Kent

<p>Fordwich Arms, Fordwich. Can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough.<br />
They are always changing their menu to use seasonal ingredients.<br />
Every meal I’ve had there has been memorable. The staff are always friendly and very knowledgeable. The wine list is extensive and the sommelier is always on hand to recommend a wine that will compliment your meal.<br />
Can’t wait to get back there.</p>


<p>Just been to Tallow in Tunbridge wells   Same chef that was in  Canterbury at the compasses inn , AMAZING food &#8211; well thought out menu , service was friendly and knowledgeable …. We will be back<br />
Please open another in Tenterden !!</p>



<p>It was the restaurant world’s Oscars this week (Mon 9 Feb) as the <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelin-stars-news-uk-ireland-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland</a> handed out its constellation of Michelin stars at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Michelin inspectors certainly weren’t dishing out multiple stars like sweets in the culinary playground. Just two restaurants joined the echelons of two-star establishments and they’re both in the Big Smoke – <a href="https://www.bonheurbymattabe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonheur by Matt Abé</a> and <a href="https://www.rowon5london.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Row on 5</a>, a collaboration between celebrated chefs Jason Atherton and Spencer Metzger. </p>



<p>Muddy favourite, <a href="https://hideandfox.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hide and Fox</a> in Saltwood, retained its two Michelin stars. This gem, near Hythe is the only establishment to hold two Michelin stars in Kent, having gone from strength to strength since launching in 2019.</p>



<p>While no new Kent eateries have received a star this year, another of our county’s restaurants has been honoured with a Bib Gourmand &#8211; <a href="https://shwenshwen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shwen Shwen</a> in Sevenoaks (more on that below). </p>



<p>Meanwhile, a total of five Kent restaurants have retained their Michelin Stars this year, a testament to their continued dedication to delivering outstanding meals and memorable customer service.</p>



<p>Two Kent restaurants hold Michelin green stars which recognises those restaurateurs who are dedicated to following sustainable practices while delivering culinary excellence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kent-s-rising-star">KENT&#8217;S RISING STAR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/shwen-shwen.jpg" alt="shwen shwen" class="wp-image-121591" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/shwen-shwen.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/shwen-shwen-706x800.jpg 706w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/shwen-shwen-882x1000.jpg 882w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/shwen-shwen-353x400.jpg 353w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/shwen-shwen-768x870.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/shwen-shwen-1355x1536.jpg 1355w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Scan this year’s<a href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/every-michelin-star-restaurant-in-great-britain-ireland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Michelin Guide&nbsp;</a>for the full roll call of recommended restaurants and discover a new local entry from our fair county. Say hello to <a href="https://shwenshwen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shwen Shwen</a>, located on Bank Street in Sevenoaks, that&#8217;s just earned this accolade, a vibrant spot that has brought the flavours of Sierra Leone to Kent.</p>



<p>Helmed by self-taught chef Maria Bradford, dishes here are colourful, packed full of flavour and ideal for sharing. The guide remarked: &#8216;Our Inspectors singled out the spatchcock poussin with a palm butter sauce that provided an invigorating kick.&#8217;</p>



