Seafood restaurant owners are overjoyed after featuring in the coveted Michelin Guide for their standout cuisine and ‘personal touch.’

Overlooking Viking Bay in Broadstairs, Kebbells has garnered quite the reputation since it opened in May 2021 - led by head chef Craig Mather.

And after being recently added to the Michelin Guide, the first time it has been featured on the prestigious dining list, bosses at the eatery say they have been left stunned by the success.

Sarah Kebbell, co-owner alongside husband Rich, told KentOnline: “They contacted us a long time ago and we didn’t hear anything until recently we got sent a link to say we’re in - people must have been coming in but we never knew!

“We’re absolutely delighted. We never even imagined anything like this would ever happen, we’re all blown away and we’ve all worked so hard - it’s phenomenal.

“We never talked about accolades, we just want to entertain and offer good food so places on guides were never on the radar.

“For us, we just want to keep doing what we’re doing, we won’t change what we do and there’s no chance of this going to our heads.

This is the first time Sarah and Rich have run a restaurant, with Sarah having previous background working in IT for 35 years.

With a menu boasting BBQ octopus, mussels, seabream and crab, Kebbells has become known for its consistent source of fresh produce and its commitment to the art of sharing.

In a short summary of Kebbells for the guide, Michelin bosses paid tribute to the couple’s work.

It says: “Located right on the coast, in an area known as the jewel in Thanet's crown, this is the perfect spot for a seafood restaurant.

“The dining room is bedecked with a multitude of mirrors, a large open counter and shelves filled with jars of preserved goods and house-made chilli sauce.

“As with all good seafood eateries, the menu changes with the daily catch; all the prime ingredients are well-cooked and delivered in carefully balanced combinations.

“The cheery, relaxed staff run the place wonderfully, giving everything a personal touch.”

Discussing the desire to open a seafood restaurant, Sarah explained connections with the area dating back to childhood along with an urge to bring people together both played a huge factor.

“Because of my dad living locally, I spent a lot of time in Broadstairs growing up as did my husband so it’s been a long time coming - it seems to have come full circle,” she said.

“We love entertaining and we love people, we always wanted a place which felt just like entering a friend’s home for dinner.

“It’s very much a sharing concept, you sit round big tables with loads of food and it’s very much reminiscent of our childhoods.

“We really want people to enjoy it, no matter who you are we love people coming and being able to forget what’s going on for a short while.”

Reviews for the eatery have been overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor and 147 people branding Kebbells as “excellent”.

One such rave review said: “The food here is cooked with so much love.

“Even the bread and butter was so delicious and had such attention to detail. Staff very professional and friendly. Would highly recommend.”