Where to dine & celebrate in Kent this New Year

Ready to party like it’s 2025? Hell yeah! From bars to cosy pubs and gorgeous restaurants, here are the best places to wine, dine and celebrate this festive period.

Balfour Winery, Staplehurst

This festive season, immerse yourself in the warmth and charm of Balfour Winery, one of England’s premier wine producers nestled in the idyllic Hush Heath Estate. Celebrate at the Winemakers’ Kitchen, where a cosy atmosphere meets a seasonal menu crafted from the finest local ingredients. Ideal for everything from Christmas parties to Boxing Day walks, this is the time to experience England’s ‘best vineyard to visit.’ From frosty vineyards to a heartwarming meal, Balfour Winery promises a holiday experience to remember in every sip and taste. Tempted?

The Hengist, Aylesford

Experience the magic of Christmas in this beautiful 16th-century restaurant sitting pretty in the village of Aylesford, just outside Maidstone. Known for their fun themed rooms (which you can hire!), seasonal menus using high quality, locally sourced ingredients and exciting menu of show-stopping cocktails – you won’t get this kind of adventurous dining experience anywhere else! Their Christmas Menu, 2 courses for £48 and 3 courses for £55 available til Tues 24 Dec. Or see the 2025 in style with a delicious NYE 5-course tasting menu, followed by a singer and DJ for £100pp.

Hoof & Hook, Tenterden

Hoof & Hook is an exciting farm-to-table restaurant in Tenterden where locally sourced produce is guaranteed! Whether you are looking for a festive feast with family & friends, or a party with colleagues, they have the perfect 3 course Christmas Menu to choose from available throughout December by pre-order, at £45pp. Their stunning Blue Room will be decorated and ready to host Christmas parties for up to 40 guests for a sit down dinner or 60 for Canapé Receptions (menus start from £15pp) – dates are filling up fast!

Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham & Brandshatch Place, Fawkham

Treat yourself to the quintessentially British tradition of Afternoon Tea, sprinkled with a festive twist this Christmas season at Chilston Park Hotel (until Mon 30 Dec) or Brandshatch Place (until Sun 5 Jan) part of Handpicked Hotels. Add a touch of luxury with a glass of sparkling Champagne, or choose from a curated selection of fine teas and aromatic coffees, perfectly paired with the festive treats. Whether you’re catching up with friends, spending quality time with family, or enjoying a well-deserved treat, this is the ideal escape from the holiday hustle. It’s a seasonal indulgence you won’t want to miss!

Rowhill Grange & Utopia Spa, Wilmington 

Rowhill Grange near Dartford is pulling out all the stops this Christmas with festive dining, sparkling celebrations, and luxurious stays to make the season unforgettable. Whether it’s a cosy afternoon tea, a sophisticated supper in RG’s Restaurant, or a festive party in The Clockhouse for up to 120 guests, there’s something for every occasion. Book asap for their four-course Christmas Eve dinner, five-course Christmas Day lunch or their seven-course Boxing Day tasting menu. Not forgetting their legendary Joiner Party Nights for small groups looking for a big party as well as their NYE package featuring champagne, a tasting menu, dancing, and midnight bagpipes to welcome 2025 in style. Then wake up on New Year’s Day with a full breakfast and use of the Utopia Spa until 11am. Bliss.

Or if you don’t even want to lift a finger, book their all-inclusive and incredibly indulgent Christmas Package, available for 2 or 3 nights from Tues 24 Dec. Complete with cocktails, festive feasts from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, afternoon tea and even a spa treatment for guests staying 3 nights. Pamper-me time, here we come!

The Ferry House, Isle of Sheppey

Kick off the festive season in style with Christmas dining at this waterside venue, The Ferry House. This cosy 16th-century, 2 AA Rosette country restaurant welcomes you with roaring fires, seasonal cocktails, and a specially crafted festive menu. Enjoy classic dishes with a unique twist, made using homegrown, family-farmed, and locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s a family gathering, a festive date night, or a celebration with colleagues, the menu is available for lunch and dinner until Sat 21 Dec. Indulge in two courses for £40pp or three courses for £45pp, both including tea, coffee, and petit fours. Eat, drink, and be merry this Christmas!

