insideKENT Magazine Issue 66 - September 2017 | Page 75

FOOD+DRINK
KENT’S BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS cont.
Elliot’s at Number 1 Harbour Street , Whitstable The Plough , Ivy Hatch
Just two minutes away from Whitstable Harbour is Elliot’s at Number
1 Harbour Street, a roomy, wide open kind of restaurant that champions
local producers and growers. That means the food offered here is not
only local, but fresh and healthy, and with different offerings for breakfast,
lunch and dinner, as well as cakes, local juices and great coffee, that
makes it ideal for a full meal or a quick snack. The staff here really know
how to engage the children and keep them happy, which keeps everyone
happy. Food includes Elliot’s burger and fries, an open steak sandwich,
a sausage and egg muffin plus a special children’s menu too. Ivy Hatch is a picturesque village near Sevenoaks, and the Plough is a
picturesque pub and restaurant nestled nicely within it. It’s close to
Ightham Mote, so a good day out at this National Trust treasure that
has plenty for the children to do could start or end with a great meal at
the Plough. There are fantastic – impressively large – rare breed steaks
on the menu, as well as beer battered haddock with rustic chips, wild
boar and apple sausages with mash, roast haunch of Chart Farm venison
and a sumptuous array of desserts such as salted caramel cheesecake
and chocolate and hazelnut brownies. There is a well thought out
children’s menu too, but if the little ones want anything from the main
menu, it’s usually possible for the kitchen to make it for them in a
smaller portion.
www.no1harbourstreet.co.uk
Bernie’s Chocolate Bar , Margate
As the name suggests, there is a lot of chocolate involved on the menu
at this extremely child-friendly café in marvellous Margate. Fresh waffles,
homemade hot chocolate, cakes and pastries a-plenty, as well as loads
of kids’ activities and entertainment whether it’s term time or the
holidays. And if you’re worried about the little ones having a bit too
much sugar, never fear; the café provides child-sized portions of
everything.
www.facebook.com/bernieschocbar
www.theploughivyhatch.co.uk
The Junction Inn , Groombridge
Surrounded by stunning scenery, the Junction Inn is child friendly
indeed. It’s baby friendly, come to that, even dog friendly if the entire
family wants to go out for a great meal and a good time. What might
be surprising is that the food on offer at The Junction Inn is not
necessarily all British ‘traditional’ as there is plenty of authentic Asian
influences thrown in too. And why not? After all, the owners are from
Hong Kong and Malaysia. Thai chicken nuggets with sweet chilli and
plum sauce, homemade steak and ale pie served with chips and
vegetables, Malaysian lamb curry with ground almonds, poppadum
and rice and Cumberland sausage with creamed potato and garden
peas are just some of the wonderful dishes that grace the menu. Outside
is an excellent play area that will keep the children occupied for as long
as you need to enjoy your fabulous home-cooked meal in comfort.
www.junctioninngroombridge.co.uk
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