We’re looking ahead to long, sunshine-filled lunches at our local pub and balmy evenings accompanied by a stunning view and a crisp, cold beer in hand – but we’ll also brave the less-than-ideal weather conditions for our favourite meals at our much loved eateries! We’ve gathered the ultimate alfresco dining spots so you’re ready to enjoy outdoor dining in Kent this spring.
Remember to check before you travel with guidelines and advice from our friends Southeastern.
Head to Corkk in the heart of Canterbury for a little wine and dining experience from the award-winning wine store. Indulge in one of their delicious platters, including, charcuterie, vegetarian and of course, cheese, because seriously, you can't go wrong with wine and cheese! What's more, all their yummy food offerings are created using fresh ingredients and are locally sourced.
Dreamland is known for its picture-perfect seaside amusement and festival fun but did you know there are tonnes of food businesses for you to enjoy whilst watching the sea? From Saffa Bru, to Ocean’s Fish N Fry, to Rad Burger and even Shepherd Neame bars and so much more… you will find something to suit everyone! Or head over to the seafront to the renowned Cinque Ports Pub that serves up Mexican inspired dishes.
Here’s one for those who want to watch the world go by whilst enjoying delicious food in the modern and stylish all-day restaurant alongside your mouth- watering cocktail. With seasonal and locally sourced food with a view of Canterbury Cathedral, what more could you ask for?
Looking for something that is a little different? A La Turka can be found just outside the city wall in Westgate, St Dunstans with its beautiful outdoor lighting guiding you into the restaurant. Sit inside or outside depending on the weather and enjoy beautiful and delicious Turkish food making you feel like you are on holiday!
With a fire entrance heating up the outside seating this is definitely a place to add to your list when visiting Canterbury. Their cuisine draws influences from Provence in Sothern France, Italy and the Pacific Rim. Sit down and relax and watch the River Stour flow past as you enjoy your drinks and amazing food.
Set in Canterbury City Centre just steps away from the historic Canterbury Cathedral you will find The Drapers Arms a bespoke pub serving delicious food. Sit and relax on their rooftop terrace and enjoy a three course meal and local craft beer or just stop by for a quick coffee before exploring the city.
Head out to the outskirts on Canterbury for this beautifully located pub situated on the River Stour banks. This is a must visit, no matter the weather! Watch the stunning and peaceful river flow past with beautiful views whilst enjoying a pint of Shepherd Neame’s finest beer and their delicious meals.
No.42 Margate’s boutique hotel is now open so whilst enjoying your time at the beach in the beautiful sunshine why not stop by and enjoy a cocktail on their rooftop or delicious food at the laid-back lounge bar. Dine at Field Trip, a dedication to wholesomeness food, Pearly Cow, a restaurant serving wild freshness for lunch and dinner, the cosy lounge bar for you to relax in after a long day of exploring Margate and the roof top terrace serving mouthwatering cocktails, snacks and beautiful views of the sunsets.
This is one with a view, take in the sights and sounds of the working harbour filled with a variety of sailing and powerboats. Grab yourself some fish and chips from the variety of shops on the beach front and watch the harbour in use and see if you can spot any wildlife out at sea.
Everybody loves a beach day and why not choose one that is absolutely picturesque ready for those Instagrammable pictures? Bring along a picnic to keep you energised for a relaxing swim in the sea or head up to the seafront and grab yourself some delicious fish and chips. Broadstairs might be known for its beautiful beaches but have you explored the town? Filled with amazing and unique cafes and restaurants what better way to spend your time away.
Here’s a different one for those who love to be one with nature… Step outside this autumn with Wild Classroom and cook over a roaring fire using fresh produce from Belmont’s Kitchen Garden. Cook and enjoy 3-4 tasty dishes using local and seasonal produce… make sure you have plenty of room in your stomachs! Food with a view, you couldn’t stop us from visiting this one.
Medway is jam packed with al fresco snacking and now that the summer has come why not taste their best local produce? Enjoy food from Rochester Farmers Market, tantalising those taste buds with the beautiful local produce from cheeses, meats, bakery and so much more. Or grab some local bites from Deli-cious Fayre perfect to stock up your picnic ready for when exploring Medway’s natural landscapes and the open spaces that it has to offer.
Are you looking for somewhere to stop off to grab a light bite for lunch after discovering the history at Rochester Castle? Down the road you will find the delicatessen Cheese Room Deli and Café and grab yourselves a variety of food from several cheesy bites, sandwiches, sharing boards, quesadillas and salads. Don’t want to eat in? Why not take it with you and relax at Rochester’s open grounds and surroundings with your meal?
Guaranteed to offer those amazing spices and flavours from around the world is The Pumproom at Copper Rivet Distillery. Using seasonal ingredients this is a must visit if you love outstanding food creations. Don’t forget to try their signature cocktails and their best spirits which includes three of their own gins, vodka, and more…
Take a seat at one of the jewels in Shepherd Neame’s crown, The Ship and Trades, offering beautiful views of the yacht basins on the amazing Chatham Maritime. Why not wine and dine in the stylish modern pub, even when the weather isn’t great you can still admire the views with the glass-panels which wraps around the restaurant. Enjoy the fresh food on the menu and an extensive range of local cask ales to get you through the day.
Boys Hall might be known for their beautiful accommodation with a huge open space but did you know they have a wide range of comfortable settings for you to enjoy their delicious food?
Their menu showcases the best of Kent and strives to delight and inspire their customers by using fresh, local and seasonal produce.