<p>So who are the 2026 gastronomic greats across Kent? Read on for the hottest tables in town.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kent-stars">KENT STARS</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hide-and-fox-saltwood"><a aria-label="Hide and Fox (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hideandfox.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hide and Fox</a>, Saltwood ★★</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/hide-and-fox-3.jpg" alt="hide and fox" class="wp-image-87515" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/hide-and-fox-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/hide-and-fox-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/hide-and-fox-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/hide-and-fox-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/hide-and-fox-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/hide-and-fox-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With another star under their belt, duo chef Allister Barsby and manager Alice Bussi have added another chapter to their impressive story. Nestled in the charming village of Saltwood, Hide and Fox is a delightful neighborhood restaurant that was once the village shop. The restaurant offers modern British cuisine, with dishes that are well-crafted and deliver fabulous flavors and textures, such as exceptional seasonal tortelloni or glistening turbot. The best ingredients from Kent&#8217;s larder are a feature. We&#8217;d highly suggest a visit to this coastal gem for the ultimate fine dining experience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fordwich-arms-fordwich"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Fordwich Arms (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fordwicharms.co.uk" target="_blank">Fordwich Arms</a>, Fordwich ★</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/02/fordwich-arms.jpg" alt="fordwich arms" class="wp-image-50818" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/02/fordwich-arms.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/02/fordwich-arms-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/02/fordwich-arms-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/02/fordwich-arms-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/02/fordwich-arms-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/02/fordwich-arms-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To no surprise, Fordwich Arms holds down its star for another year. This is the ultimate foodie destination, sitting on the banks of the River Stour, a venue bursting with character, where they put in every effort to source the very best ingredients &#8211; and keep the menu endlessly updated. 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. Big thumbs up from us.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sportsman-seasalter"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Sportsman (opens in a new tab)" href="http://thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk" target="_blank">The Sportsman</a>, Seasalter ★</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/10/the-sportsman-whistable-muddy-stilettos-kent-michelin-winners.jpg" alt="the sportsman" class="wp-image-20847" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/10/the-sportsman-whistable-muddy-stilettos-kent-michelin-winners.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/10/the-sportsman-whistable-muddy-stilettos-kent-michelin-winners-150x84.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/10/the-sportsman-whistable-muddy-stilettos-kent-michelin-winners-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/10/the-sportsman-whistable-muddy-stilettos-kent-michelin-winners-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/10/the-sportsman-whistable-muddy-stilettos-kent-michelin-winners-720x405.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>What a corker of a pub, The Sportsman is winning accolade after accolade this year but don&#8217;t dismiss it. They don&#8217;t buy into pretentiousness and there’s a really laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. When we visited the menu was simple and perfectly executed – the fish could not have tasted fresher (it’s right by the sea just outside Whitstable).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-small-holding-kilndown-green"><a aria-label="The Small Holding (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thesmallholding.restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Small Holding</a>, Kilndown &#8211; Green ★</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/the-small-holding.jpg" alt="the small holding" class="wp-image-76146" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/the-small-holding.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/the-small-holding-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/the-small-holding-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/the-small-holding-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/the-small-holding-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/the-small-holding-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Our favourite rustic restaurant retains its Michelin Green Star &#8211; and rightly so! The award recognises restaurants with a focus on environmental practices. We know The Small Holding work directly with growers, farmers, and fishermen, forage in hedgerows and woodlands, and grow their vegetables and rear animals. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do and a visit here guarantees a special dining experience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-angela-s-margate-nbsp-green"><a aria-label="Angela's (opens in a new tab)" href="https://angelasofmargate.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angela&#8217;s</a>, Margate&nbsp;&#8211; Green ★</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="725" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate.jpg" alt="angela's margate" class="wp-image-58869" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-300x218.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-690x500.jpg 690w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-150x109.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-768x557.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-724x525.jpg 724w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A friendly team runs this understated little bistro set just off the esplanade. Their ethos is fiercely local and sustainable and even the tables are made of compressed recycled plastic. The concise blackboard menu lists sustainable fish (depending on what is fresh from the boats that morning) and a vegetarian option – no meat – and the cooking is pleasingly unfussy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-michelin-guide-recommended-in-kent">MICHELIN GUIDE RECOMMENDED IN KENT</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.sargasso.bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sargasso</a>, Margate (Bib Gourmand)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.thecountertw.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Counter</a>, Tunbridge Wells</p>



<p><a href="https://www.thestilebridge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Stile Bridge</a>, Marden</p>



<p><a href="https://www.setemargate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sète</a>, Margate</p>



<p><a href="https://www.theploughkent.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bowley&#8217;s at The Plough</a>, Trottiscliffe</p>



<p><a href="http://whitstableoystercompany.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitstable Oyster Company</a>, Whitstable</p>



<p><a href="https://www.thekentishhare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kentish Hare</a>, Bidborough</p>



<p><a href="https://quincewestgate.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quince</a>, Westgate-on-Sea</p>



<p><a href="https://kebbells.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kebbells</a>, Broadstairs</p>



<p><a href="https://www.swanchapeldown.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swan Wine Kitchen</a>, Tenterden</p>



<p><a href="https://boys-hall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boys Hall</a>, Ashford</p>



<p><a href="http://bottegacaruso.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bottega Caruso</a>, Margate</p>



<p><a href="https://www.thackerays-restaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thackeray’s</a>, Tunbridge Wells</p>



<p><a href="http://www.thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West House</a>, Biddenden</p>



<p><a href="https://tallowrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tallow</a>, Southborough</p>



<p><a href="https://updownfarmhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Updown Farmhouse</a>, Deal</p>



<p><a href="https://ternrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tern</a>, Worthing</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-for-more"><em>HUNGRY FOR MORE?</em></h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/kents-top-gastropubs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tuck in! The top 100 gastropubs 2026 revealed</a></li>



<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/best-sunday-roasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best Sunday roasts in Kent</a></li>



<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/cosy-pubs-with-walks-kent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">17 cosy pubs in Kent with walks nearby</a></li>
</ul>


The stars are out: Meet Michelin 2026’s local award winners

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