If there’s one thing we take seriously in Kent it’s food, so feast your eyes on the some of the county’s best places to eat.

THE WHITE HORSE, BEARSTED ME14 4DL

Perched on the edge of Bearsted’s popular village green, this modern pub offers a stylish setting for drinks and bar snacks, an evening meal or a traditional Sunday lunch. There’s a range of British-inspired dishes, including seasonal specials and sharing boards, which are all freshly prepared. The meals are reasonably priced but there are always plenty of offers available. Its drinks menu also doesn’t disappoint with wine, ales, lagers and cocktails to enjoy next to the cosy log fire, or out on the patio during the summer. Being close to the M20 and just a two-minute walk from the railway station, its desirable setting makes it the ideal place to meet for family gatherings or a drink with friends.
www.thewhitehorsebearsted.co.uk

THE WEST HOUSE, BIDDENDEN TN27 8AH

If experimental food is your thing but you prefer to eat in traditional surroundings, Michelin-starred The West House is the perfect solution. In a 16th century weaver’s cottage in the heart of the Weald of Kent, chef and owner Graham Garrett creates imaginative concoctions, which are eaten in a relaxed atmosphere without a hint of pretention. Venison with espresso syrup, barbecued pig shoulder and chocolate-topped chicken liver parfait eclair have all previously graced the menu. There are vegetarian options and staff can advise on wines that match the food.
www.thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk

WAGAMAMA, BLUEWATER DA9 9ST

Food snobs might turn their nose up at restaurant chains but you will not go far wrong with Wagamama. Serving Japanese cuisine, a best-seller is yakisoba – which is basically noodles with chicken and prawns. Other delights include the amazing chilli squid and duck wraps. There’s a takeaway menu too. If you’re sitting in, it’s worth washing down your meal with one of the lovely freshly-squeezed juices, although watch out which flavour you choose – the blueberry, apple and carrot juice is not for the faint-hearted. The staff are always attentive and service is brisk. There are also Wagamamas at Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.
www.wagamama.com/restaurants

CAFÉ DES AMIS, CANTERBURY CT2 8AA
cafedez.com

For a taste of Mexico in Kent, head to Café Des Amis. The restaurant is popular with students, couples and families, with many dishes designed for sharing, such nachos or antojitos starters. Don’t waste time when ordering your main – head straight for the fajitas, chicken, lamb, duck or mushroom. They come with plenty of salsa, sour cream, black beans and jalapenos to add to your tortilla. Not forgetting the guacamole, which is to die for. The amazing desserts also deserve a mention, as does their cocktail menu. Margaritas anyone?

COTE BRASSERIE, CANTERBURY CT1 2JS

Inspired by the brasseries of Paris, Cote offers a variety of reasonably priced French food in an idyllic spot in the heart of Canterbury. Since opening last year, the venue has established itself within TripAdvisor’s top 50 restaurants in the area. With branches all over the country, Cote is well known for its modern approach to French classics like steak frites, tuna nicoise and moules marinieres. The restaurant has a modern and stylish decor, the food is excellent and the staff are welcoming. It’s a great choice for any time of day – enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
www.cote-restaurants.co.uk/cote/restaurant/details/canterbury

TAMAGO, CANTERBURY CT1 1BB

Tamago offers intriguing street food, traditional ramens and absolute value for money. The Japanese soul food restaurant now has a reputation larger than its compact setting. If you’re not keen on small spaces, then you may just like the bar nearer the door – it’s brighter with a view on to the King’s Mile. But whatever your thoughts on the venue itself, the food is indisputably excellent. A favourite in Tokyo, the Shoyu ramen offers an inviting introduction to the quintessential Japanese dish and at £8.90 it’s a steal. With polite, efficient chefs and waiters too, Tamago is a top performer.
www.tamagoramenshop.com

