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>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/HIDEANDFOX.jpg" alt="michelin star" class="wp-image-183462" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Hide and Fox, Saltwood</figcaption></figure>



<p>It was the restaurant world’s Oscars this week (Mon 10 Feb) as the&nbsp;<a href="https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland</a>&nbsp;handed out its constellation of Michelin stars at&nbsp;Kelvingrove Art Gallery &amp; Museum in Glasgow. </p>



<p>Michelin inspectors certainly weren’t dishing out stars like sweets in the culinary playground. Just one restaurant joined the top echelon of three-star establishments – chef Marc Birchall’s&nbsp;<a href="https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/lancashire/aughton/restaurant/moor-hall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moor Hall</a>&nbsp;in Aughton, West Lancashire. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kent-food-hero">KENT FOOD HERO</h2>



<p>Only three new restaurants were awarded two Michelin stars and lucky for us, one is literally on our doorstep! Drrrrumroll, please, for Muddy favourite <a href="https://hideandfox.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hide and Fox</a>&nbsp;on the Kent coast in Saltwood,&nbsp;(The other two being <a href="https://www.humblechickenuk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Humble Chicken</a>&nbsp;in Soho, central London,&nbsp;and the world-renowned&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theritzlondon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ritz Hotel</a>&nbsp;on London’s Piccadilly).</p>



<p>A shining star of the Kent dining scene since 2019, <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hide-fox-saltwood/">Hide and Fo</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hide-fox-saltwood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">x</a> has gone from strength to strength, despite launching during one of the hardest times for the hospitality industry. Alongside its three AA Rosettes, Hide and Fox can now proudly boast being the only current Kent eatery to hold two Michelin Stars.</p>



<p>Owners Allister Barsby and Alice Bussi&nbsp;are understandably over the moon, reacting to the news on social media, the pair said: &#8216;Overwhelmed doesn’t quite describe the feeling. Our little neighbourhood restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars!&#8217;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/ROWON5.jpg" alt="Row on 5 London Michelin star" class="wp-image-183458" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Row on 5, Savile Row</figcaption></figure>



<p>London also shone in the Michelin inspectors’ choices for new 1 Michelin Star awards, so it’s worth making the trip into the Big Smoke if you’re looking for best-in-class cuisine. Restaurants in the capital represented ten of the 22 new one-star restaurants – including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rowon5london.com/">Row on 5</a>, the new Savile Row opening from superchef Jason Atherton in collaboration with Spencer Metzger, former head chef at The Ritz. </p>



<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://plates-london.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plates London</a>&nbsp;in Old Street, East London, broke new ground as the first fully plant-based restaurant to receive a Michelin star, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oma.london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oma</a>&nbsp;in Borough Market marked a momentous milestone for Greek cuisine in London by winning a Michelin star and the special award for Opening of the Year after launching in Spring last year.</p>



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



<p>Scan this year’s Michelin Guide for the full cut of recommended restaurants and you’ll find a new local entry from our fair county. Say hello to <a href="https://www.thecountertw.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Counter</a>, located on 77 Calverley Road in Tunbridge Wells, it&#8217;s the debut restaurant of chef Robin Read. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-110485" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/the-counter-tunbridge-wells-kent-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Counter, Tunbridge Wells</figcaption></figure>



<p>A Muddy favourite since it&#8217;s opening in May 2024, the restaurant offers five, eight, and ten-course tasting menus priced at £60, £95, and £125, respectively. The ten-course menu is exclusively available at the chef&#8217;s counter, providing an interactive experience as you watch Robin and his team at work right before your eyes. </p>



<p>Just added to the Michelin Guide with inspectors praising its &#8216;personable and pleasingly relaxed&#8217; service and the quality of its locally sourced dishes. Open Weds through to Sun with varying lunch and dinner hours so make sure to book it up stat.</p>



<p>So who are the 2025 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/10/2023/03/hide-and-fox-saltwood.png" alt="" class="wp-image-85369" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/hide-and-fox-saltwood.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/hide-and-fox-saltwood-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/hide-and-fox-saltwood-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/hide-and-fox-saltwood-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/hide-and-fox-saltwood-768x512.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/hide-and-fox-saltwood-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With another star under their belt, duo Allister Barsby and 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-bridge-arms-canterbury"><a aria-label="The Bridge Arms (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.bridgearms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bridge Arms</a>, Canterbury ★</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/10/2023/03/bridge-arms-canterbury-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85032" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/bridge-arms-canterbury-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/bridge-arms-canterbury-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/bridge-arms-canterbury-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/bridge-arms-canterbury-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/bridge-arms-canterbury-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/bridge-arms-canterbury-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Holding down the star is Bridge Arms, sister to the Fordwich Arms, nestled in the beautiful village of Bridge, just outside of Canterbury. It&#8217;s a family-friendly, cosy pub, with a delicious menu in a village setting – with a gorgeous beer garden and play area too. Yes, this is a corker.</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="" 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="" 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 I 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-sargasso-margate-bib-gourmand"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Sargasso (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.sargasso.bar" target="_blank">Sargasso</a>, Margate – Bib Gourmand</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/10/2023/03/sargasso-margate.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/sargasso-margate.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/sargasso-margate-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/sargasso-margate-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/sargasso-margate-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/sargasso-margate-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/sargasso-margate-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The seaside outpost of London restaurant Brawn, this venue might be small and lowkey but it&#8217;s making waves in the foodie world. Sitting beside the harbour wall, it comes with some great views and the same Italian-accented dining ethos as its London counterpart. Think of an almost daily-changing selection of 12-15 well-priced, wide-ranging seasonal dishes. Views are good enough to eat!</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="" 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="" 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.thecountertw.com/">The Counter</a>, Tunbridge Wells</p>



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



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



<p><a href="https://www.oldbank-westerham.co.uk/">The Old Bank</a>, Westerham</p>



<p><a href="http://bottegacaruso.com/">Bottega Caruso</a>, Margate</p>



<p><a href="http://whitstableoystercompany.com/">Whitstable Oyster Company</a>, Whitstable</p>



<p><a href="https://www.thekentishhare.com/">The Kentish Hare</a>, Bidborough</p>



<p><a href="https://kebbells.com/">Kebbells</a>, Broadstairs</p>



<p><a href="https://boys-hall.com/">Boys Hall</a>, Ashford</p>



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



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



<p><a href="http://www.thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk/">West House</a>, Biddenden</p>



<p><a href="https://tallowrestaurant.co.uk/">Tallow</a>, Southborough</p>



<p><a href="https://updownfarmhouse.com/">Updown Farmhouse</a>, Deal</p>



<p><a href="https://www.chefstablekent.co.uk/">Chef&#8217;s Table</a>, West Malling</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.thestilebridge.com/">The Stile Bridge</a>, Marden</p>



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



<p><em>Don&#8217;t feel like being a fancy pants? Don’t forget we review a stupendous number of really&nbsp;<a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/eat-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brilliant eateries</a>&nbsp;on a weekly basis!</em></p>


Shine bright! Meet Kent’s 2025 Michelin stars

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