Faversham sits in Kent’s heart, shifting from its rich past to a culinary wonder. It’s a go-to for food lovers, thanks to its old but pretty look and varied eateries.
Faversham shines with the famous Shepherd Neame brewery, the oldest in Britain. With 500 historic buildings, it’s unmatched in England, showing its deep roots1. Its streets burst with life during September’s food festivals, attracting those keen on seasonal delights and crafted drinks.
In Faversham, there’s a spot for every taste. Fancy dinners, cosy pub meals, or unique coffees – you’ll find them here. For tips on the best places to eat, check out our detailed Faversham dining guide.
Michelin-star places, local gems, and quaint pubs define Faversham’s food scene. This guide aims to steer you to Faversham’s best, showing what sets them apart.
Let’s explore Faversham’s rich food world together. We’re uncovering top spots for unforgettable dining experiences, with both local and global tastes.
Read’s Restaurant With Rooms
Read’s Restaurant With Rooms is a top choice for gourmet dining in Faversham. Located in the beautiful Georgian Macknade Manor, it’s been a beacon of culinary excellence for 43 years. With a Michelin star for 21 years, it’s a standout in Faversham’s food scene2.
Overview
Read’s Restaurant moved to Macknade Manor in 20002. It’s more than just a restaurant. It also offers a welcoming atmosphere with six double rooms named after trees, making it a delightful spot in Faversham3.
Menu Highlights
Read’s menu is famous in Faversham. Dishes like the mature Montgomery Cheddar cheese soufflé and the raspberry soufflé are loved by many3. The tasting menu is a treat at £65 per person, with a wine option for an additional £40, offering a unique dining experience3.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Read’s stands out with its local ingredients. Its garden provides fresh produce, and seafood comes from Whitstable and Hythe. This dedication to local resources builds Read’s top-notch reputation in Faversham23.
The Yard Café
Tucked away in a charming alley off Preston Street, The Yard Café Faversham stands out. It’s known for mixing art and food, attracting both locals and visitors4. This spot combines culture and cuisine perfectly.
Arty Ambience
With a lively art scene, The Yard Café celebrates Faversham’s artists. It supports local talents, adding a unique vibe to your meal4. This creates a special dining experience.
Popular Menu Items
Fresh and local ingredients take center stage on The Yard’s menu. It offers salads and sandwiches, and a standout chicken ‘burger’5. This focus on quality makes it a Faversham favourite.
Events and Activities
The Yard Café is more than a place to eat. It’s a community spot for music, poetry, and yoga5. Plus, there’s a Thirsty Thursday Supper Club for special nights out5. It brings the community together.
Macknade Fine Foods
Macknade Fine Foods is a favourite eatery in Faversham. It is known for its outstanding quality and has a history dating back to 18476. This place is a mix of Italian food and local Kentish produce. It offers a special dining experience that shows the Macknade family’s dedication to great food.
Food Hall Delights
The huge Macknade Food Hall covers 10,000 square feet. It offers local meats and the famous Winterdale Shaw cheese6. Visitors can enjoy a real taste of the region’s finest produce. The Food Village at Macknade is open from Thursday to Sunday. It offers wood-fired pizzas, light lunches, and various drinks, attracting Kent’s brightest independent traders6.
On the last Friday of every month, live music adds to the lively atmosphere7.
Italian and Kentish Fusion
The Food Village celebrates the Macknade family’s Italian roots. It offers a mix of Italian dishes and Kentish produce7. With selections like Neapolitan pizzas and Asian-fusion dishes, there’s something for everyone. Local brewers, Time & Tide, provide IPAs and lagers. Wild Box makes cocktails with local and unique ingredients7.
Events like the Macknade 10k run and the Beer & BBQ Fest make Macknade a top place to eat in Faversham7.
On-site Bakery and Brewery
Macknade also has its own bakery and brewery8. Wild Bread bakery makes bread with local ingredients. Boutilliers brewery offers different beers. This creates a lively place for food lovers. The Cheese Experience Subscription sends out a selection of cheeses, crackers, and pickles each month6. Subscribers get to enjoy online cheese tastings and get free delivery across the country, experiencing Macknade’s best flavours6.
In the end, Macknade Fine Foods captures what makes Faversham’s eateries special. It combines Italian and local Kentish foods, setting up an unmatched culinary spot8.
Shepherd Neame Brewery
Located in Faversham, the Shepherd Neame brewery stands as Britain’s oldest. It fills the town with a delicious malty scent9. Famous for creating local ales like the acclaimed Spitfire, it reflects the best of tradition and quality in its Faversham brewery5.
Visitors get a deep dive into its history with brewery tours. They learn about the detailed mashing process. Then, they taste six special ales, including the beloved Spitfire5. These tours offer both learning and a sensory exploration into brewing.
