Being an island nation leaves no doubt that we have access to some of the best fruits de mer. As a coastal county with swathes of coastline for landing the best catches, the Garden of England is home to so many amazing fish restaurants, so we’ve rounded up five of Kent’s best!
Fish Union – Chislehurst
Fish Union is a fishmongers, seafood and champagne bar all wrapped into one! The restaurant and wet fishmongers are co-owned and run by chef’s Richard Kirkwood and Andy Roberts, who take pride in providing British and sustainably sourced products and dishes. The restaurant menu changes daily depending on what’s coming off the boats that day, giving their customers a fresh and exciting experience. Don’t feel like dining out? Fish Union also supply ‘prepare at home’ boxes for you to try local fish products from the comfort of your own home.
Griggs of Hythe – Hythe
Griggs of Hythe, more commonly known as ‘The lazy food company’, have a rustic, little shop on the beach front of Hythe. Although mainly a fishmongers, selling locally caught, seasonal fish, the seafront side of the building hosts a petite café selling freshly prepped fish dishes to enjoy on the beach. Whether it’s a classic scampi and chips you’re after or a tray of oysters, this seafront shop/café has you sorted!
Rocksalt – Folkstone
If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket then head down to Rocksalt in Folkstone. A gorgeous harbour-front restaurant with views over the English Channel. Their A La Carte menu changes with the seasons to keep up with the freshest fish on offer. On a Sunday, they recommend a roast fish dish so you can try something different but local for your Sunday lunch! Rocksalt also has a top deck bar where you can enjoy the sea views while sipping on a cocktail, often created with local beverages too!
Sankey’s Old Fish Market – Tunbridge Wells
Sankey’s is a fish lovers heaven! A triple threat consisting of a high street restaurant, champagne bar and fishmongers. Based in Tunbridge Wells, Sankey’s has a seafood kitchen and bar on Mount Ephraim and a quaint restaurant and champagne bar in the old fish market building in the historic pantiles. Whatever atmosphere you’re looking for, you can get your fish fix in the style you wish.
The Lobster Shack – Whitstable
The Lobster Shack is a restaurant on the seafront of Whitstable. The oysters from here couldn’t be more local, with their own oyster beds visible at low tide from the restaurant! If you’re wanting a relaxing meal with stunning views after a walk along the beach, then the Lobster Shack is perfect – and dog friendly! They serve a selection of seafood accompanied by a variety of local beers and wines.
Best kept secret – Dungeness Snack Shack
Dungeness Snack Shack is a small beach front café located right next to their own fishmongers. All the fish served is caught by their own boats off the coast of Dungeness. What’s exciting is that you never know what you’re going to get! Their menu is dependent on what is caught that day. Not only is all the fish sustainably caught, but the food miles are non-existent too! Just delicious, local, sustainable fish.
