A pub which was opened under new management just a year ago and a seaside hotel have made it into a prestigious list of the country's top places to stay.

The special edition of The Sunday Times Travel section, published today, features the two Kent venues in the 21 South East venues featured in its guide to the 100 best places to stay.

Writers judging in categories including seaside, country, posh pubs and romantic, were looking for comfort, service and value but also qualities such as personality and warmth.

The Barrow House in Egerton, which was opened a year ago by New Zealand chef Dane Allchorne and his wife Sarah, after a major refurbishment, has been included in the Posh Pubs category.

The couple, who also run The Milk House at Sissinghurst, refurbished the Grade II listed inn in a conservation area throughout and have included three bedrooms as well as a menu, using ingredients from a 20-mile radius.

Also included in the list is Sands Hotel in Margate. The boutique hotel is just a stone’s throw from Margate main sands with views across the sea and skies, famously depicted by J.M.W Turner, and has two AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

It was included in the hotel category.

Stephen Bleach, travel editor at The Sunday Times, said: "The South East stood out this year for the quality of hotel openings.

"Hoteliers here have shown inventive approaches to dining, imaginative designs and ability to create spaces that appeal as much to locals as visitors and so have that elusive essential, ambience. Best of all, they are often excellent value, making a wonderful weekend away affordable."

To see the full list visit will be thesundaytimes.co.uk/bestplacestostay.