Discover Ashford’s culinary treasures by exploring its best eateries. Ashford is celebrated for unique food experiences and a variety of dishes. Harden’s guide, after gathering 33 years of reviews, lists 29 top restaurants in Ashford¹. These places redefine what it means to dine finely in the area.

Whether you fancy dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cozy bistro, Ashford has it all. It takes you on an unmatched culinary journey. This puts Ashford firmly on the map for food lovers².

Planning to visit Ashford’s best restaurants? Harden’s review-based insights are invaluable. They lead you to the most praised dining spots in Ashford¹. Enjoying these places makes your trip to Ashford truly memorable.

Introduction to Ashford’s Culinary Scene

Ashford is known for its diverse and top-notch food scene. You can find Michelin-starred places, stylish pubs, and hidden gems that amaze. Whether you prefer fancy meals or something more casual, there’s something for everyone. The heart of the town features famous spots like Brabourne, Gusbourne, and Woodchurch. These places offer exciting experiences through wine tours and trips to local vineyards.

Elwick Place, a new leisure and dining development, has greatly improved the town’s food offerings³. The Gastronomist, at Elwick Place, offers a two-and-a-half-hour meal experience that’s unforgettable³. With six courses and wine pairings, it’s a journey through Ashford’s best eats here³. The place hosts unique dinner events, wine tastings, and international chef collaborations. It adds a global taste to Ashford’s food scene³. You can also book it for private events and enjoy art exhibitions, enhancing your dining experience³.

Ashford Borough Council’s £520 million investment has revived the town centre, boosting the dining scene⁴. Foot traffic in Ashford went up by 5.8% in 2018 and by 7.9% by November 2019. This draws more visitors to enjoy the top restaurants in Ashford⁴. In April 2019, the town welcomed 287,000 visitors, marking its appeal as a dining spot⁴.

Independent shops like those in Park Mall and County Square have seen more customers and sales, thanks to the bustling food scene⁴. Made in Ashford, for instance, saw its sales increase by 30%. This shows the town’s lively food and retail sectors are flourishing⁴.

Ashford’s food scene is vibrant and welcoming to both residents and tourists. It offers sophisticated dining as well as the best local spots. Ashford promises an unforgettable culinary adventure for everyone.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Ashford

In Ashford, Michelin-starred dining stands out with its renowned venues, celebrated for their fine cuisine. The top spot, Fish on the Green in Bearsted, is a seafood enthusiast’s paradise. It has earned two AA Rosettes and a spot in the Michelin Guide⁵. This place is known for its exceptional culinary skills, making it a go-to for those who love exquisite seafood dishes.

Fish on the Green

Fish on the Green is famous for its fresh, top-quality seafood. It’s nestled in the peaceful village of Bearsted. Here, guests enjoy a wonderful dining experience that combines skill in cooking with a cosy, rustic feel. Both loyal and new diners are always amazed by the restaurant’s exceptional meals.

The Cook’s Tale

The Cook’s Tale in Canterbury is another gem in Ashford’s Michelin-starred dining. Led by the celebrated chef Dev Biswal, it offers a unique blend of modern Asian fusion cuisine. The innovative dishes have earned widespread praise. Sitting close to the Marlowe Theatre, it’s perfect for a refined pre-theatre dinner, making it a favourite in Ashford. The Cook’s Tale was awarded at the 2023 Asian Restaurant Awards, proving its excellence in the culinary world.

Award-Winning Local Eateries

Ashford shines with its *award-winning restaurants in Ashford.* They have received many awards, showcasing the area’s passion for food. The Old Mill, a part of the Shepherd Neame group, offers outstanding meals⁶. The Farriers Arms finds its home in a 17th-century building, merging history with exceptional dishes⁶.

Boys Hall is a *must-visit restaurant in Ashford.* It focuses on sustainability and locally sourced food. It won the ‘Kent Casual Dining Experience of the Year’ at the Taste of Kent Awards. The New Flying Horse Inn, in a 17th-century coach house, boasts a prize-winning garden⁶.