VEG BOX CAFE, CANTERBURY CT1 2HG

This vegetarian wonderland is tucked away down a cobbled street off the main thoroughfare in Canterbury. It is perfectly set up to fuel you for a day’s adventures in the city. Its menu lists such temptations as eggs in spicy tomato sauce or home-made granola for breakfast and hotpot or quiche with salad for lunch. Main courses are about £6. Menus change regularly and with the seasons. Vegetables are sourced from Brockman’s Farm in Chartham and all courses include vegan and gluten-free options. The café is open 8.30am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays and 9am to 4pm Sundays. Breakfast is served until 11.30am and lunch until 4pm.
www.thevegboxcafe.co.uk

WAGGON AT HALE, CHATHAM ME5 7PP

An increasingly rare treat - a thriving pub that’s not part of a franchise, with real ale, bar food and a restaurant. The pub uses locally-sourced produce for its home-cooked food, with the delicious menu including Moroccan spiced lamb, butternut and chickpea stew and mushroom and halloumi stack as well steaks, burgers and a wide choice of lighter options. There’s also a children’s menu. The restaurant is small so for special occasions book in advance. There’s a large beer garden with a great playground and a small animal farm for children to enjoy.
waggonathale.com

BRICKLAYERS ARMS, CHIPSTEAD TN13 2RZ

West Kent villages boast many good country pubs and this is one of the best. A good venue for lunch or dinner or just a drink and a snack. The menu changes daily and offers a wide variety for all. Just a few minutes drive from Junction 5 of M25 it is a perfect start or end for a country walk, with excellent views over Chipstead Lake. The interesting menu features the likes of roasted lemon sole, wild mushroom stroganoff and Harvey’s beer battered haddock and chips. The pub is in Chevening Road.
www.the-bricklayers-arms.co.uk

THE LANE, DEAL CT14 7AF

If knock-out burgers and next-level cupcakes are your thing, The Lane will be for you. Since opening in 2014, the venue has firmly established itself as a cafe selling delicious homemade cakes by day and a much-talked-about restaurant and cocktail bar by night. On top of that, owners Chris Vidler and Anna Murray, who have lived and worked in Australia and New Zealand, host regular networking gatherings, the occasional speed-dating night and events to simply celebrate food such as Oktoberfest and Great British Beef Week. TripAdvisor rates The Lane as one of the top three restaurants in Deal.
www.thelanedeal.co.uk

DOVORIAN RESTAURANT, DOVER CT17 9AB

A bustling cafe and restaurant close to Dover’s town centre precinct providing solid and value-for-money meals. The fuel-giving breakfast is an ideal start to the day, before a Saturday morning’s shopping or starting a day’s work. If you’re eating before a long journey, it is close to Dover Priory Station and the Priory Road car park. There are plenty of lighter meals for a hot summer’s day and an outside terrace. The restaurant has a varied menu, with seafood as a speciality and it caters for vegetarians. The food is freshly cooked and quickly served . There's also a fish and chip takeaway service.
Call 01304 204505

THE PILOT, DUNGENESS TN29 9NJ

It’s a long journey for most but always one worth making. Tucked away in the far corner of the remotest and flattest part of Kent, the Pilot in Dungeness is best known for serving fish and chips in one of the county’s most striking and unusual seaside settings. The pub perfect place to rest after a long walk around the stunning landscape of Romney Marsh. There’s much more to the menu than fish and it caters for the full meat eating – and non-meat eating – spectrum, with everything from shoulder of Romney lamb to vegan stew and dumplings. Just don’t expect to do any hill-walking afterwards.
www.thepilotdungeness.co.uk

BLOOMS @ 1/4, FOLKESTONE CT20 1RW

At the foot of the Old High Street in Folkestone, Blooms is one of the newest eateries in the Creative Quarter. Already it has become the go-to place for cocktails and one of the town’s classiest venues to dine. The family-owned business serves a range of Mediterranean dishes with seasonal specials and prides itself on serving locally-caught fish by the Folkestone trawlers. The varied menu makes happy reading, even for the fussy eater or those with specific tastes. The modern and simplistic decor inside gives the place a sophisticated feel – and the outdoor seating in warmer weather is great for sitting back and relaxing while looking at the scenic harbour.
www.bloomsfolkestone.com