This brewery’s importance stretches beyond just beer making. Its ancient architecture showcases a long-lasting legacy of local ales in Faversham. Every nook of the brewery narrates a tale of commitment and brilliance5.
Shepherd Neame boosts the local economy too. Its pubs across Kent, like The New Flying Horse in Ashford and The Parrot in Canterbury, highlight local ales and culinary delights9. Venues like The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie offer stunning views and walks, providing guests with more than just a drink; they deliver a piece of Kent’s charm and warmth9.
In conclusion, Shepherd Neame brewery stands for more than Faversham’s history. It also lifts local traditions with its excellent ales and interesting tours. It’s a symbol of brewing success, welcoming everyone to discover and relish5.
Furlongs Ale House
In the centre of Faversham, Furlongs Ale House is a top spot for a meal. It’s known for its unique, hand-carved furniture that brings a special charm10. The local craftsmanship not only looks good but also fits perfectly with the Faversham way of life.
Hand-Carved Furniture
At Furlongs, you’ll find wooden bench seating and solid tables. These items aren’t just practical. They also add a rustic, elegant touch, making the place welcoming for everyone11.
Local Artwork
Furlongs’ walls are adorned with local art, making it a beloved artisanal pub. The artwork does more than decorate; it captures Faversham’s spirit and culture, enriching your visit.
Ales and Beverages
Furlongs is famed for its local ales, served straight from the cellar, featuring Kent’s finest like Gadds and Whitstable Brewery11. It also offers wine, gin, and craft beers, catering to all preferences. Plus, you can choose from English wines and local juices if you prefer non-alcoholic drinks10.
This dog-friendly pub is celebrated for its local sourced snacks. Their homemade snacks include pickled duck eggs and pork scratchings11. Check it out in the guide to dog-friendly places to visit in Faversham.
Furlongs Ale House stands out for its atmosphere, menu, and local brews focus. Regulars love the hand-drawn beers and artisan feel. The pub’s flexible hours make it perfect for any day or events like the Faversham Hop Festival10.
The Gallery Café at Creek Creative Studios
The Gallery Café, nestled in Creek Creative Studios, is Faversham’s gem for combining art with delightful food. It’s the go-to spot for those wishing to dine amid the creativity of local artists. The space houses around 50 artists in affordable studios. Their art is displayed and sold in the Upper Gallery and Artisan Shop. This adds a special touch to the dining experience12.
Artistic Setting
At The Gallery Café, guests enjoy superb meals in an artistic atmosphere. The courtyard, open for use during the warm months, offers more room for visitors. It’s an excellent choice all year round12. Known for its interesting art installations, like the Jason Taylor statue introduced in 2022, the café stands out13.
Menu Selections
The menu welcomes all, with options for gluten-free, dairy-free, veggie, and vegan eaters12. Chef Lorraine, who also owns the place, found out she had coeliac disease at 34. Her experience has made gluten-free dining a focus here12. Such dedication brought the café a Gold in the 2017 FreeFrom Eating Out Awards12.
The café frequently updates its menu, using fresh, seasonal produce. Each day, it offers about five different dishes, plus a selection of homemade sweets12. This ensures visitors always find something new and exciting to try.
Best Restaurants in Faversham
Faversham has lots of dining choices for every preference. The best restaurants in Faversham stand out for unique food and great service. An impressive 85% of these places welcome dogs. This makes it easy for pet owners to dine out14. Half of these spots serve traditional British pub food, showing Faversham’s love for classic dishes14.
Many top restaurants are only a short drive from local stays, about 40% are easy to reach14. Plus, 30% of these places have won awards, proving Faversham’s culinary standards are high14. Also, 20% have earned Michelin stars, focusing on gourmet restaurant reviews Faversham and fine dining14.
A quarter of the restaurants are new or newly done-up14. This keeps the dining scene vibrant with fresh and exciting options. Seafood lovers will find 15% of the spots focus on top-quality, fresh seafood14.
Furthermore, 10% of the places have special features like a pizza oven, offering more variety14. And for those who like trusted names, 5% are part of known hotel chains. This mix offers superb dining experiences in Faversham for everyone14.
Dining Spots in Faversham’s Historic Centre
Faversham’s historic centre combines ancient charm and modern food delights. It invites everyone to enjoy exquisite meals at venerable spots.
Preston Street
Preston Street is the lively heart of Faversham’s historic area, with over 60 independent outlets15. It’s famous for unique culinary experiences. Performances at the Alexander Centre add flair to meals here15. The Best of Faversham Market fills the street with food and crafts every first and third Saturday15.
Faversham is proud of its local food spots, from cosy pubs to trendy cafes16. A J Barkaway Butchers, over a century old, is celebrated for its top-quality meat and expert advice16.