The Counter, Tunbridge Wells

The Counter by Robin Read is offering an indulgent and celebratory meal for the last night of the year! This New Year’s Eve make it at The Counter. There are two sittings to choose from; at 5pm there is a choice of the five, eight and ten-course menus, each full of different tastes, textures and seasonal treats and the option of a standard or premium wine pairings. For the 8pm sitting the ten-course menu offers a truly special finale to see in the new year, costing £150pp with optional wine flight and pre-ordered Sparkling wine or Champagne, chosen at the point of reservation.

Bowley’s at The Plough, Trottiscliffe

Sitting on a quiet lane in the quintessentially English village of Trottiscliffe, within easy reach of West Malling, Bowley’s at The Plough continues to be one of our firm foodie favourites in Kent and is the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas with your friends and family. Throughout December, they’re open for lunch and dinner as usual, Weds – Sat and Sunday lunch. However you won’t want to miss their Seasonal Fare on Christmas Eve with carols, mulled wine and Bratwurst Sausage in brioche and caramelised onions. Then it’ll turn into a 1800’s village shop complete with a nostalgic sweet counter reminiscent of days gone by and of course, draft beers and mulled wine. Christmas Day they’ll be open 12-2pm for drinks and canapés only. Then back open during Twixmas for their Fine Wine & Canapés Event on Fri 27 Dec (£65pp) and Beef Wellington & Red Wine For Two on Sat 28 Dec (£95pp). Yum!

The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells

Tucked away down Tea Garden Lane by the edge of the woods in Tunbridge Wells, you’ll find The Beacon. It’s a truly picturesque setting, overlooking Happy Valley with an elegant restaurant and bar and at Christmas it really comes alive with the twinkling fairy lights and fires lit. Have your Christmas party or family here and indulge in their Christmas Menu running from til Sun 24 Dec and on Thurs 28 – Sun 31 Dec exclusively for bookings in one of their private dining rooms. The Billiard Room can sit up to 20 guests and The Card Room can sit up to 12 guests, minimum of 6 required. There’s also The Hearth open for bigger parties that can seat up to 60.

Eastwell Manor, Ashford

Eastwell Manor is a luxury spa hotel, housed in a historic Neo-Elizabethan manor house set at the top of a long tree-lined drive, it’s an idyllic setting. Plus located just 5 miles from Ashford International station, this is the ideal location for catching up with friends from across Kent and beyond. Reconnect with loved ones and unwind with a three-course Boxing Day Lunch. After your meal lounge by one of the siz open fireplaces for games and conversation or enjoy a crisp walk around the gorgeous grounds before heading home. £38 per adult and £19 per child. Get into the spirit at their New Year’s Eve Party, tickets include a glass of champagne, lovely canapés, party casino and a live jazz band for entertainment. Black tie dresscode! £50pp.

The Dog, Wingham

We love this friendly, stylish, foodie pub and there’s plenty to do around Christmas and New Year here. Enjoy their Christmas Party Menu served from Mon 25 Nov – Mon 23 Dec, perfect for your work party or family/friends bash. Available Mon-Thurs for £39.50pp or Fri & Sat for £49.50pp. Or book your table now for Tues 31 Dec for a beautifully curated 4-course meal and drinks plus DJ and dancing til 1am. View their New Years Eve Dinner Party Menu for £95pp with amuse-bouche, dulse butter baked halibut, roasted loin of venison and a dark chocolate, clementine & panettone to finish – veggie options too!

Mereworth Wines, Mereworth

Don’t miss Mereworth’s beloved sparkling Afternoon Tea now with a delightful festive twist. Perfect for celebrating the upcoming festive season, offering both adult and children’s menus so everyone can enjoy the festivities together. On the menu there’s the usual scones, jam and cream but also… Turkey and cranberry brioche bun with gravy dip, pigs in blanket brioche bun, smoked salmon with herby cream cheese sandwich and to finish it all off, a raspberry and dark chocolate brownie bite, spiced toffee apple posset, mini mince pie and macarons. All served with filter coffee or a pot of tea. Book your spot asap for one of these dates: Mon 23, Fri 27, Sat 28 and Sun 29 Dec. Cheers!

Albion House, Ramsgate

Get in the festive mood with Albion House’s delicious food, stunning architecture and inspiring interiors. Get together with friends, colleagues or family in The Dining Rooms, a series of elegant Georgian rooms, overlooking the Royal Harbour. With open fires and lounging opportunities aplenty, this is a great place to sip a cocktail and celebrate. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner or private events. They have also gone all out for New Year’s Eve this year with not 1 but 2 events. Don’t miss their NYE Banquet and enjoy an elegant five-course feast with an evening of live music, fortune telling and a DJ til 2am. Tickets are £85pp. Or enjoy a sophisticated evening of Champagne & Oysters which will be served in the Georgian Rooms from 6pm – 11pm with DJ and dancing from 11pm – 2am. Tickets are £25pp.