DJANGOS, FOLKESTONE CT20 1EY

Folkestoners are no strangers to the friendly faces at Djangos, but the cosy cafe is an underrated gem of the town. Its irresistible homemade chilli is a must try and the all-day-breakfast includes everything you want from a fry-up. But the petit bistro-come-jazz cafe has much more to offer with a huge menu to suit everyone from breakfast to dinner. Choose anything from an Indonesian-style paella to incredible Vietnamese pork skewers. Djangos is a brilliant blend of world food, unique style and homely comfort. The prices are great, the food is delicious and the staff are fabulous. Don’t miss it.
www.facebook.com/DjangosCafeBar

THE SAMUEL PETO, FOLKESTONE CT20 1EY

Hidden below Folkestone’s main shopping area just a stone’s throw from the top of the town’s Old High Street, the Samuel Peto is a Wetherspoon’s with a difference. In a converted Baptist church, you’re never rushed and the menu is vast and varied. It’s a pub full of character with stained-glass windows lining the painted sky ceiling and wooden fittings. You can get away from the busy bar in the quiet upper gallery, reached by climbing a quaint wrought iron staircase. It offers the normal Wetherspoon’s menu – the food and wide-range of drink is always good value – and the popular all-day brunch is well worth a try. In Rendezvous Street, alongside Djangos (see above listing).
www.jdwetherspoon.com

TUFAIL, GRAVESEND DA12 1EZ

The debate about where you can have the best curry in Gravesend has long raged in pubs and at dinner tables across the town. A trip to Tufail does not settle the argument but it has a seriously good go. The food is, simply, top notch and its worth arriving early for the bar, which greets every customer as they enter. Staff are very knowledgeable about the menu and always add the obligatory gag ‘and one vindaloo korma’ when they read back the menu to the nervous chilli-dodger on the end of the big family table. Spread across two rooms, it is easy to grab a reservation and a great shout for a spur-of-the-moment dinner out, whether its with the other half or a group of friends.
www.thetufail.com

FLYING SAUCER, GILLINGHAM ME7 3RH

Unassuming from the outside, the Flying Saucer is well presented within and boasts a traditional pub menu. Just over a year ago the pub had a facelift. Lunchtime meal deals are available, over two or three courses. The separate dining area ensures you can eat in peace, away from the bar, in what is a relaxing environment. There is an extensive outdoor area, should the sun be shining. Those wishing for a lighter-meal can choose from sandwiches and jacket potatoes, while on Sundays the traditional roast is on offer. A good choice for the whole family.
www.flyingsaucer-pub.co.uk

THE WINDMILL, HOLLINGBOURNE ME17 1TR

The Windmill – run by TV chef Richard Phillips – offers a range of good grub, ales and wines for thirsty passers-by and avid foodies alike. From sizzling steaks to Sunday roasts, there’s something on the menu for everyone. Whether you’re after a lazy lunch, a relaxing pint after work or a formal dinner, the Windmill is the place to go. In the winter months enjoy the venue’s welcoming log fire and lounge area. In the summer sit out and soak up the rays on beautiful decking. The Windmill has been rated four out of five by more than 500 people on TripAdvisor. Well placed to combine with trip to nearby Leeds Castle. www.thewindmillbyrichardphillips.co.uk

GRIGGS, HYTHE CT21 6HG

A scallop and bacon roll, salmon kedgeree or smoked haddock chowder, each for under a fiver, freshly cooked, eaten on a picnic table on the beach outside a fishmonger’s, just feet from where the fishing boats land their catch – what better way to start the day in style? Shuts early, so go for brunch, not lunch. Sadly not open on Sundays either (or Mondays). Fantastic display of fish and seafood is a feast for eyes and tastebuds. Visit soon, before the inevitable transformation from a quirky delight for locals to trendy venue for DFLs.
griggsofhytheuk.com

