The culinary world is buzzing with excitement as the latest edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide has been released. Known for its rigorous standards and meticulous evaluations, the guide is considered to be the ultimate authority on fine dining establishments. This year’s guide has brought both good news and disappointment for restaurants in the beautiful county of Kent, with one restaurant losing a Michelin star and another earning a coveted Bib Gourmand.
The Michelin Guide, first published in 1900 by the Michelin tire company, has become the go-to reference for food enthusiasts and industry professionals. The guide awards up to three stars to restaurants that demonstrate exceptional cooking and service, with one star being a mark of very good cuisine, two stars signifying excellent cooking, and three stars representing exceptional cuisine worth a special journey. In addition, the Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants with quality dishes priced at a maximum of £28, making them more accessible to diners.
In Kent, the focus of this year’s guide seems to be on the historic city of Canterbury, known for its stunning cathedral and charming streets lined with Tudor-style buildings. Unfortunately, The Sportsman, a highly acclaimed pub in the small village of Seasalter, has lost its coveted Michelin star. This comes as a surprise to many, as the restaurant has held a star for the past 13 years. The Sportsman was praised for its simple yet flavorful dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. It is a favorite among locals and has also attracted foodies from all over the world, who make the journey to this remote corner of Kent just to experience its outstanding food.
However, not all news from the Michelin Guide was disappointing for Kent. In a pleasant turn of events, The Garden Room, a restaurant located in the beautiful grounds of the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, has been awarded a Bib Gourmand. This is a remarkable achievement for the restaurant, as it has only been open for a little over a year. The Garden Room is known for its contemporary British cuisine, with a focus on using the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients. Diners can enjoy a stunning view of the cathedral while savoring dishes such as roasted guinea fowl with summer peas and spinach, or wild sea bass with broccoli puree and oyster mayonnaise. This Bib Gourmand recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and value offered by The Garden Room.
The Michelin Guide also highlights other noteworthy restaurants in Kent. The West House in Biddenden, which has held a Michelin star since 2004, has retained its rating for yet another year. This cozy and intimate restaurant is known for its creative and innovative take on British and European dishes, using the best locally sourced ingredients. In addition, The Sportsman’s sister restaurant, The Corner House, located in the heart of Canterbury, has retained its Bib Gourmand.
Kent is well known for its bountiful produce, with its coastal location providing an abundance of fresh seafood and its fertile land producing delicious fruits and vegetables. Add to that, talented chefs who are passionate about showcasing the best of the region’s ingredients, and it’s no wonder that the county has been getting more attention from the Michelin Guide in recent years.
The release of the latest Michelin Guide is a reminder of the outstanding culinary offerings in Kent. From the loss of a Michelin star to the awarding of a Bib Gourmand, the guide continues to showcase the diversity and quality of the county’s dining scene. Congratulations to all the restaurants in Kent recognized by the Michelin Guide, and here’s to another year of exceptional food experiences in this beautiful corner of England.
