Keston Dining Set
Best of England has named some of the top pubs in the country and several Kent locals have made the cut.
The independent guide shares some the best places to eat, drink and visit in England recently released a shortlist of the 100 best pubs in the country.
And luckily for those who like a tipple, no less than 13 in Kent have made the highly regarded list.
From seaside boozers to gastro pubs renowned for their mind blowing food, the public houses getting an honourable mention stretch across our beautiful county.
Take a look at their top picks below.
The Old Neptune, Whitstable
Where: Marine Terrace, Island Wall, Whitstable, CT5 1EJ
What: The Old Neptune pub gives you the chance to enjoy a pint on the beach.
It is the perfect place to enjoy stunning sunsets over the sea with continental lagers and terrific home cooked food.
The guide says: "The pub is located directly on the seafront which is an idyllic spot to spend an hour or two on a sunny afternoon. They have a good selection of local ales and not so local lagers, as well as standard pub grub. They host live music events and are also dog friendly."
Pearsons Arms, Whitstable
Where: Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, CT5 1BT
What: Pub and upstairs restaurant serving Modern British cuisine using local seafood, meat and cheese.
The guide says: "Pearson's Arms in Whitstable is a traditional pub downstairs with a restaurant upstairs serving modern, wholesome, British cuisine, with a local and seasonal focus, created by chef Richard Phillips."
The Dirty Habit, Maidstone
Where: Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Maidstone ME17 1UW
What: Restored pub in an area of natural beauty, offering traditional British and Continental dishes.
The guide says: "The Dirty Habit is a beautiful old pub situated in the picturesque Kentish village of Hollingbourne and set within a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Food is served all day and include Baked Camembert and Grilled halloumi & butternut squash salad."
The Three Chimneys, Biddenden
Where: Hareplain Road, Biddenden, Ashford TN27 8LW
What: The Three Chimneys is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with the building itself possessing dark oak beams, aged hops and a lovely roaring fire.
The pub aims to deliver an informal dining experience with local produce, offering a variety of ales, wines and spirits.
The guide says: "The Three Chimneys is an award winning independent country pub in Biddenden. The building dates back to 1420. Dark oak beams, a roaring fire and five separate dining areas make this a characterful and relaxed venue for a pint or a bite to eat."
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The Pullman, Folkestone
Where: Church Street, Folkestone CT20 1SE
What: This lovely Kentish pub hidden on a Folkestone side street has a reputation for fine feasting and warm hospitality.
Not only will you receive warm and friendly service, you'll feel cosy and toasty inside too as the fire is located conveniently next to the bar to keep you snug while you drink.
And, if it's a Sunday and you really want to warm your cockles, you can get a cracking roast here too.
The guide says: "The Pullman in Folkestone is full of character and prides itself on serving 'the best from the feld and sea'. This large pub has had an extensive refurbishment and is split into several rooms, with cosy freplaces and soft candle lighting throughout."
The Sportsman, Seasalter
Where: Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable
What: This restaurant has held a Michelin star since 2008, and has been awarded second place in this year's Top 50 Gastropubs Awards.
The restaurant is known for letting the area and surroundings dictate the menu, serving oysters and fish from the Thames Estuary and meat and vegetables from the land.
Menu highlights include roast saddle of Monkshill farm lamb with mint sauce; thornback ray with brown butter, razor clams and sherry vinegar dressing; and braised brill fillet with mussel and bacon tartare.
The guide says: "The atmosphere is relaxed with well worn decor throughout, the energy here is focused entirely on the food they serve. The tasting menu is legendary, allow 3+ hours to work through the 10 courses. If you are a foodie then The Sportsman should be high up on your bucket list."
The Kings Head, Wye
Where: Church Street, Wye, Ashford
What: This pub is dedicated to showcasing the best Kent has to offer, with a menu featuring the best of the county's produce and the British Isles.
The Kings Head has placed at number 25, and also serves a wide range of international beers and wines. It was also a finalist in the Great British Pub of the Year Awards and the Taste of Kent Awards in 2016.
