A restaurant in Kent has been awarded a coveted Michelin star.

The Hide and Fox, in Hythe, is already proud to have three AA Rosettes under its belt but has now added the star to its list of accolades.

Head chef and owner Allister Barsby said: "It feels amazing.

"Obviously not just for us, but it has been a tough year for everyone in the industry so this does feel great.

"It is the natural progression for the Hide and Fox.

"We love what we do and are passionate about it."

The Michelin Guide said on Twitter: "This #MICHELINSTAR21 was an easy one for us to confirm. Allister & Alice’s joyfully run @hideandfox celebrates all the best things about Kent."

The Hide and Fox is one of 22 restaurants awarded new star ratings for 2021 - but the only one in Kent.

It opened in June 2019 by Mr Barsby and Alice Bussi, who have both previously worked in award-winning restaurants and hotels.

When it was open, it served two carefully crafted tasting menus, five or seven courses, as well as a hand selected wine list.

Mr Barsby, who grew up in Chestfield, Whitstable, has worked with Michelin starred chefs across the country including Read’s Restaurant in Faversham under David Pitchford and at Gidleigh Park Hotel in Devon under Michael Caines.

He was also executive chef at Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where he maintained three rosettes.

Miss Bussi, from Italy, has worked in Tuscany, Switzerland and Germany and has a AIS Sommelier Diploma.

She worked at Bath Priory for four years, first as a sommelier, and then as restaurant manager, with Michelin starred Chef Sam Moody.

The restaurant was awarded its three AA Rosetters in 2020.

Like many restaurants it is currently closed due to lockdown.

Speaking last year, Mr Barsby, a former Archbishop's School, in Canterbury, student, said: "It's not ideal. But we're still going to be here when lockdown ends."

The restaurant is currently offering take away food on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit hideandfox.co.uk.

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See all the Kent restaurants included in the 2021 guide here.