Foodie heaven unearthed in Kent

10 February 2009

Kent restaurants are causing a stir in the The Good Food Guide 2009 and leading to comparisons with erstwhile foodie sensation Ludlow.

More and more chefs are looking to open restaurants in Kent, tempted by fantastic food markets, farm shops and fabulous produce.

There are three new Kent entries in The Good Food Guide 2009:

• The rural Yew Tree Inn at Barfreston won the Pub Newcomer of the Year Award for its high quality ingredients in the kitchen and great local real ales in the bar.
• The wonderfully laid-back Three Mariners at Oare sources most of its produce from local farm shops and serves fish from the only day boat working from Oare creek – 50 metres away.
• The Dove in Dargate* produces smart restaurant-style cooking in a casual setting.

These newcomers are complementing high-scoring Good Food Guide entries like the Sportsman at Seasalter, Whitstable, and Read’s at Faversham. There’s also the hugely popular Whitstable trio, JoJos, Wheelers, Williams and Brown, the Goods Shed restaurant in Canterbury, The Fitzwalter Arms at Goodnestone, and the Granville at Lower Hardres –the Sportsman’s sister restaurant.

Elizabeth Carter, Editor of The Good Food Guide, says:

“Is this East Kent triangle the new Ludlow? Reporters to The Good Food Guide have identified a whole area, not a town, as the new gastronomic hot-spot. A rough triangle encompassing Canterbury, Whitstable and Faversham in East Kent has lured quality chefs, who appear to be drawn to the high quality Kentish meat, fish, vegetables and fruits.”

- Ends –

Notes to Editor

*The Dove is an ‘also recommended’ entry in The Good Food Guide - not a full entry, but provisionally suggested as an alternative to main entries.

The Good Food Guide 2009 can be ordered on 01903 828557 (£16.99, p&p free) or at www.which.co.uk or bought from bookshops.

Agree or disagree with The Good Food Guide selection? Send your opinions on restaurants in your area to: goodfoodguide@which.co.uk