texas vibes and we’ re here for it. Grab a booth and dive into the menu( top tip: come hungry!). Go for the‘ Pit Stop’ full rack of pork ribs with BBQ, buffalo, maple chipotle or Jack Daniels sauce, or the 16oz T-Bone, flame-grilled and served with all the sides. Tackle one of their famous burgers like the Cowabunga with sliced pepperoni and smoky ketchup, or the Smoky Pig with pulled pork, smoky aioli and pickled red onions. Chicken and plant-based options are on the menu too, so no one’ s left out. And be sure to save some space for the mammoth waffles and pancakes.
Smith & Western, Tunbridge Wells smith-western. co. uk
Step into the rugged cowboy charm of the Wild Wild West right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Since 1995, the family owners of this iconic spot have been hosting cowboy and cowgirl fanatics at their venues across the country- venues draped in authentic paraphernalia including boots, saddles and feathers. Take a seat downstairs in the Gold Mine Restaurant from dusk to dawn! The breakfast menu here is bursting with rooting-tooting gems including the Rancher’ s Breakfast and the Lumberjack Stack. Lunch? Burgers, ribs, and chilli( of course). And dinner- the famous nachos are made for sharing( but will you?) and are accompanied by a selection of mighty fine burgers including the New Yorker, the Texan Pepper Jack or the Nevada. Quickly followed down by a Golden Nuggets waffle. Yeehaw!
Shesells Seashells, Folkestone shesells-seashells. co. uk
Given Folkestone’ s Harbour Arm rail history, originally opening as part of the world’ s first international rail-sea-rail link, it seems only fair that we should make a visit to one of its static vintage-style carriages positioned on the arm overlooking the sea and Sunny Sands – the perfect spot for a bite to eat. Hope on board the carriage or sit alfresco if the weather is on your side and tuck into a plate or bowl of sea treasures. Here, the menu showcases some of the best local catch sourced from the Folkestone trawlers- pots of cockles, prawns, crab and a delicious mackerel pâté and lobster. Perhaps a special occasion may sway you towards one of the killer platters all washed down with a glass of Chapel Down’ s finest wine or fizz.
MATCHES
112 • www. insidekent. co. uk