The Plough Inn received the Kent Dining Pub of the Year award in 2020. Featured in The Good Pub Guide 2021, it has an impressive rating of 4.6/5 from 1208 reviews. This proves it’s one of the *must-visit restaurants in Ashford*⁷. The opening times vary to accommodate guests: Tuesday 12-3 & 5-10pm, Wednesday 12-3 & 4:30-10pm, Thursday 12-3 & 4:30-10pm, Friday 12-3 & 4:30-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, and Sunday 12-6:30pm⁷.

The Riverside Inn sits by the River Stour, offering beautiful sights and delicious food⁶. The Swan Inn, just outside Ashford in Little Chart, provides a peaceful dining setting. Lastly, The Farriers Arms combines historical charm with contemporary taste brilliantly. It’s a treasure among *award-winning restaurants in Ashford*⁶.

Ashford’s food scene is rich and varied with places like The Old Mill and The Farriers Arms. These spots have earned local praise and a dedicated following, highlighting their excellence⁶.

Explore Ashford’s culinary gems further by visiting The Dering Arms. Enjoy a dining experience that stands out, reflecting the best of local eateries⁶.

Boys Hall: A Taste of Local Ingredients

Boys Hall is set in a Grade II-listed mansion from 1616, showing off Ashford’s fine food scene⁸. This 17th-century place focuses on sustainable eating, choosing local ingredients⁹. They use fresh herbs and their honey, making each meal a local speciality⁹.

Sustainability and Local Sourcing

Chef Charlie Dilworth puts his heart into green cooking. In the wood-panelled pub, you’ll find Kentish ales and fancy snacks like confit duck eclairs⁹. The main dining spot supports local farms, so each dish is fresh and top-quality⁹.

Signature Dishes and Ambiance

Boys Hall is famous for its delicious desserts, like apple crumble soufflé and sticky toffee pudding⁹. You can have a two-course meal for £25 or three courses for £35 on weekdays, which shows good value⁹. With seats inside and outside, including a terrace by a pond, the setting is peaceful and beautiful⁹. If you’re into eco-friendly eating in a lovely place, Boys Hall is a must-visit in Ashford.

Gastro Pubs Worth Visiting

The gastro pub scene in Ashford blends delicious food with a cozy atmosphere. It highlights Ashford’s food scene. The King’s Head and The Fordwich Arms are two places you shouldn’t miss.

The King’s Head

In the stunning Elham Valley, The King’s Head celebrates Ashford’s food heritage. It boasts 45 years as a village pub. Here, you’ll find award-winning local ales, craft beers, and tasty gastro pub dishes¹⁰. The menu showcases local produce for a truly delicious experience.

Every month, The King’s Head in Wye holds a farmers’ market. Here, visitors can try homemade goodies in a quaint setting¹⁰. This mix of old and new makes it a gem in Ashford.

The Fordwich Arms

In Britain’s smallest town, The Fordwich Arms offers great food and a friendly pub vibe. This Michelin-starred pub is famous for its outstanding dishes¹¹. It’s known for both its food and its inviting feel.

Guests can enjoy seasonal meals that add a fresh twist to British classics. This showcases Ashford’s innovative food scene.

Here’s a table comparing these two notable gastro pubs:

Gastro Pub	Location	Unique Features	Awards and Recognitions
The King’s Head	Elham Valley	Local ales, craft beers, monthly farmers’ market, homemade food items	Award-winning, with about 45 years of history¹⁰
The Fordwich Arms	Fordwich	Michelin-starred, creative seasonal dishes, modern British twists	Michelin Star¹¹

These gastro pubs showcase Ashford’s dynamic food scene. They blend local tradition with modern dining. Exploring these pubs is essential for anyone wanting to experience Ashford’s culinary highlights.

