Cranbrook, in Kent, is known for its lovely market town vibe and has turned into a hotspot for food lovers. According to TripAdvisor, it’s home to some of the finest restaurants in Cranbrook. Two of them are even among the top 10 in Kent1. There’s a wide range of tastes catered for here, from Nepalese to classic British.
If you’re after top-quality food, Cranbrook is the place to be. Choose from The Small Holding’s amazing farm-to-table offerings or The Apicius’s seasonal British and European dishes1. You’ll find everything from quaint pubs to chic bistros in this town, ready to please any food enthusiast.
Start a food adventure in Cranbrook and explore the best places to eat in this enchanting town2. Each restaurant shines with its own special flavours and outstanding service. For incredible meals, wonderful atmospheres, and service that goes above and beyond, Cranbrook’s top eateries are unbeatable.
The Small Holding: Farm-to-Table Excellence
In Kilndown near Cranbrook, The Small Holding is famous for genuine farm-to-table Cranbrook dining. It stands out by using fresh local produce from its acre of land and the area around. This creates a seasonal British menu full of variety and taste. Its mix of traditional inn charm and modern cooking skills gives guests a memorable food experience. This place, with a Michelin green star, is a must-try for everyone.
Fresh, Local Ingredients
The heart of The Small Holding is its fresh produce. Their farm covers one acre and is key to their philosophy, with most ingredients grown or locally sourced3. They work with farmers and fishermen who care about quality and sustainability3. This effort makes their approach special and widely admired.
Menu Options and Specialties
The Small Holding offers two unique tasting menus. The Full Acre menu has eight courses for £85 per person, and the Half Acre menu has five for £65 each3. Their British menu updates monthly, based on the best available ingredients3. They cater to all diets, with vegan and gluten-free choices. Their drinks selection perfectly matches their food.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
As a top-class Cranbrook restaurant, The Small Holding gets rave reviews. TripAdvisor users often mention the amazing menu and great customer service. It’s a top-choice for quality farm-to-table meals and local produce. Their nomination by The Good Food Guide 20244 is a testament to their excellence.
The Apicius: Seasonal British and European Cuisine
Apicius in Cranbrook captures the essence of *contemporary British dining* and *European flavours*. It offers seasonal cuisine that is regularly updated. Known for its refined setting, it’s perfect for an *exquisite dining experience*. Apicius is dedicated to detail, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients.
Seasonal Menu Changes
The restaurant is committed to showcasing seasonal cuisine Cranbrook through its changing menu. Its dishes display the season’s best, ensuring freshness and taste. This approach supports local farmers and producers too.
Experience and Ambience
Apicius offers an ambiance that enhances its *fine dining options Cranbrook*. The décor is tasteful, with intimate lighting. This creates a serene atmosphere where diners can fully enjoy their meal. It’s an adult-friendly venue, not accommodating children under eight. The setting is ideal for sophisticated gatherings, accepting groups with a maximum of six people.
Diners’ Favourites
Apicius has received much praise, reflected in its 255 reviews, with 223 rating it as excellent5. This has earned it a 5-star rating. Diners love the British staples and European-inspired dishes. Each dish is prepared with skill. The varied drink selections also enhance the dining experience, making Apicius a favourite for many.
Apicius is known for blending *contemporary British dining* with *European flavours*. It’s a top spot for *seasonal cuisine Cranbrook* lovers. For info on Cranbrook’s top eateries, including Apicius, here’s a review guide5.
Best Restaurants in Cranbrook: A Culinary Overview
In Cranbrook, you’ll find a vibrant mix of places to eat. This lovely town in Kent has all sorts of restaurants to choose from. You can find cosy family spots and fancy eateries.
Start exploring Cranbrook’s food scene with some top-rated spots. The Small Holding is famous for its farm-fresh meals and great reviews. It shows dedication to quality and sustainable eating.
Then, there’s The Apicius. It’s known for British and European dishes that change with the seasons. They use the best ingredients all year round. This has made it very popular with visitors and locals.