Menu highlights include hogget hotpot with local slow-braised Wiltshire longhorn mature lamb shoulder and neck with cider and thyme; rainbow chard gratin with salt bake celeriac, potato and Ashmore cheese croquettes; and stout valley venison haunch with cauliflower cheese, roast root vegetables and smoked bacon.
The guide says: "They pride themselves on the quality of their food, service and environment.
"In keeping with the countryside location, each of their guest rooms are simply and tastefully decorated. Wood panelling, reclaimed and vintage furniture is mixed with bright accents and modern accessories, to give the en-suite rooms a fresh and uncluttered feel."
Duke William, Ickham
Where: The Street, Ickham, Canterbury CT3 1QP
What: Relax in front of the fire, perch at the bar or tuck yourself away in a cosy corner and enjoy the superb food, drink and atmosphere in this quintessential Kentish Pub located in the heart of the Garden of England.
The guide says: "The menu is built around the best local produce and suppliers the surrounding countryside and coastline has to ofer. Seasonality is key, which is why their menus are constantly evolving."
The Potting Shed, Maidstone
Where: Horseshoes Lane, Langley, Maidstone ME17 3LZ
What: The Potting Shed is a down to earth eating house which has been created in the unusual style of a potting shed with a grass roof and decorated with gardening tools, urns and hidden delights.
The big dining room with its magnificent open kitchen is vaulted with a wooden clad ceiling and opens out onto a beautiful garden which boasts an amazing outside space and a great kids play area as well as being host to a herb and vegetable garden.
The guide says: "The pub is unique in the choice of interior being decorated with gardening tools, urns and other agricultural based paraphernalia."
The Tickled Trout, Maidstone
Where: Chequers Cottage, Lower Road, Maidstone ME15 0PE
What: Located near the gorgeous village of West Farleigh, The Tickled Trout is the local hub for lovers of great food and drink.
The cosy pub has a beautiful dining room as well as six boutique hotel rooms, sun terraces and large garden with kids' play area.
The guide says: "Dishes include fsh pie and butternut squash and pumpkin ravioli. There are six boutique rooms which are accessed via their own private entrance. There's also an all important kids play area to keep the little ones entertained."
The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne
Where: Hook Wall, Romney Marsh TN29 9TJ
What: The Woolpack Inn dates back more than 600 years and stands in the heart of Romney Marsh, surrounded by dykes and reed beds that are home to a wealth of wildlife.
A former smugglers' haunt, the pub oozes charm and character, with hops adorning old beams, a large inglenook fireplace and quarry tiled bar.
Located in great walking country, the Woolpack Inn is a perfect place to stop and satisfy the thirst and appetite during a day out in the country.
The guide says: "The Woolpack Inn is an exceptional pub in the depths of Kent ofering top notch pub grub, a friendly welcome as well as fve beautiful and uniquely decorated rooms. Dishes include Fish Pie, Salt Marsh Beef Steak and Boozy Banana Split."
The Plough, Langley
Where: Sutton Road, Langley, Sutton Valence, Maidstone ME17 3LX
What: Sophisticated food and service in elegant surroundings. From the copper bar and the pre-dinner lounge to the restaurant with a window to the heart of the kitchen; the Plough at Langley delivers on many levels.
The guide says: "The refurbishment contrasts industrial, masculine interior elements with the softer, traditional features of the pub such as the wooden beams. When we visited, scallops, mixed game terrine and grilled fllet steak were on the menu at this luxurious eatery."
The Goudhurst Inn, Cranbrook
Where: Cranbrook Road, Goudhurst, Cranbrook TN17 1DX
What: One of the best country pubs in Kent, The Goudhurst Inn offers fantastic locally sourced food and drink, as well as comfortable hotel rooms.
The guide says: "The Goudhurst Inn in Cranbrook is owned by the winery, Hush Heath Estate, in nearby Staplehurst. The pub's focus is centered on delicious wines and ciders from their winery and from around the world, as well as an array of craft beers, ales and spirits. All of their food is locally sourced."
This was originally published by Kent Live in 2018. If you want to look at the free guide in full visit the Best of England website here .
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Source: https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/food-drink/the-best-pubs-in-kent-1651719
