FOOD + DRINK
Culinary Class cont...
Culinary Class
A COUNTY THAT CONTINUES TO TRIUMPH IN GASTRONOMIC GREATNESS, KENT’ S IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF WELL-DESERVED ACCOLADES IS A TESTAMENT TO BOTH ITS RICH BOUNTY AND THE INNOVATIVE CULINARY TALENTS THAT CELEBRATE IT.
© Saltwick Media
While our county’ s breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage and worthy Garden of England coin has long captured the attention of cultural ramblers far and wide, in recent years, it is arguably Kent’ s bold and burgeoning dining scene that has stirred up the most praise. Brimming with fresh visions, expertise and the kind of honed craftsmanship that demands attention, our county’ s ever-growing roster of award-winning dining destinations is not to be missed.
From gastropub gems to Michelin-starred jewels, let insideKENT’ s award-winning dining hotlist for 2026 inspire another year of Kentish gastronomic revelry.
Hide and Fox, Saltwood hideandfox. co. uk
In an intimate dining room exuding warmth and sophistication, nestled in the quaint village of Saltwood, Allister Barsby and Alice Bussi’ s shared penchant for provenance, flavour, beautifully pairing wines and impeccable hospitality has secured three AA Rosettes and made local gastronomic history as Kent’ s first restaurant to hold two Michelin stars, achieved in 2025 and retained in February 2026.
Allister’ s expressive and creative, but equally assured approach to classic British and European cookery is underpinned by a pure love of fresh seasonal produce, intertwined with his Kent coast roots and in-depth experience as an award-winning chef. This is seamlessly complemented by Alice’ s sheer expertise, hand-picked wine list- featuring accessible bottles, family run wineries and the finest English wine estates- and comfortably polished front-of-house service that makes a dining experience here feel as relaxed as it does utterly special.
The Fordwich Arms, Fordwich fordwicharms. co. uk
Sitting resplendent beside the idyllic River Stour and set within a stunning, ivy-clad old pub complete with a lovely 1930’ s bar and oak-panelled dining room warmed by three open fires, The Fordwich Arms is nothing short of a culinary victory.
Chef-patrons Daniel and Natasha Smith have honed a signature style shaped by exemplary training and a shared passion for contemporary dining, unsurprisingly earning them one of the county’ s mightiest collection of accolades. Highlights include Dan taking the crown for both Observer’ s Young Chef of the Year 2016 and Estrella Damm Top 50 Chef of the Year in 2024, as well as one Michelin star, three AA Rosettes and a current position of No. 19 on Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs for 2026. The seasonal tasting menu here is unmissable, currently showcasing the likes of a South Coast native lobster with Kentish gooseberry, squash and lobster butter sauce, and a roast Peking duck with glazed sausage, carrot and plum.
HIDE AND FOX www. insidekent. co. uk • 67