WHITE HART, HYTHE CT21 5AJ

A selection of immaculately presented dishes are on offer at the White Hart ranging from succulent steaks to pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven. Guests mulling over the option of à la carte dining or a set meal are all welcome at the pub in the middle of the High Street, which is home to locally sourced produce and beers. The menu has light bites and mains from fish suppers, baked pastas, pies and burgers to be followed by one of their homemade desserts or award-winning cheeses. Perhaps the most popular feature of the White Hart is its Sunday lunch menu and this is definitely something to be booked in advance.
www.thewhiteharthythe.com

THE PLOUGH, IVY HATCH TN15 0NL

Nestled in the leafy lanes of Ivy Hatch and just a stone’s throw away from Ightham Mote, the Plough is an idyllic country pub that serves top quality, delicious food and offers steak lovers a taste of foodie heaven. Good things come to those who wait, so with rare breed steaks – some cuts big enough for three to share – and home-reared pork that has been naturally fed and slowly matured you’re in for a treat. For a lighter meal, there’s seafood, salads or even a sandwich, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, skilfully prepared and presented with style. Children are not forgotten in this family-run restaurant, with a choice that will please even the fussiest of eaters. Great food at a fair price, coupled with a top choice of local ales, wines and British craft lager it’s no surprise that this friendly and relaxed place is the Good Pub Guide’s Kent Dining Pub of the Year 2016.
www.theploughivyhatch.co.uk

THE OLD MILL, KENNINGTON TN25 4DZ

Part of the Village Green Restaurants chain, this excellent restaurant-cum-pub with a great atmosphere, offers a warm welcome, a varied menu and large portions. The food is all freshly cooked with locally sourced vegetables and meat a speciality. The staff are attentive and the food’s definitely a cut above your average pub fare. The busy bar sells a selection of rare and local real ales. A great place for a special occasion or family party. Good selection of starters, mains and desserts – not that you’ll need all three!
www.theoldmill.co.uk

THREE TUNS, LOWER HALSTOW ME9 7DY

Whatever the weather or time of year, the Three Tuns is a must-visit for those looking for a traditional pub experience and/or fine dining. Since the 15th century, the hostelry has been at the heart of the village and attracts visitors from miles around. It has an extensive menu offering a sophisticated take on classic pub fare. Its sun-trap beer garden with adjacent stream is the ideal place for a summer-time drink. Staff are friendly and provide excellent levels of service. With dried hops around the main bar and a red-brick finish, the Three Tuns feels like what you think a Kentish pub should be like.
www.thethreetunsrestaurant.co.uk

ARTEMIS, MAIDSTONE ME14 1RB

Remember the melt in the mouth souvlaki (pieces of lamb, vegetables and chips wrapped in pitta bread) you had on holiday in Greece? How about the refreshing glass of Ouzo you washed it down with? If you are looking to bring back memories, you should head to Artemis, a family-run restaurant in Week Street. It has all the classic dishes – from an authentic Greek salad, to moussaka, seafood meze, and spanakopita (spinach pie). There are party nights with traditional music, dancing and, of course, plate smashing!
www.artemismaidstone.co.uk

FORTIFY, MAIDSTONE ME14 1JF

Solely vegetarian restaurants are surprisingly hard to come by in Kent, so this meat-free venue is not only welcome, it’s an essential place for those who either don’t consider a carnivorous diet is for them, or want to cut down on meat. It turned completely vegan last year, with no meat, dairy or eggs used in any of its hearty home-cooked cuisine served up in 1970s-inspired surroundings. Expect to pay around £10 for a main course when eating in. Opens every day until 5pm, though offers special pop-up dinner events which prove popular.
www.fortifycafe.co.uk

