Quirky Eats & Drinks
Enjoy stepping outside of the norm on a night out? Looking for a dining or drinking experience with a difference; something to entertain friends or wow the guests? Think dining in vintage railway carriages, cosy outdoor domes, remodelled aircraft hangars, bars with unique personalities and showstopping cocktails. Here are some of our favourite quirky Kentish hotspots that are each bringing a fresh twist to eating and drinking out.
Bopping, battling and having a blooming good time – oh, and perhaps a tipple or two, just to add to the fun. This social, interactive and playful space is situated in the Riverside complex in Canterbury – the city’s hub for great food and nightlife. Step into the battleground with a drink in hand and take on one of the many activities available, including reality axe throwing, reality darts, beer pong and the craziest indoor golf you’ve ever come across. Groups can also tuck into something from the street-food–inspired menu; we’re talking fully loaded fries, juicy, mouthwatering burgers and wings, all washed down with a signature cocktail. Made with a heady blend of tequila and honey, the ‘Honey, It’s Time to Party’ cocktail is calling your name.
Are you a board game fan? Monopoly master? Cluedo whizz? Well… We just completed your gaming dreams – you can thank us later. Playopolis is the clever café behind it all: a board gaming spot on Star Hill, just five minutes from Rochester station. A firm local favourite, it’s packed with charm and always buzzing, so much so, they even offer memberships. Pick from hundreds of games (new ones added weekly), grab a seat and take on your fellow gamers. Open until 10pm most days (except Sundays and Mondays), the seasonal menu changes regularly; think fresh Caesar salads, tostadas and sometimes the odd sundae! Don’t skip the milkshakes (they’re unreal), and the cocktails are out of this world. Game on.
Matches is ‘all about the social’ – and they really aren’t lying! This quirky, game-changing sports bar, with locations at Elwick Place in Ashford and in Canterbury’s city centre, is the place where it’s all happening. Watch, play, party, eat and drink – all under one roof! Sports fans can gasp over their favourite games on 22” ultra HD screens while tucking into one of the irresistible smash burgers and loaded fries. But, it’s the interactive games that really get people talking. Choose from a lineup of darts, shuffleboard, cashless pool, karaoke and retro gaming – there’s something for everyone. They’ve also got an endless supply of cocktails and kids are welcome too, so gather your friends and head on down.
The Shufflehouse Tunbridge Wells
Shuffleboarders! You’re up. Ever wanted a unique experience where you eat, drink and shuffle? And, no, we’re not talking about dancing! The Shufflehouse in Tunbridge Wells is a vibrant two-storey South American/Latin tapas and pizza house that features two 14-foot shuffleboards to keep you entertained while you eat, drink and be merry! The tapas menu is authentic, flavoursome and generally out of this world featuring gems like Bolivian-style chicken wings, beef empanadas, corn ribs and crispy plantain, while the London-style pizzas rip up the rulebook – crispy, crunchy and loaded to the max. Beautifully paired with a game or two of shuffleboard, we’d call that an evening well spent.
They don’t come much more American than this: checkerboard floors, neon signs, striped leather booths – and that’s just the interior. Welcome to Hot Rod Diner in Northfleet, home of big burgers, juicy steaks and ridiculously thick shakes. It’s giving deep Texas vibes and we’re here for it. Grab a booth and dive into the menu (top tip: come hungry!). Go for the ‘Pit Stop’ full rack of pork ribs with BBQ, buffalo, maple chipotle or Jack Daniels sauce, or the 16oz T-Bone, flame-grilled and served with all the sides. Tackle one of their famous burgers like the Cowabunga with sliced pepperoni and smoky ketchup, or the Smoky Pig with pulled pork, smoky aioli and pickled red onions. Chicken and plant-based options are on the menu too, so no one’s left out. And be sure to save some space for the mammoth waffles and pancakes.
Smith & Western, Tunbridge Wells
Step into the rugged cowboy charm of the Wild Wild West right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Since 1995, the family owners of this iconic spot have been hosting cowboy and cowgirl fanatics at their venues across the country – venues draped in authentic paraphernalia including boots, saddles and feathers. Take a seat downstairs in the Gold Mine Restaurant from dusk to dawn! The breakfast menu here is bursting with rooting-tooting gems including the Rancher’s Breakfast and the Lumberjack Stack. Lunch? Burgers, ribs, and chilli (of course). And dinner – the famous nachos are made for sharing (but will you?) and are accompanied by a selection of mighty fine burgers including the New Yorker, the Texan Pepper Jack or the Nevada. Quickly followed down by a Golden Nuggets waffle. Yeehaw!
The Pod, The Bulls Head, Pratts Bottom
This may be a very traditional British pub, however they do offer some very exciting modern commodities including their very popular and highly sought-after dining pods. That’s right – this takes alfresco dining to a whole new level. Book a private dining pod complete with Bluetooth speakers, heaters and all the luxuries, and be waited on hand and foot. The restaurant menu is available to order from and includes a wide selection of fish, meat and veggie dishes including steak, rack of lamb, salmon, seabass and a tasty portobello mushroom.Their ciabattas and wraps have also made a pretty good name for themselves should you fancy something lighter.
Shesells Seashells, Folkestone
Given Folkestone’s Harbour Arm rail history, originally opening as part of the world’s first international rail-sea-rail link, it seems only fair that we should make a visit to one of its static vintage-style carriages positioned on the arm overlooking the sea and Sunny Sands – the perfect spot for a bite to eat. Hope on board the carriage or sit alfresco if the weather is on your side and tuck into a plate or bowl of sea treasures. Here, the menu showcases some of the best local catch sourced from the Folkestone trawlers – pots of cockles, prawns, crab and a delicious mackerel pâté and lobster. Perhaps a special occasion may sway you towards one of the killer platters all washed down with a glass of Chapel Down’s finest wine or fizz.