If you want classic British food, try Marino’s Fish & Chip Shop. It’s known for its authentic fish and chips. Customers love the friendly service and the high-quality food.
The Foundry offers a different kind of dining experience. It’s celebrated for its cuisine and a huge choice of craft gins. It’s a perfect place for food and gin lovers.
The Catering Department at Cranbrook School focuses on healthy eating. It has won awards for its efforts6. The dining hall looks more welcoming now, with mood lighting and music6. They listen to student feedback to keep improving6.
These places add a lot to Cranbrook’s food culture. Each restaurant has its own special atmosphere and pays close attention to every detail. They make dining in Cranbrook an event to remember. Whether you live here or are just visiting, Cranbrook’s guide to restaurants is sure to offer something that will delight your taste buds.
Marino’s Fish & Chip Shop: A Classic Delight
Marino’s Fish & Chip Shop is a beloved spot in Cranbrook. It’s famous for having the best British fish and chips in the area. People love coming here for a real UK eating experience, thanks to its classic meals and top-notch service.
Authentic British Fish and Chips
Every bite at Marino’s shows how genuine British fish and chips should taste. The fish comes out perfectly cooked, with chips that are just right in crispiness7. Fans praise the batter’s quality for hitting the perfect texture and taste7. Sizes of servings get both thumbs up for generosity and thumbs down from those expecting more7. Prices are generally seen as fair, though some dishes are considered a bit pricey7.
Service and Dining Experience
The staff’s friendliness and alertness make eating at Marino’s special7. The cosy atmosphere and cleanliness add to the charm of UK dining7. Yet, the toilets could use some better care, as noted by some diners7.
A few folks mentioned long wait times, but the pleasant service and available drinks make up for it7. The strong focus on friendly vibes is clear from the many positive reviews praising Marino’s service7.
The Foundry: Craft Gin and Diverse Cuisine
Right by Cranbrook, The Foundry stands out for its special dining feel. People can’t stop talking about its famous craft gin.
Going to The Foundry means embarking on a food journey. Here, you find over 220 kinds of craft gins to try. At the Taste of Kent Awards 2024, The Foundry’s gin truly shone, near Frittenden8. It was named Kent Spirit of the Year for its bold flavours9.
A Unique Craft Gin Experience
The Foundry is well-known for its heartwarming gin. With a cosy vibe, it offers a gin menu that goes great with any meal. This ensures an unmatched dining adventure.
Menu Highlights
The Foundry’s menu dazzles with its creativity. Highlights include:
- Locally sourced seafood treats
- Wide choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes
- Rich desserts made with local produce
What Diners Say
People love The Foundry for its amazing food and cosy setting. They say the gin and diverse dishes make a visit unforgettable. One diner mentioned, “The Foundry has mastered blending the old with the new in its menu”, making it one of the region’s top picks.
The White Horse: Traditional Pub Experience
In Cranbrook’s centre, The White Horse shows what British pubs are all about. It offers a menu full of hearty English foods, making sure your visit is always pleasurable.
Traditional British Pub Menu
Upon arriving, guests can choose from many British classics. Pies, roasts, and fish & chips are favorites here, using only the best ingredients. For those wanting to truly taste Britain, dining at The White Horse is a must.
Beers and Ales Selection
The White Horse stands out with its wide beer and ale options. It features local brews from Cranbrook and well-known British brands. Whether you love exploring beers or just want a good pint, you’ll be happy here. Four Candles Alehouse in Broadstairs, known as Britain’s tiniest brew pub, shows the commitment to quality and tradition in the beers at The White Horse10.
Customers say the pub is excellent in its food and drinks. It gets support from The Potting Shed’s flawless 5.0 rating, proving the area’s high standards11. For more excellent places to eat, visit this list of top eateries in Cranbrook.
The Black Horse: Countryside Charm
The Black Horse restaurant, located in the peaceful Cranbrook area, is the essence of countryside charm. It’s a top choice for those wanting a genuine country pub meal. Locals and visitors love it for its great food and beautiful nature setting.