FREDERIC CAFE BISTRO, MAIDSTONE ME14 1HP

You don’t have to be French to eat here but chef/patron Ulric Allsebrook is! Enjoy ‘peasant food’ as he describes it in this little eaterie tucked away in Market Buildings next door to the town’s theatre. Drop in for breakfast of scrambled egg and smoked salmon or just coffee and a croissant (home-made of course). Savour a croque monsieur or beef bourguignon for lunch. Pan fried sea bass and fresh crab feature on the dinner menu. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and breakfast and Wednesday to Saturday for dinner. Book a table so you don’t miss out!
www.fredericbistro.com

VINTERS PARK TANDOORI, MAIDSTONE ME14 5NS

While it’s best-known as a takeaway, this restaurant makes for a good sit-down meal. With just a handful of tables, visitors are guaranteed attentive service and a great curry. Should you find it too quiet, staff will play Indian music at your request and there’s the added bonus of being able to take in your own alcoholic drinks. All the classic curries are there, along with some specials. Staff are happy to advise if you fancy trying something different.
vintersparktandoori.co.uk

THE CORNER HOUSE, MINSTER CT12 4BZ

This former Taste of Kent award-winner manages to combines fine cooking with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and you can even stay the night as it has rooms too. The Corner House is tucked away a few miles from Ramsgate but it’s worth seeking out. The emphasis is on quality seasonal British food so the menu changes regularly – you might find Kentish mussels in leeks, chilli and Biddenden cider, or sherry braised pork cheeks with mash and pork liver faggots or venison pudding. They do lighter bites and there are sharing boards if you can’t decide. If lemon posset is on the menu when you go, make sure you save room for dessert.
www.thecornerhouseminster.co.uk

PLAYA, MINSTER ON SEA ME12 2NL

Considering Sheppey is an island, it has very few eateries which offer a sea view. One is the Playa bar and restaurant on The Leas at Minster. But even there, you have to be quick to grab a window seat. To the uninitiated, it is just a pub. But to one side is the restaurant where you can get a 9oz sirloin or ribeye steak for £16.95 (two for £24.95 on a Thursday with a bottle of house wine). The baked halibut wrapped in bacon goes down well. The Playa has a nice, comfy atmosphere with a big car park a stone’s throw from the beach.
www.the-playa.com

KINGS ARMS, OFFHAM ME19 5NR

A gem in the heart of Offham, near West Malling, the Kings Arms serves proper homemade food, varying from real pub grub to a mean Thai curry. Village pubs are a real hub for locals and the Kings Arms is at the heart of village life. There’s up to six real ales and a beer festival during the summer. Run by brothers Alex and Ross, the dog-friendly pub gives a warm welcome to anybody who walks through the 16th century doors. Don’t miss the Thai nights on Fridays and Saturdays, authentic food cooked by professional Thai chefs. Inspired by their London roots, the Kings Arms guys do a pie, mash and liquor night on the last Sunday of every month, offering speciality home made pies, the crusty pastry filled to the brim with meat and veg.
Contact Alex on Twitter @kingsarmsoffham or call 01732 845208

NUTMEGS, RAINHAM ME8 7HS

If you’re looking for a quintessential English tea room, this is it. Delicious cakes that look as pretty as a picture, tasty sandwiches, soups, homemade quiche of the day plus a large choice of teas and coffees – you’ll find it all at Nutmegs Patisserie and Tea Room. Owner Megan Brown was pastry chef at Leeds Castle and opened her own tearoom in 2014. On the savoury side you will find a good choice of sandwiches (including retro toasties with beans and cheese), jackets and more while the cakes are handmade and decorated in the shop. And if you struggle to choose, you can always tuck into the full afternoon tea. There’s also an in-house wedding cake design, bake and decoration service.