THE PIG at Bridge Place, Canterbury

This place needs no introduction, tucked away outside the historic village of Bridge, you’ll find The PIG’s rustic restaurant, The Coach House. With super stylish interiors boasting lots of gorgeous period features including roaring fires, cosy corners and lots of festive feasting. This December, tuck into a three-course Festive Menu complete with Piggy Bits, mulled wine, and mince pies. From £150 per adult and £64 per child under 13 years old – why enjoy a three-night stay arriving on Tues 24 Dec starting from £855? Or ring in the New Year with their seven course New Year’s Eve Menu from £155pp including a glass of fizz and Piggy Bits on arrival.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Hythe

This festive season escape to Port Lympne for a magical Christmas break like no other, arrive Christmas Eve and stay til Boxing Day. Whether you stay in the luxurious 4-star boutique hotel, a treehouse above the woodland canopy, or an immersive lodge near lions and tigers, you’re guaranteed a truly unique experience. Enjoy exclusive park access, thrilling animal encounters, and a delicious seasonal feasts served in the Garden Room restaurant, where menus showcase the finest local ingredients. Relax, indulge, and let the festive spirit surround you as Port Lympne takes care of every detail, ensuring memories to last a lifetime. Or if you’d just like to pop in for the day, their delightful Christmas Afternoon Tea returns on Mon 2 Dec.

Samphire, Whitstable

This local gem was Whitstable’s first bistro and is conveniently situated in the centre of town and just metres from the sea. With a rustic, casual vibe and Art Deco Exterior it has a (rightly deserved) reputation for its’ outstanding seasonal menu comprising local fish, seafood and locally sourced ingredients. With a chalkboard menu dedicated to local fish, meat and seasonal vegetables, choose from the best oysters, crustaceans and seafood, plus delicious Kentish meats and vegetarian options. Brunch is served at the weekends and Samphire’s Sunday lunch is not to be missed and truly exceptional.

Squerryes Winery, Westerham

Wondering where to go for festive dining? For the first time, enjoy Christmas Day Lunch in the elegant surroundings of the two AA Rosette winery restaurant with a four-course lunch for £150 per adult and £75 for children aged 8-12 years old. Even ring in the New Year at their Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Party featuring dancing, canapés, and Squerryes Brut. Tickets are from £72.25.

The Brasserie MS, Folkestone

Open once again, Chef Patron, Mark Sergeant has designed three tasting menus for the festive period. The food here is completely inspired by Mark’s days working in London’s top Michelin-starred restaurants and of course, the nine years he spent at Claridge’s. The menus showcase local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients of the highest quality, whilst celebrating the classic French culinary techniques in which Mark learnt his trade, ensuring a dining experience to remember. You can expect Mark’s usual style with a seasonal festive twist. Open for Christmas Eve Dinner, 7-9pm, Christmas Day Lunch, 12-3pm and New Year’s Eve Dinner, 7-9pm.

Cave Hotel & Golf Resort, Canterbury

Christmas is upon us and where better to escape than at Cave Hotel & Golf Resort? Whether you require an intimate table for two, a festive party experience with your colleagues or a luxurious overnight stay, you’re pretty sorted here. Enjoy an alternative to traditional turkey with their festive tasting menu available to book for lunch Thurs & Fri throughout December from £42pp or there’s Festive Afternoon tea for £30pp.

Ring in the New Year with the Firepit Dining Experience, a stunning 7-course tasting menu with a Champagne arrival, entertainment from Harry Nardi and show-stopping firework display from £150pp. Or go to their exclusive Cowgirl Lounge, enjoy live music from Groove Zoo and a spectacular firework display prices range from £105pp.

St Leonard’s, West Malling

Eat, drink and be merry at St Leonard’s this December with their Festive Private Dining Menu and celebrate in exclusive style with your loved ones in their stunning space on the first floor, accommodating up to 12 guests for your lavish dinner, working lunch, festive party or Sunday roast. This is an exceptional dining destination so book up asap.