“Rarely does one find a place that seamlessly blends the rustic charm Cranbrook is renowned for with top-notch culinary delights. The Black Horse restaurant is an absolute gem for those who cherish country pub dining.”
In 2019, The Dog at Wingham gained recognition with a Great British Pub award12. The Black Horse also maintains high standards, akin to its peers. People visit for traditional British cuisine and love the friendly, British atmosphere.
Staying nearby makes the experience better. The George Hotel in Cranbrook has rooms from £80 a night13. It’s convenient for a meal at The Black Horse post-exploration. Or, choose The Black Horse Inn near Maidstone, with rooms from £105 a night13. It offers a serene countryside stay.
The Black Horse is known for its exceptional dining and the Cranbrook rustic charm. Its great food and delightful setting make it a favourite spot for all.
Café Mauresque: Mediterranean Flavours
Near Cranbrook’s high street, Café Mauresque is a cosy hideaway. It brings Mediterranean warmth to this spot. It’s one of Cranbrook’s treasures, known for its welcoming vibe. The restaurant gets high marks for value and a menu filled with Mediterranean delights. Both locals and visitors love the special feeling here. It matches well with the varied dishes offered.
Hidden Gem in Cranbrook
Café Mauresque is more than just tasty food. It whisks guests off to the shores of the Mediterranean. Many call it Cranbrook’s hidden gem for its warm environment and friendly staff. Reviews rave about its dish quality and atmosphere. It’s a favourite for those wanting a Mediterranean taste. It lets customers step away from daily life stress.
Menu and Specialties
The menu at Café Mauresque celebrates Mediterranean flavours. Cranbrook locals and visitors find joy in its range. It offers everything from lamb dishes to Turkish mixes. Dishes like lamb iskender and karisik kebab are highly praised. Patrons love the delicious flavours and large servings14. Each meal pays tribute to a long culinary history. This promises an authentic and memorable dining experience14. Café Mauresque delivers top-notch meals, whether you want something hearty or light.
Source Links
- Eating out: Apicius, Cranbrook, Kent – https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2005/aug/06/foodanddrink.shopping2
- Our handy foodie guide to Rock – https://www.latitude50.co.uk/journal/a-foodie-guide-to-rock
- The Small Holding Restaurant — Journal & news — The Dining Room PR – https://www.thediningroompr.co.uk/journal-news/tag/The Small Holding Restaurant
- The three Kent restaurants shortlisted for prestigious national award – https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/the-three-kent-restaurants-shortlisted-for-prestigious-natio-300094/
- The top 10 restaurants in Kent according to TripAdvisor – https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/the-top-10-restaurants-in-kent-according-to-tripadvisor-205595/
- Cranbrook Dining – https://www.cranbrookschool.co.uk/about-us/cranbrook-dining/
- Marino’s Fish Bar – Rye at 37 The Mint reviews, South East England – https://reviewbritain.com/rye/290270-marinos-fish-bar
- The Taste of Kent Awards Reveals the 2024 Food and Drink Product Shortlist – Taste of Kent Awards – https://tasteofkentawards.co.uk/news/the-taste-of-kent-awards-reveals-the-2024-food-and-drink-product-shortlist
- Taste of Kent Awards reveals 2024 food and drink product shortlist – – https://southeastbusiness.com/2024/05/07/taste-of-kent-awards-reveals-2024-food-and-drink-product-shortlist/
- Top cosy winter pubs – https://www.visitkent.co.uk/visit-kent-blog/top-cosy-winter-pubs/
- THE BEST 10 Gastropubs near CRANBROOK, KENT, UNITED KINGDOM – Last Updated July 2024 – Yelp – https://m.yelp.com/search?cflt=gastropubs&find_loc=Cranbrook, Kent
- The best restaurants in Kent – https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-kent
- Inns & Pubs with Rooms in Kent – https://www.english-inns.co.uk/Kent.htm
- Efes Restaurant & Bar – Efes Restaurant – https://www.efesrestaurantbar.co.uk/
