insideKENT Magazine Issue 66 - September 2017 | Page 72

FOOD+DRINK
KENT’S BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS cont.
Deeson’s , Canterbury Waggon at Hale , Chatham Griggs , Hythe
Deeson’s is a privately owned restaurant in
Canterbury that uses – wherever possible –
locally sourced ingredients in the dishes
served, even down to growing and rearing
some of the vegetables and meat on the
attached smallholding. The cuisine is what
might be described as ‘British’, and that means
that it is hearty and delicious, and the kids will
love it. The children’s menu is diverse, and
has favourites such as sausage and mash on
it as well as a child’s rump steak. For younger
diners there is even a platter of finger foods
consisting of salad, cheese, boiled egg, bread
and a dip. It’s perfect for those who are just
starting to feel themselves and who don’t want
to worry about cutlery (it’s great for parents
too as they can enjoy their own meal without
needing to feed the children!). This small and friendly restaurant treats
children as people in their own right, meaning
that they can join in and be part of the family
occasion themselves. They will immediately
be made to feel welcome and at home, and
the lovely children’s menu (which includes
‘Kent Korker’ sausages, spaghetti bolognaise
and a variety of sandwiches all served with
fries or creamy mash and peas, beans or salad)
is freshly cooked or made to order. The beer
garden is the star of the show, and includes a
fabulous play area for the kids which, because
the outside space is large, doesn’t get in the
way and allows the children to run around to
their heart’s content. Perhaps the real surprise
is the mini farm which is open for everyone
to enjoy. The food at Griggs is a wonderful variety of
fish with a twist (a bacon and scallop roll, for
example, or a crab and cheese croquette with
chilli jam). It is different enough for the children
to be intrigued, and want to try it, but familiar
enough (fish goujons) for there to always be
something they will definitely eat if all else
fails. But apart from the great food – always
fresh, always delicious – it’s the location that
makes this such a family-friendly place to eat.
Enjoy lunch on the beach at perfectly placed
picnic tables where you can wat