THIS WEEK’S FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Three themed outdoor ‘dining shacks’ have been built on the grounds of The Granville pub in Rochester. The wooden pods have been given three distinct designs – the Enchanted Garden, the Rum Shack or the Coastal Retreat – and ar e set to offer an unusual al fresco alternative to eating out. They cost £40 for a twoand-a-half-hour slot or £60 for all evening and can accommodate up to eight guests each. Landlord Warren Taylor said the shacks are the “next phase" in the pub’s refurbishment, which began three years ago and included a makeover and upstairs restaurant. The Enchanted Garden hut has fairy lights and florals, while the Beach Hut has coastal vibes and the Rum Shack brings a taste of the Caribbean to Rochester.

Atrio of Kent fish and chip shops have been named among the best in the UK. Establishments in Ramsgate, Folkestone and Ashford made it into Fry Magazine’s top 50 best takeaway chippies, with judges looking at the quality of food, cleanliness and staff expertise. Newington Fish Bar in Ramsgate scored a whopping 99% out of 100. Owner Nigel Derrett, pictured, is “delighted” with the recognition for a second consecutive year. Sandy’s Fish and Chip Shop in Folkestone made its debut on the list this year, scoring 97%, and Catch in Ashford has also been recognised in the top 50. Reece Head, competition organiser, praised all the establishments on the list.

Anew cafe-bar at a former Debenhams store has been launched by the company behind the Cosy Club brand. Loungers, which runs more than 200 sites across the UK including Cosy Club in Canterbury, unveiled plans to move into the vacant site at Westwood Cross shopping centre last year. The new bar, Riparo Lounge, welcomed its first guests earlier this month and will be open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks from Sundays to Thursdays 9am to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays until midnight. Bosses say particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer.

Fast food chain Mcdonald's has opened its latest franchise at a shopping centre. The burger giant has returned to Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham after more than a decade. The new location offers eat-in and takeaway and has created more than 100 jobs.