Flavour-packed day out itineraries for your next Kent gastronomic adventure.

From morning coffee hubs, breakfast go-tos and light lunch locations to cocktail hotspots and special evening dining experiences not to be missed, Kent is positively brimming with food and drink destinations flying the flag for local flavours and feel-good feasting. Best enjoyed when one carves out a full day to savour them, join us on an indulgent journey across Kent’s most food-loving towns one bite – and sip! – at a time…

On the Foodie Trail in… Rochester

Brimming with historic cobbled streets, imposing architecture and a famed literary heritage, romantic Rochester has long been a favourite destination for a Kentish day well spent. Nestled amongst its many indies and storied landmarks, Rochester also boasts a plethora of hidden foodie gems awaiting to be discovered, perfect for a day just as well feasted. 

Cafe Lounge

A spring morning in this Medway jewel is guaranteed to start off on the right foot at Rochester high street’s Cafe Lounge. In an uber-trendy dining space that’s light and inviting, this Instagrammable hotspot serves up a host of treats; think freshly brewed coffee, generously topped fluffy pancakes, colourful açai bowls, classic cooked breakfasts, brunch bites and a wide selection of burgers, wraps and sandwiches. Drinks are sure to be a hit here, with an impressive variety ranging from uplifting beauty and glow shakes, smoothies and flavoured matchas, to hot chocolates and teas. 

After browsing the gorgeous surrounding boutiques, another mid-morning coffee pitstop may well be in order. The Rochester Coffee Co. promises a lovely warm space to enjoy a delightful brew, alongside a slice of homemade cake should you need a sugar fix! Much-loved patisserie and bakery Lenny’s of Rochester’s two town locations also await should a pastry or top-notch bake also be on the cards. 

SMOQUE

Castle and cathedral exploring complete, lunch is served. SMOQE is known for its honest, handmade comfort food in the form of their signature slow-cooked St Louis Ribs, mouthwatering smash burgers and flavoured fries, while The Cheese Room Botanicals’ cheese-themed menus featuring the likes of sourdough toasties, cheese boards and skillets, make for a superb choice for a midday refuel.        

When it comes to evening dining in this charming Dickensian town, visitors truly are spoilt for choice. Locally loved Brettington’s offers a fantastic menu of premium British beef, fresh seafood and classic flavours with a modern touch, with their focus ever-fixed on quality ingredients, while further down the high street, Olé offers a sublime little slice of Spain with its authentic sharing tapas, chargrilled meats and signature paellas.

Fish at 55

Seafood-lovers are certain to adore the praised Fish at 55, celebrated for its exceptional use of produce and its refined take on Kentish flavours from both land and sea. Diners can also delight in the restaurant’s marvellously handcrafted sushi from master sushi chef Thiago Krobath within its main dining room, or nab one of the coveted six seats at Fish at 55’s newly launched private dining experience, Omakase at 55, where chef Thiago invites guests to relinquish all menu control and takes them on a flavoursome journey of the ocean’s finest offerings, elevated by his expert craftsmanship and sheer passion for Tokyo-born sushi tradition, Edomae. 

The perfect way to end your foodie foray, both Oliver’s and The George Vaults are buzzing spots for a gloriously shaken cocktail or two, promising a wide array of serves, attentive service and a stylish setting in which to toast to a day of pure indulgence.