Hot news! New bars and restaurants in the ‘hood and more foodie gossip
Extra, extra! Margate’s food scene heats up with a new restaurant & wine bar plus Tunbridge Wells has a new Italian date night spot – and is that a nano brewery in Whistable? Read on for the latest goss in Kent.
SUMMER FEASTING
Loyal Muddy readers know all about Robin Read’s debut restaurant, The Counter opening its doors in central Tunbridge Wells by now. But if you haven’t been yet (why not?) this latest bit of news that shot into our inboxes might just curb your appetite. Available Thurs – Sat from midday to 2:30pm is the brand new three-course lunch menu for just £40pp. The shorter menu is crafted using the same yummy locally sourced ingredients with the same service standards, just in a smaller tasty package. Perfect for those lazy lunches if you haven’t got the time for the full dining experience.
Also new for Summer 2024 is Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve’s brasserie-inspired summer menu which you can find at their gorgeous Garden Room Restaurant. It still has a casual dining feel, offering beautifully plated dishes to suit families and your next date night too. Lunch is served 12-3pm offering staples such as ciabatta sandwiches, fresh salads and a choice of burgers from the grill. Dinner is served 5pm – 8:30pm with a delicious range of starters, mains and desserts plus a brand new Garden Bites menu. We also love the sound of their Garden Club signature cocktail. What are you waiting for? View the full menu and book your table asap.
Sunshine food! The Happy Grazing Company has got your summer get together, BBQs and picnics sorted with their range of beautifully boxed catering options. Choose between luxe buffet items such as; poached salmon, sirloin of beef with salsa verde, cous cous, organic roast chicken with green goddess sauce and burrata and grilled peach salad. Just unbox and serve. We are salivating.
REALLY SOON
Birchwood Supper Club, Flimwell, Fri 28 June
Birchwood’s Supper Clubs are a firm favourite in the calendar where once a month you can enjoy a seasonal four-course menu at Birchwood made up of some of the finest Kent and Sussex produce. The menus are designed by their chefs Will Devlin & Jake Chappell-Kelly, set on two large communal dining tables. This form of dining is a fantastic way to come together with friends and to meet new people. Now the weather is warming up, have the chance to sit out on the terrace with a sundown overlooking the woods. £55pp.
La Dolce Vita Celebration Dinner, The Dog, Thurs 27 June
This month’s celebration dinner at The Dog in Wingham is giving a taste of La Dolce Vita, created by their Head Chef Roberto Mantegna who’ll be cooking the food of his Italian family. Take a look at the menu and book asap. Arrive from 6pm for dinner at 7:30pm. £60pp.
Pizza & Prosecco Night, Chapel House Estate, Fri 12 July
Who doesn’t love wood-fired pizzas and sparkling Prosecco? Gather the gang and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the No 9 Restaurant at the stunning Chapel House Estate near Ramsgate this coming July. Better yet, enjoy a glass of Prosecco for just £5 and a bottle of Peroni for only £3.50 with every pizza purchase. Can’t make it? Don’t miss their Midsummer Roast on Sun 21 July.
NEW OPENINGS
Ooooh hello Pomus! This brand new wine bar, restaurant and pantry supply shop just opened in Margate and it’s the first solo restaurant project from Ryan Jacovides (ex-Jamie Oliver Group) along with head chef Tony Rodd, who was a finalist on MasterChef back in 2015. Pomus (which derives its name from the Ancient Greek word ‘pōmus’ meaning fruit tree) has a low-waste and inclusive menu which will be showcased alongside award-winning wines and you’ll be pleased to see many local producers such as Whitstable Oysters, Cheesemakers of Canterbury, Chapel Down and Westwell already on their menus. We love.
Make sure to say a big hello to Lazy Lobster, Whitstable’s brand new seafood haven, nestled in a 19th century pub. Offering fresh and seasonal dishes, an exciting wine list and a fully stocked bar. Open 7 days a week with bar snacks and drinks served all day so make sure you pop in.
Welcome Tuci! Another new opening on Camden Road in the centre of Tunbridge Wells town and we spy Vegan pizzas on the menu too! Your next Italian date-night spot sorted.
BOTTOMS UP
We have our fingers firmly on the pulse as we hear that Whitstable Oyster Brewing, the new beachfront nano brewery is opening next month. This cool new brewery will act as a tasting space where you can try ultra-fresh beer and observe the equipment and processes of the brewery, seeing where all the magic happens. Try new beers alongside monthly, seasonal and one-off beers so you can be sure that your experience will be different every time. Stay tuned for tutored tasting events too. Keep checking back here for more details!
Muddy faves, The Small Holding and Birchwood have just announced an exciting new collaboration with Lakedown Brewing Company, their very own beer called Full Loop. Now available at both restaurants, Full Loop is a full-flavoured and approachable pale ale that is a perfect partner for food. It is crisp, light, meticulously crafted, and dry-hopped for aroma. Have you tried this unique brew yet?
FUN TO COME
Woodland in The Winery Festival, Tues 23 July – Sun 4 Aug
Love rosé? Book your FREE ticket asap to this brand new wonderful wine festival at Balfour Winery in Staplehurst with vineyard tours, wine tasting, art and live music. In partnership with the Kent Wildlife Trust, experience the art installation designed and created by RHS Gold Award-winning floral designer Louise Roots. Celebrate all things rosé with a free tasting of Balfour’s highly-acclaimed Nannette’s Rosé wine while you enjoy the panoramic views across Nannette’s Vineyard. Just add summer sunshine.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea Afternoon Tea, Bowley’s at The Plough, Sat 20 July
This is seriously fancy fare. Bowley’s at The Plough is an award-winning restaurant and pub, nestled in the picturesque village of Trottiscliffe and is the ‘go-to’ for foodies. Not your usual family-friendly restaurant but this July, Bowley’s have created a culinary journey for your young ones based on The Tiger Who Came To Tea. The Afternoon Tea menu is made from hyper-seasonal produce sourced from dedicated small-scale farmers and everything is locally foraged where possible. Priced from £18 per adult and from £15 per child.
Words by Mollie Manning