Posted: 25th January 2022
THE SPORTSMAN IN SEASALTER NAMED IN THE TOP 10 BEST GASTROPUBS IN BRITAIN AT ESTRELLA DAMM AWARDS 2022
The Sportsman in Seasalter has been named one of Britain’s top 10 best gastropubs in Britain for a sixth time at the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards.
The Shepherd Neame-owned pub, run by brothers Stephen and Phil Harris, took sixth place in the list announced yesterday (Monday, January 24) at a ceremony in Manchester.
Hundreds of votes were cast to determine the Top 50 by industry experts including food critics and writers, gastropub chefs and other food influencers.
The Sportsman, which has held a Michelin star since 2008, has previously topped the list in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Judges praised Head Chef Stephen Harris’ menu for being sourced almost exclusively from the land surrounding the pub. Describing his mission to ‘religiously reflect the pub’s surrounding geography, history and produce’, they praised how he picks seaweed from the adjoining beach; makes his own salt from the sea, and uses meat from local farms.
His slip sole grilled in seaweed butter (pictured, right) was a “must-try for any visitor”, they commented, adding: “It’s the purest expression of what makes The Sportsman fantastic: simplicity, thoughtfulness and, most importantly, it is delicious.”
“Be warned, however, it remains a tough pub to get a seat in because the popularity of its cooking stretches the world over, so plan before visiting.”
Phil Harris said: “We are delighted to be included in the list again. It is always nice to get recognition, and we never take it for granted - you are only as good as the last meal you served. If it wasn’t for the dedication of our staff – some of whom have been with us an awfully long time – we wouldn’t have been here for 23 years. It is that consistency that is terribly important. It requires diligence and sticking to standards, and not compromising. If you cannot do something perfectly, don’t do it.”
You can find The Sportsman at Faversham Road, Seasalter, CT5 4BP, telephone 01227 273370. Or visit thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk