Kent’s Most Outstanding Small-Plate Experiences
The act of sharing is a cherished occasion; whether it is a light bite with friends or an evening of refined dining, Kent hosts an array of small-plate experiences that pack a flavourful punch, immaculate presentation and allow you to indulge without any unwanted guilt. From Spanish-inspired tapas to organic farm-to-table ingredients, these eight standout spots across Kent prove that the smallest plates often make the biggest impressions.
Pomus
Set close to Margate Beach, both locals and visitors make themselves at home at Pomus and Pom on the Pier (the baby sister of Pomus). Focusing on fluidity, both restaurants specialise in small-plate experiences that shift with the seasons. The inclusive, low-waste menus are paired with award-winning wines and local produce, from Whitstable Oysters and Cheesemakers of Canterbury to Chapel Down wines, Pomus infuses the taste of Kent into each and every small plate, ready for you to share.
It’s time to get cosy with small plates and an even smaller dining experience. Fifteen Square Metres hosts a unique dining space that is a literal 15 square metres in size; perfect for intimate date nights where food is meant to be shared. The menu prides itself on seasonality, with a wide range of cultural cuisines, from Japanese to Scandinavian; these small plates, when paired with carefully selected wines, stand for a world of flavour.
The Radnor Arms
If it’s grazing, snacking and comfortable dining you are after, then look no further. The Radnor Arms in Folkestone has a welcoming feel and a selection of sharing platters and bar snacks, perfect for a summer evening by the sea. The menu weaves together local produce from across Kent with a touch of Southeast Asian flavour. Local ingredients are sourced from only a few miles away from the Folkestone harbour to the restaurant’s very own farmstead, Mill House.
Séte
A neighbourhood restaurant with a distinctive European spirit, Sète blends seasonal ingredients through high-quality, produce-led small dishes. Choose from a selection of carefully sauteed and smoked dishes, garnished with seasonal oil dressings and tangy vinaigrettes; the menu takes inspiration from across the continent, with a strong French influence. Offering relaxed charm with refined dining, each dish is carefully crafted and paired with an extensive wine list, from old classics and natural wines to the next generation of vintners. Sète makes sure to show off small plates at their finest.
Milk House
Summer evenings spent grazing on thoughtfully crafted dishes and relaxing in the softened sunshine lead you to The Milk House. Nestled in the High Weald, the lively bar and spacious pub garden invite dog walkers, friends and families to indulge in the seasonal grazing menu; with chargrilled focaccia dipped in extra virgin olive oil, seasoned meats and perfectly crispy fries, you can pair your dishes with a wide selection of local cask ales, a wine menu and soft drinks. The Milk House is an ideal pit stop for locals and travellers alike.
Shwen Shwen | ©John Scott Blackwell
A Michelin-star restaurant run by Maria Bradford, bringing the flavours of Sierra Leone to her Sevonoaks-based restaurant. Infusing rich, vibrant ingredients with seasonally crafted small plates, each dish connects you to the culture and heritage that curated each recipe. From Kankankan octopus, with a chargrilled spicy flavour to bone marrow, introducing a rich, roasted taste, and served with crispy puffed rice. Complemented by a wine list that stretches continentally, from the sun-soaked regions of northern Italy to the local delicacies of Balfour Winery in Tonbridge, your dining experience just got that little bit better at Shwen Shwen.
Sekkoya
Set in the historic city centre of Canterbury, Sekkoya blends the spirit and vibrant tastes of Indian food with a local Kentish feel. The menu shines a spotlight on the flavourful wonders of Indian street food and family favourites, from the aromatic spices of tandoori chicken to the coastal flavours of Malabar prawn curry infused with a South Indian coconut sauce for a smooth finish. Each dish is crafted using fresh ingredients and balanced by a variety of continental wines and botanical cocktails, all complementing the rich aromas that permeate each small plate.
Sol y Sombra Tapas.
Tapas enthusiasts get ready to indulge in an authentic taste of Spain at Sol y Sombra Tapas, serving traditional and modern tapas dishes. Nestled in the historic cobbled streets of Rochester, choose from a wide range of nourishing dishes that combine small plates with big flavours, with ingredients sourced from Spanish suppliers and local producers across Kent and East Sussex. From pimientos de Padrón, small peppers fried and seasoned with salt, to torreznes, traditional pork belly pieces prepared in a Spanish style and infused with sweet and spicy flavours, each dish can be paired with a glass of wine or signature cocktail, all set within a friendly, social atmosphere perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