Well, the sunnier days aren't too far in the distance and the excitement for summer is lingering in the air. So, why not head over to a Shepherd Neame pub for charming beer gardens nestled in city centres, suntrapped countryside gardens after a long walk and spots for a sweeping sea view!
Wine and dine in the vine(s) at Gusbourne Vineyard! What better way to spend some time outdoors this spring than with a relaxed picnic surrounded by the fresh air at Gusbourne. With a specially created picnic spot at the top of their Boot Hill vineyard making the ideal spot to capture the views. All that's left is to enjoy your picnic full of the best of Kent and Sussex produce, such as artisan cheese and charcuterie, local fruit and homemade bread, accompanied by a bottle of Gusbourne Brut Reserve.
The Food Village at Macknade is in full swing once again and will be launching on April 29th ready for the warmer days ahead. The launch day will include food from the best street food traders in Kent, a complimentary drink to get the party started as well as live music and a raffle.
Are you a pizza fan? Because if so, take your pick from one of their authentic Italian pizzas from around the world. Round up the whole family, including your well behaved four-legged friends and soak up the summer vibes at The Food Village.
Boasting some of the most beautiful coastal spots in Kent, it’s no surprise the Isle of Thanet has a spot or two for alfresco dining with a sparkling sea view. Head to Finbars of West Bay's balcony area to enjoy a sunset over the West Bay, Buoy and Oyster for uninterrupted views over Margate Sands or spot the boats docked in Ramsgate Marina at Royal Harbour Brasserie.
What do you need after a long, leisurely walk around Balfour Winery's sprawling vineyards on a warm summer afternoon? How about a spot on their sun-trap decking to tuck into a locally sourced food platter, enjoyed with a glass (or two!) of their exquisite wines? That sounds like the afternoon we’ve been dreaming of through the winter months…
A superb seafood selection awaits you at Rocksalt. Set out over the harbour of Folkestone, diners can experience panoramic views of the water whilst kicking back and relaxing on the glass fronted deck, and a menu that's earned them not one, but two AA rosette awards.
If you're looking for outdoor dining with a waterside view this spring, then head up to Chatham and book your table at one of their riverside gems. The gorgeous Ship and Trades pub serves up a feast of treats alongside craft ales on its rustic outdoor decking, while the brand new Pumphouse restaurant at Copper Rivet Distillery allows you to sit back with one of their own distilled spirits and tonic, and enjoy views over to Upnor Castle.
With a whole host of stalls serving everything from Champagne and craft beer, to Greek mezze and hand-stretched pizzas, the Folkestone Harbour Arm is the perfect spot to pitch up for a spot of summer dining – it’s pretty hard to beat those sensational sea views, and ample, spacious seating makes it ideal for enjoying an afternoon by the coast.
If you’re heading out for a spot of shopping in our county town of Maidstone take the chance to refuel at one of their best independent eateries. The Old Boat Café enjoys riverside dining right in the heart of the town, or head further out to The Potting Shed in Langley for an instagrammable brunch on a stylish and spacious outdoor decking. And who said indulging had to be unhealthy? Head to The Blackthorn Trust in Maidstone for delicious, vegetarian and plant-based food. Most of their produce is even grown on site, so you know it's full of the good stuff!
Hythe Imperial Hotel are ready to give you an afternoon of indulgence thanks to their afternoon tea in their outdoor heated ‘dining sheds’, ideal for spacious social distancing and colder days. Booking is essential, but they’re also offering their Martello bar menu alfresco with tables on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The Old Dairy Brewery in Tenterden is the perfect place to stop off for a pint thanks to their Taproom beer garden, but on Friday's and Saturday's they've partnered with a variety of amazing local Food Trucks - from Moretto's Italian BBQ to homemade pizza van, tacos, thai curries and more... And if you'd like to keep some spontaneity for your evenings out, you should know there's no need to pre-book for The Taproom!
Hop off the train at Ashford International and you’ll be greeted with a whole host of new outside dining spots ready for you to enjoy. Opt for a delicious brunch at Macknade Elwick Place and have a browse of their locally-sourced artisanal produce before heading to Unita 4 to be transported for your slice of Amalfi in Ashford. For those longer spring evenings, be sure to explore Coachworks. Adorned with fairy lights and retro deck chairs, this cool foodie destination and event space is one to remember for your summer celebrations - take your pick from their tempting street food stalls serving up everything from American BBQ to woodfired pizzas. Finally, end the night by heading down to the Curious Brewery for a refreshing, locally brewed pint.
Based in the ideal location, overlooking Margate beach, you'll find this gem of a seafood restaurant ready and waiting for your arrival this summer! The Bouy and Oyster use Kent based fisherman and Canterbury based butchers ensuring a delicious supply of local fresh ingredients arriving to their restaurant. Compliment your meal with must have cocktail, using premium spirits, fresh fruit & ingredients or choose from a selection of their local wines and spirits instead.
Text a friend or grab a family member for a well deserved treat at Port Lympne with summer. Sit back and relax on the sunlit mansion terrace or Moroccan courtyard, located right in the heart of the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. With tea served on traditional tiers, layered with a selection of finger sandwiches, savoury bites, delicate pastries, desserts and scones with plenty of clotted cream and jam, it’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring the 600-acre Reserve!
Spend a summers day overlooking one of the picturesque beaches on the North Kent Coast, relaxing and indulging in delicious food whilst sipping on a glass of their crisp wine. Offering classic British cuisine with a 'contemporary twist', and of course seafood is their speciality, using only the finest locally sourced, seasonal produce.
