As we look forward to a summer of lazy sunny evenings, we list our eight favourite places for outdoor dining.
No.1: The Boathouse, Yalding
Following an extensive redevelopment, the Boathouse at Yalding has a stylish new restaurant and al fresco dining area with stunning views across the River Medway. There’s a new menu, too, offering weekend brunch, light bites, pub classics and speciality hand-stretched pizzas, stone-baked in their new pizza oven.
There’s plenty to see and do within easy reach of the Boathouse, including kayak trips, walks around the historic village of Yalding, the a visit to the quirky Teapot Island.
No.2: Zetland Arms, Kingsdown
The Zetland Arms in Kingsdown, near Deal, is a fantastic little pub situated right on the beach. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Zetland serves excellent lunches and a quality pint. On a clear day it is possible to gaze all along the shoreline to the White Cliffs, and across to the French coast.
Take a wander along the beach, enjoy a spot of rock pooling, a visit to nearby Walmer Castle, or explore the nearby town of Deal, with its shops, pier and seaside attractions. You could even head up over the cliffs and a enjoy breathtaking sea view walk to our next favourite, The Coastguard.
No.3: The Coastguard, St Margaret’s Bay
The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay near Dover is a stunning seafront pub just a stone’s throw from the beach, with direct views out to sea across the small bay. It is popular with locals and visitors alike, serving a varied menu of light bites and traditional pub meals, with seafood a speciality. Sit on the seafront terrace after a day on the beach and enjoy a cold pint of Whitstable Bay Blonde and a tasty home-cooked meal.
You can also take a leisurely walk over the famous white cliffs to enjoy the stunning views, and visit the Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse.
No.4: The Belle Vue, Ramsgate
At the Belle Vue Tavern, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome, delicious food and spectacular views. The "Balcony of Kent" at the rear of the pub offers some of the best views in Kent, across Pegwell Bay and out to The Channel. It's a great place to catch the sea air, lots of Kentish sunshine and spectacular sunsets.
During the summer months guests can enjoy food from the BBQ Shack, open (weather permitting) Friday evenings, Saturday & Sunday during the summer. There is also regular live music. Read more, and see a full 360 view from the terrace, on their website.
No.5: Old Neptune – on the beach
The Old Neptune is idyllically situated directly on the beach at Whitstable. This fantastic spot makes it perfect for relaxing with a pint of beer or glass of wine, right by the sea. Enjoy breath-taking sunsets, tasty food served daily from 12 noon until 4pm, and an eclectic mixture of quality live music.
Affectionately known as ‘The Neppy’, this pub is a Whitstable landmark not to be missed.
No.6: Minnis Bay, Birchington
Overlooking one of the finest beaches on the North Kent Coast, The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie is a relaxed, stylish pub with truly outstanding views, great food, and an extensive drinks list. The menu offers a good choice of sandwiches, pub classics, pizzas and children's meals. Snacks and ice creams can also be purchased from the pub's own kiosk.
The Blue Flag beach offers extensive golden sands, perfect for spending a day beside the sea. Early birds can enjoy breakfast by the sea, served from 9am. The pub also holds 'Sundowner' paella and prosecco evenings on their first floor terrace on the first Thursday of every month.
No.7: Hampton Inn, Herne Bay
Hampton-on-Sea's only remaining building, the Hampton Inn is a tale of survival, stunning views and superb food. With no neighbouring properties, there are uninterrupted views over the ocean on three sides of the pub, and a near-360 degree vantage point from which to savour spectacular sunsets.
On the menu you’ll find pub classics, vegetarian dishes and locally caught seafood. There's lots going on, too, with steak nights, curry nights, and live music.
No.8: Royal Albion Hotel, Broadstairs
The Royal Albion Hotel in the traditional Kentish seaside town of Broadstairs occupies an unrivalled seafront position, just a few steps from sandy Viking Bay. Inside the 21-room hotel, there is a coffee lounge, bar and restaurant, with views across the harbour. Outside there is a multi-levelled terrace garden that overlooks the beach and sea, creating the perfect setting for dining in the fresh air.
The menu includes small plates, sandwiches, specials and pub classics, plus a dedicated young diners menu, making it the perfect lunch or dinner stop as part of a relaxing day beside the sea.
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