Market Street
Walking down Market Street, you discover Faversham’s culinary treasures. The historical Faversham Charter Market offers local foods every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday17. The Antiques Market on the first Sunday each month brings life to the centre and is the UK’s largest17.
Market Street’s eateries serve dishes made from local ingredients. Diners can enjoy everything from fresh fish to fine dining. Highlights include The Quay on Conduit Street17.
Faversham’s food landmarks showcase its dedication to tradition and modern tastes.
Seasonal and Locally Sourced Menus
In Faversham, the food scene loves using local ingredients for its seasonal menus. This way, diners get the best, freshest produce while helping local businesses. The Plough Inn at Stalisfield, praised for its sustainable dining, was voted Kent Dining Pub of the Year in 2020 and 202118.
At The Plough Inn, you can find beloved pub food like gammon steak and beer-battered haddock18. They also have Blackboard Specials featuring seasonal dishes such as veal sweetbreads and crispy monkfish, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients18.
The Plough Inn is known for its big selection of 30 gins and 14 rums, handpicked by a gin expert18. There’s a choice of 16 wines served by the glass and a total of 45 on the menu19. Plus, they have 6 comfy bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for guests to stay in19.
They keep updating their menu to reflect seasonal changes, showing their dedication to sustainable dining19. Faversham’s restaurants all follow this trend, making food that’s good for both taste buds and the planet.
Faversham stands out because of its commitment to local Kentish produce and sustainability. Places like The Plough Inn highlight the excellent food and service in the region, earning high praise from customers20.
Best Fine Dining Venues in Faversham
Faversham houses elegant dining spots for those craving a sophisticated food journey. It’s packed with swank eateries. Each place, with its gorgeous decor and unique dishes, offers a special experience for food lovers.
Elegant Atmospheres
Fine dining in Faversham starts with the right ambience. The Michelin-starred Read’s Restaurant with Rooms sets the standard high. It offers a lavish atmosphere, exquisite decor, and a feeling of exclusivity. Every detail aims to create an unmatched dining experience.
Signature Dishes
Exploring Faversham’s top eateries means trying their signature dishes. Places like The Sportsman shine with culinary creativity. They blend unique tastes, both new and traditional. The focus on local ingredients celebrates Kent’s culinary treasures, making dining a feast of freshness and local support.
Source Links
- What to do, see and eat in Faversham – https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/kent/22576738.see-eat-faversham/
- Inside the Kent hotel which has been named the best place to eat and stay over – https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/whats-on-news/gallery/inside-reads-restaurant-hotel-faversham-3421911
- Restaurant review: Read’s of Faversham – https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/kent/22582740.restaurant-review-reads-faversham/
- Best restaurants in Faversham | Haven – https://www.haven.com/things-to-do/kent/best-restaurants-in-faversham
- 5 places to eat and drink in Faversham – https://www.olivemagazine.com/travel/uk/south-east-travel/5-places-to-eat-and-drink-in-faversham/
- Macknade Faversham – https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/macknade-faversham-2260/
- Discover the Food Village – https://macknade.com/blogs/news/discover-the-food-village
- Fabulous food and drink in Faversham – https://favershammarket.org/fabulous-food-and-drink-in-faversham/
- Shepherd Neame pubs – https://www.visitkent.co.uk/visit-kent-blog/shepherd-neame-pubs/
- MICRO PUB Faversham – http://www.dover-kent.com/Pubs/Furlongs-Ale-House-Faversham.html
- Pub Guide – Swale CAMRA – https://swale.camra.org.uk/pubguide
- The Gallery Kitchen Café at Creek Creative – https://favershamlife.org/the-gallery-kitchen-cafe-at-creek-creative/
- Home › Creek Creative – https://creek-creative.org/
- Places to eat near Faversham, the Kent Downs – https://www.frithfarmhouse.co.uk/kent-places-to-eat.html
- Visit Preston Street, Faversham – https://favershammarket.org/visit-preston-street-faversham/
- PDF – https://explorekent.org/activities/a-walk-on-the-wild-side-oare/faversham-food-trails-faversham-a-walk-on-the-wild-side/
- Brogdale’s Faversham Favourites – Brogdale Farm – https://brogdalefarm.co.uk/brogdales-faversham-favourites/
- Award winning country pub food – The Plough Inn at Stalisfield, Faversham – https://theploughinnstalisfield.co.uk/pub-food-kent/
- Britain’s Finest – Luxury Hotels, B&B, Inns, Attractions, Gardens, Museums, Galleries, Historic Houses, Restaurants, Spas & Golf Courses – https://www.britainsfinest.co.uk/restaurants/the-plough-inn
- Event Menus – The Faversham – https://www.thefaversham.com/food-and-drink/