SURIN, RAMSGATE CT11 8HA

Thai restaurants may be two a penny, but the Surin offers astonishing bang to the baht. It’s cheap and cheerful but with a freshness and verve you’d expect from a high-end London establishment. Chef and owner Damrong Garbutt has West End training, but it’s her home cooking learnt from her mother and grandmother in north east Thailand, near the Cambodian border, that really hits the spot. Cambodian and Laoitian dishes throw in an element of the unexpected and there are locally brewed house beers, blonde or dark, to complement the flavours. Among reviewers who have dug deep for sufficient superlatives to do justice to Surin is food writer Jay Rayner.
www.surinrestaurant.co.uk

SIMPLY ITALIAN, ROCHESTER ME1 1LN

Simply Italian is a small group of no frills Italian trattorias serving simple honest food with a smile! The chain has been going since 2000 using only the best ingredients for their sauces and pasta. Simply Italian is one of the few places still making its pizza dough fresh – not frozen! They even bring over their mozzarella fresh every week from Naples. It’s all at very competitive prices and the Rochester High Street restaurant always offers a warm welcome, with customers made to feel special. There are also Simply Italians in Battle and Rye.
www.simplyitalian.co.uk

THE SPORTSMAN, SEASALTER CT5 4BP

They describe themselves as a grotty rundown pub by the sea, but its reputation for outstanding food has earned the Sportsman at Seasalter a host of top awards. Run by head chef Stephen Harris and his brother Phil, the pub and restaurant has held a Michelin star since 2008, and are proud to say they let the land around them dictate what they cook. The a la carte menu regularly offers three meat and three fish main courses and they also offer daily tasting menus but be warned, it is worth booking well in advance to avoid disappointment.
thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk

THE VINE, SEVENOAKS TN13 3TB

Beautifully presented food, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. Find the restaurant in a conservation area at the heart of Sevenoaks, overlooking one of the oldest cricket grounds in England. The menu offers food morning, noon and night, plus the traditional Sunday roast. There’s also an extensive wine list. Everything is prepared in-house, including breads and ice- creams, with ingredients sourced locally and from sustainable sources where possible. Owners Bernt and Kathleen Bouverie are about to celebrate their 10th anniversary having bought the old Vine Tavern in 2006 and transformed it into the gem it is today.
www.vinerestaurant.co.uk

JENNY WREN, SITTINGBOURNE ME10 5TA

This family pub on the outskirts of Sittingbourne offers plenty of choice. There is always a specials boards with some things that are a bit different such as wild boar and chorizo burger and Peshwari chicken curry. All main meals, including the specials, are buy one get one free, all day every day. There is a good menu for children who are made very welcome. They also have a dedicated gluten-free menu.
www.jennywrenpub.co.uk

NEV’S CAFE, MEDWAY CITY ESTATE, STROOD ME2 4BQ

The blissful cheese is melted and slippery and the egg is perfectly firm in an omelette from Nev’s Cafe. Cooked up by Nev, breakfasts start at £3.90 and culminate in the £10 version, which includes hash browns, chips, fried bread and toast too. Lunch specials change daily – the chicken and mushroom pie is a real winner. Spotted dick or jam roly-poly with custard will set you back £2. Workers from surrounding businesses bring their families on their days off. Some even come back for lunch after they retire. As the slogan should probably say; “Nev’s Cafe: You always get what you ask for.” Cafe food doesn’t get much better than this. Call 01634 720018

KATHTON HOUSE, STURRY CT2 0BD

Consistently rated Kent’s top restaurant, according to TripAdvisor, eating here falls into the ‘having an experience’ category. Reviewers praise the local Kent produce, a chef who has previously worked at the Ritz, and the Grade-II listed building. Dishes include roast rack of Kentish lamb in a basil jus, breast of guinea fowl and supreme of brill, seared scallops in dill and vermouth sauce. Food is delicate and delicious, designed to be savoured while the service is polished, welcoming and professional. Little touches are added to your dining experience, such as a sorbet in between savoury courses. A set lunch menu starts at £22, while a three-course dinner menu costs £46.50.
www.kathtonhouse.com

BLACK HORSE INN, THURNHAM ME14 3D

Tucked away in the North Downs, near Detling, the Black Horse provides a welcoming rural setting for the whole family, including the dog. The family-run business, which includes bed and breakfast accommodation, offers a varied menu full of homegrown and locally sourced ingredients, as well as seasonal produce. With a large selection of British classics, there’s guaranteed to be something to whet your appetite. Keen to satisfy their guests, the helpful staff are more than happy to accommodate gluten free and other dietary requirements. With its helpful team, cosy decor of hops and beams, and extensive list of real ales, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
www.wellieboot.net/

