insideKENT Magazine Issue 100 - August 2020 | Page 14

KENT10
Celebrating 10 Years of insideKENT CONT.
INCREDIBLE
EDIBLE
SUMMERS IN
WHITSTABLE
BY JESS MARSHALL
© Amanda Slater
HARBOUR STREET TAPAS
The waves crashing on the stony beach, the sunshine beating down, seagulls
soaring in the distance, and all the yummy cuisine you could possibly stuff in your
belly. That is the seaside town of Whitstable in a nutshell. Whether it’s a fancy
upscale meal you’re looking for, or some fresh from the harbour seafood, this tiny
town by the shore has a little something for everyone.
In our original article we spoke at length about the annual Oyster Festival that
draws tourists from all over the country, and beyond, every year. Unfortunately
due to that pesky virus you’ve been hearing so much about lately, the festivities
have had to be postponed until 2021. Despite this, Whitstable restaurants have
reopened with devotion and enthusiasm, and are ready to serve you all the tasty
treats they have to offer! In this updated edible tour of Whitstable we have profiled
two spellbinding places to devour this summer.
Wander down the beach and look out for one of Whitstable's hidden gems; the
Lobster Shack (www.thelobstershack.co.uk). A haven of sumptuous seafood flavours,
this unique little beach-bar is an unrivalled favourite with all who visit. Providing
a huge range of ocean-inspired options including; classic fish and chips, a smoked
salmon ploughman's for a lighter lunch option, and a selection of local oysters,
this is the place to head to fill rumbling tummies. If you plan on bringing the little
ones out for a bite to eat, the children's menu features chicken goujons, scampi
and a kids-size cod for them to nibble on, so you won’t have to worry about any
hunger-induced temper tantrums while dining here.
Heading to the Lobster Shack after a
romantic day wandering around the
quaint little town? Then you may be
looking for a dinner with a tad more
finesse, or you may just be famished
from all the window shopping, and
stone skipping you’ve been doing. If
this is the case it would be silly to go
for anything on the menu except the
restaurant's name sake, a big ol’ juicy
lobster. Choose from traditional, tastebud
tingling thermidor, or spice things
up, and have yours grilled with fresh
chilli and hot chorizo! Our mouths
are watering already!
If you are fed up with pub grub and
classic seafood dishes, and you’ve got
a hankering for something a little off
the beaten track - maybe even
something a little exotic, like a taste
of the Mediterranean - head down to
Harbour Street Tapas
(www.harbourstreettapas.com). This may
be a small, local tapas bar, but it has
captured the hearts and the
imaginations of locals and visitors alike.
This is the perfect place to people
watch, as you gaze out onto the street
beyond and enjoy a large glass of fresh,
tangy rosé, a bowl of olives, some
creamy hummus, and a selection of
charcuterie meats. No worries if you
are looking for something a little more
substantial, opt for some tiger prawns
with chilli, ginger and garlic; or some
pork, chistorra and chorizo pinchitos.
Harbour Street Tapas caters to
comfort zones and adventurous palates
alike, every dish seasoned to perfection
and all authentically Mediterranean!
Hop on a train, climb on a bus or
commandeer a car (but don’t actually)
and make your way down to this
special harbour town. Enjoy the sea
air and all the culinary delights it has
to offer you. Whitstable will be waiting
to welcome you with open arms, so
relax and enjoy this incredible edible
summer.
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