Eating al fresco during the warmer months is a joy to behold, especially after a long cold winter.
Here are 20 Kent establishments with very special outdoor dining spaces so you can enjoy your downtime in the sunshine.
The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells
Relax in the garden bar which features cosy corners and snugs which make you feel right at home.
The terrace is fine in warm weather, overlooking breathtaking views.
It is a great spot for a coffee, light breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as drinks, including some superb cocktails.
the-beacon.co.uk
The Gate Inn, Chislet
Drop your muddy boots at the door as you head into the characterful country pub in Boyden Gate near Canterbury.
The recently renovated pub has a spacious dining area inside and a beautiful beer garden which has a view of a pretty stream and is the perfect place to stop off and enjoy unforgettable home cooked food and drinks to match.
gateinnchislet.co.uk.
Updown, Deal
Through a wrought iron gate, guests can experience Updown’s hidden garden.
The pergola is shaded by hanging vines and wisteria and surrounded by herbs, olives and lavenders, with open fires to keep guests warm as the sun sets.
Ruth Leigh and Oliver Brown have carefully restored the site which is set within seven and a half acres of rolling Kent countryside.
.updownfarmhouse.com.
Water Lane, Hawkhurst
Water Lane is an ongoing restoration project in the hands of new custodians Nick Selby and Ian James.
The site of the old polytunnel in the garden has been transformed into a terrace with tented stretch awning, open kitchen, wood-fired oven and tables and chairs.
Every table has open views out on to the glasshouses, long flower borders and vegetable and cut flower beds.
Read Ian James' monthly column from page 100
The Swan, Tenterden
The Swan Wine Kitchen at Tenterden is a 2AA Rosette with a privately roomed chef’s table and terrace dining.
They serve award-winning sparkling and still wines from Chapel Down and hold a variety of wine tastings and guided tours of the vineyard and winery.
The finest locally and regionally-sourced produce is cooked to perfection in an elegant yet relaxed environment.
swanchapeldown.co.uk
Kingdom, Penshurst
Kingdom is a picturesque place which is perfect for relaxing with family and friends.
Just 35 miles south of London and seven miles from Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, it is set in a 13-acre woodland in Penshurst, Kent.
The area of outstanding natural beauty makes it a lovely place to visit whilst indulging in scrumptious food and lots of outdoor dining space to enjoy the views.
thiskingdom.co.uk.
Frasers, Egerton
Located on a private eco estate on a 300-acre working farm in the depths of the beautiful Kentish Countryside, Frasers is the perfect place to dine alfresco.
In addition to the main restaurant in an oak-framed barn, there two outside dining spaces, the barn terrace which overlooks the lawn, and the garden terrace with tables dotted amongst the colourful summer blooms.
frasersegerton.co.uk.
Brasserie at The Manor
Brasserie at The Manor restaurant serves modern cuisine with views over the picturesque gardens.
The menu includes Italian dishes, salads, fresh seafood and British steaks cooked to perfection.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with mouth-watering desserts delicately created by our highly-skilled pastry chef or try an after-dinner cocktail.
champneys.com/hotels/eastwell-manor/dining/the-brasserie-at-the-manor/
Zetland Arms, Kingsdown
Feel the sea breeze on your skin as you enjoy sublime seafood and watch the sunset at the stunning location.
Zetland Arms is a popular dining destination renowned championing fine fresh fish caught just off the Kent coast.
Boasting an awe-inspiring location on the beach in Kingsdown, Deal, is just the place to eat some food al fresco.
zetlandarms.co.uk.
The Old Neptune, Whitstable
One pub that is not just next to the beach but slap bang on it, is The Old Neptune.
Located in the heart of the popular fishing town the pub has a choice of local ales, continental lagers, an extensive wine list and great home cooked food fish and chips, pie and mash and burgers.
thepubonthebeach.co.uk
The Minnis Bay, Birchington
The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie is the perfect place to relax after a seaside stroll.
Boasting stunning views over the golden sands of Minnis Bay, which is a Blue Flag quality beach, it offers fantastic food, friendly service and an extensive drinks list.
When the sun shines, there is plenty of space to sit outside and savour the sea views.
Book at www.theminnis.co.uk.
Folkestone Harbour
This place has everything from food vans to a champagne bar.
Folkestone’s restored harbour arm has a lovely promenade out at sea. Formerly a ferry port, it is now home to a lots of independent businesses and it has become a centre for food, drink and entertainment.
Since opening in 2015, Folkestone Harbour Arm has cemented itself as a major destination on the Kent coast.
folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk
The Rose Inn, Wickhambreaux
This quaint village pub dates back to the 1300s and is cosy as it is welcoming.
There is plenty of space to drink, dine and dance on the outside.
It is just a short drive from the centre of Canterbury and it surrounded by Kent’s beautiful countryside.
theroseinn.pub.
Cullins Yard, Dover Harbour
The old converted ship yard is full of history and the outside area has lovely views of the White Cliffs.
All dishes are cooked to order using produce supplied daily by butchers and fishmongers.
Spot many of the original features of the ship yard within the restaurant and there is a conservatory for weddings and special events.
cullinsyard.co.uk
The Waterfront in Hythe
Just 10 feet from the tranquil Hythe Beach, the fine dining restaurant specialises in fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.
Imagine eating delicious food while taking in the stunning sea views out on the sun terrace or maybe relaxing with a cocktail. Surely it's nearly summer.
the-waterfront.co.uk
The Belle Vue Tavern, Ramsgate
You can be assured you’ve found one of the best views in Kent when you stop off at the Belle Vue, as its spectacular view over Pegwell Bay is known as the Balcony of Kent.
That, combined with a warm welcome and delicious food, makes it a spectacular spot for an afternoon out and bite to eat while taking in the panoramic views.
thebellevuetavern.co.uk
Leicester Arms, Penshurst
Nestled in the heart of Penshurst, this pub has a truly beautiful location.
The dog friendly establishment is a great place to stop for a delicious bite to eat and a few drinks.
Visitors can also explore the village with lots of things to see and do.
theleicesterarms.com.
Squerryes Westerham
Squerryes are in a lovely spot on the North Downs Estate.
There are tables located at the end of the old estate milking parlour, overlooking the Rosé vineyard.
Parking is free and there are bike racks for cyclists.
Pets are also welcome at this charming location.
squerryes.co.uk
Dungeness Snack Shack
If you can't bag a table at the popular establishment you can always take a cushions and hunker down on the beach.
The fish is caught by their own boats (the Annalousion and The Doreen T) from the beach in Dungeness.
The food is freshly cooked to take away and changes depending on the days catch and will vary through out the seasons.
The fish baps and lobster and crab rolls are a must.
dungenesssnackshack.net
The Firepit restaurant, Faversham
The Firepit is a contemporary, fine dining, sharing-plate experience.
Chef John Bingley and maitre’d Sergio Gomes help bring this exciting new epicurean concept to Canterbury.
The Firepit is a fine-dining restaurant with a diverse and contemporary sharing-menu delivering renowned dishes from all over the world.
cavehotels.com/firepit-restaurant/