Hidden Gems and Unique Spots

In the heart of Ashford, many hidden culinary spots await locals and travellers. The Tucked Away Take Away stands out with tasty ham salad sticks and hot sausage pies, all at £5.20 per day¹². The staff knows your usual, making each visit special¹².

Ashford is home to other treasures besides The Tucked Away Take Away. The Willesborough Windmill, standing since 1869, now houses a café. It serves light bites on weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2 to 5 pm¹³. It’s a mix of history and taste, offering a unique experience in Ashford.

The Old Mill pub dates to the early 19th century and combines history with good food¹³. Set in a beautiful location, it offers traditional British dishes with local ingredients. The Swan & Dog, a 16th-century building in Great Chart, showcases Ashford’s culinary past and its hidden spots¹³.

The Ashford Designer Outlet offers modern dining choices. With over 70 designer brands, it also has eateries like Wagamama and Five Guys¹³. It’s a perfect blend of shopping and dining.

Discovering these dining spots in Ashford is an adventure. Each place has a unique story of flavour and tradition.

Fine Dining Experiences

In Ashford, several places are well-known for their amazing food, service, and atmosphere. Each spot gives a special taste adventure. This makes Ashford top-notch for food lovers.

Hythe Imperial

The Hythe Imperial, with its AA Rosettes, shows the best of seaside dining. It is well-known for its delicious meals made from fresh, local produce. People love it for big events because of the great food and service¹⁴. It also has a top-notch bar and air-conditioned dining area¹⁴.

The Culpeper Restaurant

The Culpeper Restaurant at Chilston Park Hotel is perfect for special dining. It has received AA Rosettes for its inventive and top-quality dishes. Set in beautiful countryside, it’s a favourite for celebrations¹⁴. The Culpeper’s focus on sustainability and local ingredients adds to its charm¹⁴. For more on Kent’s dining scene, click here¹⁴.

Angela’s of Margate

Angela’s of Margate has gained fame for its green approach and top-notch food. It’s known for its fresh, local fish. Its refined style and attentive service put it among the best in Ashford and beyond¹⁵.

From the beach vibe of Hythe Imperial to The Culpeper’s quiet grace and Angela’s eco-friendly elegance, these places define Ashford’s dining scene. They show the area’s variety in top-quality food options, making Ashford a culinary hotspot.

Seaside and Riverside Dining

Seaside dining in Ashford offers more than just food. It blends beautiful scenery with tasty dishes. This creates unforgettable meals by the water.

The Sportsman, Seasalter

If you love seafood, visit The Sportsman in Seasalter. This Michelin-starred place is known as the Best Gastropub. It showcases local food, giving you a real taste of the area’s wealth.

Scenic Views and Fresh Seafood

Looking for riverside dining? Ashdeford won’t let you down. The Tickled Trout in Wye is perfect. It has a lovely garden by the River Stour. A peaceful spot for dining by the water¹⁶.

The Zeatland Arms in Kingsdown is another gem. It serves fresh fish right on the beach¹⁶. These places offer great views and specialise in fresh seafood. They turn each meal into a celebration of taste and nature.

Conclusion

Ashford’s culinary scene is rich and offers many top dining experiences. The town’s food landscape changes a lot, blending eco-conscious dining at Boys Hall with the classy charm of The Cook’s Tale. This mix brings a unique food adventure to Ashford. Every restaurant adds its own taste of the local culture and commitment to quality.

The King’s Head in Wye, winning Restaurant of the Year, and the Michelin-starred West House in Biddenden show the area’s high culinary standards. Food lovers will also enjoy Thackeray’s in Tunbridge Wells, which had a Michichel star for more than four years¹⁷, and the cosy Fish on the Green.

At The Sportsman in Seasalter, you can enjoy great views and fresh seafood. Ashford also has hidden spots worth discovering. Boys Hall shows Ashford’s focus on sustainability, using fresh, local ingredients. From Michelin-starred spots to snug gastro pubs, Ashford’s best dining spots are waiting. They promise meals that are more than just food; they are stories to cherish.

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