THE BARNYARD, UPCHURCH ME9 7EZ

If you’re wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the town or city centre – the BarnYard in Upchurch is a tranquil spot in the heart of the countryside. It’s situated among 150 acres of woodland and orchards which provide the perfect place for a walk either before or after you enjoy their delicious food. The menu features lots of Kent produce and ranges from cooked breakfasts to afternoon tea. Soup of the day with crusty bread is a must during the colder winter months in their oak beamed barn, while a slice of homemade cake and a soft drink is great to enjoy outside during the summer. An added extra is their farm shop stocking fresh fruit and veg, locally produced drinks and cheese and gifts.
www.the-barnyard.com

HUNGRY GUEST, WEST MALLING ME19 6NA

Since opening at Easter last year, this modern cafe has been pulling in food lovers from across the county. The food is locally sourced and is just delicious. The sweet potato fries are a real must, but the impressive menu is packed with burgers, soups, pizzas and salads. There’s also a great selection of drinks including teas and coffees (if you want to just pop in with friends for a quick catch up) beer and Prosecco. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are super attentive. Situated in the heart of the High Street, it’s the ideal spot for brunch following a stroll around nearby Manor Park.
www.thehungryguest.com

WHEATSHEAF, WEST MALLING ME19 5AT

Now here’s a rarity, a proper pub that does proper Sunday roasts with proper beer. It may not be rocket science (or rocket salad come to that) but it’s amazing how many restaurants and pubs that should know better get the main event of the week totally wrong. The decor may be a bit dated – thankfully so are the prices – but that’s the gritty charm of the Wheatsheaf. Saturday’s menu – it’s all chalked up behind the bar every day – includes pie and mash ‘shipped’ in from the legendary Manze’s in south London. Posh nosh it ain’t but sensational British pub grub it certainly is.
www.thewheatsheafkent.co.uk

WHITSTABLE PRODUCE STORE, WHITSTABLE CT5 1AJ

It’s not just about the food. Owners Steve and Amanda Jones – feted by Produced In Kent, Keep It In Kent and Small Business Saturday – champion Kentish produce and independent business. What’s more, their cafe-cum-shop exhibits paintings and prints by local artists. But with delights like breakfast sausage rolls (with added bacon and egg) plus brownies, cookies, fruit and cakes (Breton tart is a personal favourite) coffees, teas, fresh-fruit smoothies, beers and wines, the food is champion, as well. If it’s full, try the Horsebridge Arts Centre across the road – Steve has taken on running the cafe there, too.
whitstableproduce.co.uk

THE MOAT, WROTHAM TN15 7RR

A small, brewery-run pub which sits just off the M26, serves up locally sourced produce and specialises in real ales from Badger Beer. On the menu, whether it’s the mouth-watering rack of ribs, smothered in barbecue sauce and served with skinny chips or the slow-roasted confit duck, there’s something to please everyone. Those with a sweet-tooth won’t be left disappointed either – the Pimm’s Eton mess is a dessert-lovers dream, with just the right amount of added booze. Situated in a 14th century barn the combination of traditional features and modern decor also makes the venue the perfect place to hold a party.
www.moatwrotham.co.uk

KING’S HEAD, WYE TN25 5BN

Whether it’s a cup of coffee after a stroll, a meal out as a treat or for a special occasion the King’s Head will have you covered. Right in the heart of the quintessential Kentish village at the foot of the Downs this little pub will not disappoint midweek or at weekends. A range of regular nights including wine tasting and jazz music are held if you fancy something to accompany your meal. Rest assured you will not leave feeling hungry –although it’s got a contemporary modern feel, it is clear the chef wants to feed his guests.
www.kingsheadwye.com