We've long known how good pub food is within the county, but it's great to see yet more national recognition for some of our best gastro pubs in the UK’s Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs awards . Michelin-starred Seasalter favourite, The Sportsman, owned by Shepherd Neame and run by brothers Stephen and Phil Harris, took 6th place on the list. Judges praised Head Chef Stephen Harris’ menu for being sourced almost exclusively from the land surrounding the pub. Describing his mission to ‘religiously reflect the pub’s surrounding geography, history and produce’, they praised how he picks seaweed from the adjoining beach; makes his own salt from the sea, and uses meat from local farms.
Commenting on the award, Phil Harris said, "It is always nice to get recognition, and we never take it for granted - you are only as good as the last meal you served.
“If it wasn’t for the dedication of our staff – some of whom have been with us an awfully long time – we wouldn’t have been here for 23 years. It is that consistency that is terribly important. It requires diligence and sticking to standards, and not compromising. If you cannot do something perfectly, don’t do it.”
Meanwhile, coming in at no 8 was The Fordwich Arms, under the helm of chef-patron, Daniel Smith. Judges noted that his skill has, "driven the pub up the list over the years, from 42 in 2019 to 17 in 2020 and 16 in 2021. It has risen significantly again this year and now sits proudly in the top 10 for the first time."
Just outside the top 10 at no 12 is The Kentish Hare in Bidborough " The Tanner Brother’s first pub ... oozes with the personality of this dynamic foodie duo." said the judges.
Finally, at no 45, comes The Dog at Wingham. Said the judges, "The team really do go that extra mile to ensure every diner’s and drinker’s experience in the pub is topnotch.
