In modern dining, the importance of visual aesthetics has reached new horizons, with appearance having evolved into a critical element in our perception of a dish’s delectability.

The once simple beauty of a dish being centred in its taste has transcended into a visually responsive phenomenon. Even the aesthetic appeal of a plate can serve as an indicator of taste. If your dish is embellished with decorative scenery and refined tableware, all aspects create a visual rhythm that intertwines to frame your dining experience and, ultimately, how beautiful your first bite will be.

This aesthetic phenomenon has moved across the Garden of England, as restaurants have come into their own, challenging visual aesthetics and curating dining experiences that go above and beyond expectations. These selected dishes from award-winning restaurants across Kent serve camera-ready plates, where aesthetics come hand-in-hand with taste; these dishes are truly as good as they look.

Boys Hall

Kentish Farm lamb loin, paired with a crispy lamb leg, supplied from Longland Farm in Canterbury. The lamb is garnished with wild garlic, kale and a sprinkling of feta cheese, accompanied by a smooth, rich jus. 

Rocksalt

Freshly caught Rye Bay mackerel and carefully piped smoked yoghurt, the dish is garnished with locally grown cherry tomatoes for a sweet taste and finished with a nutty pistachio salsa.

Buoy and Oyster

Half a dozen sustainably grown oysters, harvested from traditional oyster beds in the River Blackwater, Maldon, Essex. The oysters present a distinct flavour, with an inherent meatiness from the salt marshes where they are grown. Freshly shucked and served simply with shallot vinegar, lemon and Tabasco. 

The Small Holding 

Roasted day boat John Dory from Cornwall, paired with barbecued lettuce from The Small Holding farm, fresh nasturtium with a burnt lettuce emulsion. Finished with a classic fish veloute made with a generous amount of fresh nasturtium and a nasturtium oil.

The Goods Shed

Susanna’s pork, sourced from The Goods Shed acclaimed butchery, perfectly seasoned and paired with confit onion, sweet and meltingly soft, laid on a bed of swede, for an earthy and nutty finish.

Bowleys at the Plough

A perfectly tender beef fillet, accompanied by a glazed carrot and flavourful oxtail Wellington with a delicate, buttery pastry. The dish is finished with a rich jus for a well-rounded, deep flavour.

The Counter

Dorset crab chawamushi, blending the sweet flavours of fresh crab meat in a shellfish bisque, a creamy French soup, with an aromatic, rich tomato taste for a warming finish and garnished with three-cornered garlic flowers.