Hide and Fox, Saltwood

Fancy a truly spectacular fine dining experience with relaxed vibes, and cosy interiors in the heart of Saltwood, Hythe. Did we mention the Michelin star and 3 AA Rosettes too? Every ingredient at Hide & Fox is carefully chosen for quality and seasonality. Celebrate this December with their festive three-course lunch featuring delicious Longland Farm goose from Elham, and warm homemade mince pies. Available Weds – Sat lunch time, £48pp. View the menu here.

Fordwich Arms, Fordwich

For the ultimate foodie destination in Kent, look no further than The Fordwich Arms. This award-winning riverside restaurant makes the perfect venue for a Christmas celebration. We love the gorgeous 1930’s bar for its’ relaxed setting, cocktail selection, and cosy vibes. The oak panelled dining room has roaring open fires and for summer dining there is a pretty riverside garden. Choose from an incredible la carte or a tasting menu with wine pairing. There is a focus on provenance, using quality local Kent ingredients from nearby farms and producers and all presented in an exciting and creative manner (with pescatarian, vegan and vegetarians all catered for). It’s an experience not to be missed.

Bridge Arms, Canterbury

Looking for a family friendly, cosy country pub with a delicious Michelin star menu to boot? Get The Bridge Arms – from the duo behind the Fordwich Arms – on your list. Nestled in the beautiful village of Bridge, The Bridge Arms was originally a coaching inn and dates back to the 16th century and is the perfect place to hunker down with their roaring fires and delicious food.

The Swan Wine Kitchen, Tenterden

The Swan Wine Kitchen at Tenterden is a 2AA Rosette, 80-cover family-friendly restaurant with a privately roomed Chef’s Table. They serve award-winning sparkling and still wines from Chapel Down and guest wines from Spain and Italy, holding a variety of wine tastings and guided tours of the beautiful vineyard and winery which surrounds the restaurant for you to enjoy. Come and experience the finest locally and regionally-sourced produce, a lovely Christmas atmosphere cooked to perfection, in an elegant yet relaxed environment.

The West House, Biddenden

Found in the pretty village of Biddenden, this family-run, foodie gem never disappoints and should be on your must-do dining list. The West House sits in a 16th Century weaver’s cottage with no need for flashiness the frontage is perfectly understated and in keeping with the surroundings. You can always count on a full dining room and happy buzz about the place. The food has a simple mission, to cook the very best, flavoursome food. Here, nothing is too fussy or pretentious but just straight forward and brilliant all served in an a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Dorothy & Marshall, Bromley

Whether it’s date-night dining, cocktails with friends or a family meal on a Sunday – this characterful restaurant has it all. Refuel from the mayhem of the High St at this cool spot in the restored Bromley Old Town Hall. Check out their Christmas Party Set Menu here.

Land & Sea, Tankerton

We love restaurant Land + Sea from brunch to lunch and tapas-sharing dishes at night, you can try some of the freshest made food and deli delights as the menu is ever-changing and hugely creative – we have never had the same dish twice. A firm Muddy favourite. Make sure to stop by on Mon 23 Dec (12-3pm or 6-9pm), Christmas Eve for their delicious Tasting Menu (12-7pm) or Fri – Sun 29 Dec for usual service.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN…

Goodnestone Park Gardens, Goodnestone

Don’t miss this festive treat for your little ones at Goodnestone Park on Sat 7 Dec from 2-4pm, for a magical Children’s Christmas Afternoon Tea that’s brimming with festive delights! Little ones will enjoy delicious seasonal treats and fun Christmas activities around a beautifully decorated table, all set within the enchanting surroundings of Goodnestone Park. With free garden admission included, you can make the most of the day by exploring the stunning winter gardens before the festivities. Tickets are just £11.95. Adults can join in on the fun too, with tea options available for grown-ups!

Chapel House Estate, Ramsgate

Get into the festive spirit with Chapel House Estate’s Shared Christmas Party – a night filled with festive cheer and unforgettable memories! Book your tickets for either Fri 6 or Sat 7 Dec for a magical evening featuring a 3-course meal, live entertainment, a festive welcome drink, and petit fours, all for just £55 per ticket. Looking to host a larger celebration? Their stunning Thorne Barn can accommodate up to 150 seated guests or 200 standing for a Christmas party to remember. For tickets or private hire inquiries, email: info@chapelhouseestate.co.uk.

Words by Mollie Manning

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