Image by: Ed Schofield
Head on down to Updown, not only to have a nosey at the stunning former 17th-century farmstead and the genius interior design work of the owners, or to stay in one of the beautifully luxurious appointed bedrooms across the site – but also to get a taste of what’s on the menu. Housed just across from the main house in the renovated, magical-looking conservatory, guests are invited to dine within 17th-century brick walls and watch the chefs perform their magic at the open kitchen, complete with a wood-fired grill and farm bread oven. The menu here is small and hyper-seasonal, but big in flavour and delivery. Every little bit of attention to detail goes into getting it just right and they’ve got a pretty exciting list of wines, beers, and cocktails, too!
Underground toilets no more, The John is actually complete luxury! This newly opened and renovated bar, found under Kent’s most historic city, is, would you believe it, Burgate’s former public toilets. The project to renovate the 1930’s toilets into a cocktail bar began in 2015, but this year it has reopened under new and exciting management. For a former toilet block, the space now oozes charm and intimacy. It’s the perfect spot to prop yourself at the bar and enjoy expertly mixed unique cocktails from a menu including the classics, specials and whatever your taste buds might fancy.
A striking and memorable experience, eating at The Garden Room at Port Lympne is truly a beautiful experience. Tables sit beneath the glass-framed, greenhouse-like restaurant; reflective surfaces all around bounce light and make it feel bright, light and airy with a unique contemporary twist. Open for lunch, Sunday roast and dinner, choose something from the sophisticated menu filled with light bites, hearty mains and super indulgent desserts. For a special occasion, you can also book fancy afternoon tea amongst the animal reserve, sitting on the Western Terrace and taking in the views. Combine this with a trip to see the animals and experiences don’t get more one of a kind.
Housed in an old aircraft hangar, the Old Dairy Taproom is one of the buzziest spots in Tenterden, drawing crowds for its incredible beer lineup and live music events. Once home to a renowned brewery (which sadly closed in 2022), the space has transformed and thrived. Now it boasts a large bar, 14-tap wall, cosy snug, stage, dancing area and plenty of seating. Add in rotating food trucks, regular pop-ups and a packed event calendar and you’ve got a local gem. Keep an eye on their socials to see what’s coming up!
Lazy but delicious and the best place to get a taste of proper local fare, this quirky little seaside eatery right on the beachfront on Hythe’s Fisherman’s Beach is kitted out with all the seaside treasures you could need for the ultimate foodie coastal experience. Grab a seat at a bench outside and tuck into something fishy from the menu; they know how to do local produce right and the lobster and chips or dressed crab is to die for.. They’re also open for breakfast if you fancy a morning trip for a coffee and bite to eat with some of the best views around.
SIP at the Signal Box, Folkestone
New for 2025, Perri and Brad took on the venture of SIP in February of this year after their success with Quesbro Hombre, the popular cheese-themed eatery on Folkestone’s Harbour Arm. For them, a passion project, but also a chance to revive and give life back to what once was the station’s old signal box. This teeny little micro café is now serving up great coffee from Kentish roasters and delicious treats including sandwiches made with Gilda Bakery’s famous bread. They even stock irresistible vegan cookies from More Tasty Crumbs, but you’ll be lucky to get your hands on one of those because they fly off the shelves.
The Hengist Restaurant, Maidstone
Cocktails are served. The Hengist in Maidstone is known for one thing and that is its spectacular drinks menu. It’s unique, a little bit out there and features drinks you probably wouldn’t come across anywhere else. We’re talking smoke and fire, theatre and flavour combinations that will blow your mind. The current Picnic in the Park option is served in a picnic basket and comes with homemade popcorn, fudge, pick ’n’ mix, and all the flavours. Want a showstopper? Go for the Catch a Grenade, which is served with a fire surprise.
Clue’s in the name here. Once a railway goods shed and positioned practically next to Canterbury West station, this is one of Canterbury’s most hidden gems. Great for a Saturday morning market shop, head around the veg stall, fishmongers and deli for all the local British goodies including wine. Grab a coffee and a slice from Gills, or pick up something tasty from Docker Bakery – their cruffins always go down well. Or, book a table with friends at the restaurant and dine inside or out. Beautiful and light, the seasonal menu is packed with flavour and the hustle and bustle of the market in the background creates a winning ambience.
It’s all about the street-food vibes here and right on the Military Canal at West Hythe, this shed-looking building is one of the most popular and vibey places around. Often a place to stop for a beer while walking – or perhaps paddling – the canal, its quirky, shabby-chic interior is cosy, inviting and very much a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of place. With some great beers and drinks on offer including local options, the crowds are kept happy during the summer months where you can perch at one of the many outside benches (but be aware, they fill up quickly). Most importantly, people come here for the food! Keep an eye out for their calendar of pop-ups from insane street vendors including tasty tacos, pizza and more.
Funky Flavours
Are you a flavour guru? Do you love trying something new? These Kent products are sure to get your taste buds tingling… Some may even give you a bit of a present or next dinner party inspo.
N2 Sweet Lab’s range of incredible chocolate flavours includes white chocolate and passion fruit, or their Giant Chocolate Sphere, an absolute wowser of a creation for any occasion.
Bird & Blend’s limited edition teas are bursting with unique flavours including Crème Brûlée, Coconut Masala and Digestives for the chocolate lovers!
Ice cream lovers should shop at Bears for their imaginative handmade ice cream flavours. We’re talking Cream Cheese, Carrot Cake and Salted Chocolate Pretzel Pie. Take a look – you’ll be in dessert heaven!
For more Kent food and drink inspiration, click here to read our current issue.
