FOOD + DRINK
Gastropub Greatness cont...
THE KENTISH HARE THE DOG AT WINGHAM
The Kentish Hare, Bidborough, nr Tunbridge Wells thekentishhare. com
Opened in 2014 in the picturesque village of Bidborough by the applauded Tanner brothers, Chris and James, The Kentish Hare prides itself on offering the very best local produce from trusted Kent suppliers, accompanied by a superb range of beers, wines and spirits.
Served up a stylish space made all the more inviting by its attentive front-of-house team, dishes here are bold, flavourful and exquisitely presented- whether you join for a relaxed lunch, a romantic dinner or for their popular Sunday lunch service. The proud holders of two AA Rosettes and climbing the ranks of the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs list( named number 58 in 2025), The Kentish Hare is every bit deserving of its acclaim, as the brothers and their talented team strive to create a straightforward yet delightful dining experience for all tastes that’ s underpinned by consistent quality and finesse.
The gastropub’ s Christmas menu is a must-try this December, featuring the likes of roast guinea fowl with maple parsnip, kale and pancetta, cured Loch Duart salmon and a clementine and mascarpone trifle.
MODERN FLAIR & FLAVOUR
The Dog at Wingham, Wingham thedog. co. uk
Contemporary British cuisine at its best, The Dog at Wingham is a foodie-favourite gastropub with rooms continuing to strike the perfect balance of charming village tradition and dining sophistication. With an inventive and polished approach, head chef Charlie Kendall-Smith and his talented kitchen team- including senior sous Akos Mate- deliver a selection of seasonally changing menus with style and skill alongside a handful of the muchloved classics- think hearty pies, warm puddings and indulgent Sunday roasts featuring premium cuts and seasonal vegetables. Genuine hospitality and an inviting pub atmosphere, coupled with celebration menus, a thoughtful drinks list and heaps of culinary ambition, make it no surprise that The Dog has earned its place at number 48 in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs for 2025.
The Radnor Arms, Folkestone radnorarmsfolkestone. co. uk
A beautifully renovated Victorian pub combining a fresh and modern take on the gastropub with the breezy allure of a coastal dining destination, The Radnor Arms has fast become a firm favourite on Folkestone’ s vibrant foodie scene. Making the most of its prime seaside town location- with the Folkestone Trawlers operating the day boats out of the harbour and a commitment to sourcing the finest suppliers from breweries to bakers- the Radnor team infuses global flavours into its punchy, crowdpleasing menus. Expect dishes such as a richly spiced Sri Lankan fish curry, pork and prawn Scotch eggs and dome-baked Rye Bay scallops alongside themed Asian and steak nights bringing excitement to midweek dining.
Freshly recognised with a glowing mention in the prestigious The Good Food Guide,
The Radnor Arms has recently gone on to land fifth place in The Good Food Guide’ s Top 100 Best Pubs in Britain.
The Dove at Dargate, Dargate dovedargate. co. uk
Nestled in the quintessential countryside of Faversham, The Dove at Dargate is the wonderful result of head chef William Shenow-Brady and manager Sophie Webb, who worked together in partnership at one of Kent’ s top fine dining restaurants and were passionate about bringing their expertise to their very own establishment.
Precise and perfected, yet never missing that sought-after homecooked feel, diners return time and time again for plates of pure comfort, made fresh from scratch and often using ingredients from their evergrowing allotment. Supporting nearby farmers and championing sustainability in every plate, The Dove is proud of its community-focused ethos, cosy dining room complete with a log burner and array of perfectly pairing English and international wines.
The Bridge Arms, Bridge, nr Canterbury bridgearms. co. uk
Under the new and expert ownership of Elliot Hewitt and head chef David Gadd, The Bridge Arms entered an exciting new chapter earlier this year- one that honours the extraordinary quality that first put it on the map, while steering ahead with a renewed focus on simplicity, community and its profound connection to the land. Diners can look forward to produce-driven menus with thoughtful, unfussy dishes cooked over charcoal sourced from a local Kentish woodland. The pub is shaped
140 • www. insidekent. co. uk