Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Restaurants added to Michelin Guide
Two more Kent restaurants have been awarded one of cooking’s biggest prizes - a spot in the Michelin Guide.
The Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux, near Canterbury, and Quince in Westgate-on-sea are the latest establishments in the county to feature in the prestigious guide, which was first published in 1900.
They join the now 30-strong contingent of Kent restaurants in the culinary guidebook, including the likes of Michelin star-winning eateries like The Fordwich Arms near Canterbury and The Sportsman in Seasalter.
Rose Inn owner Billy Stock told the Extra: “It means a lot, especially when all the team and staff are working very hard. “It’s nice to be rewarded for that.
“We’ve had positive feedback from customers and that’s really helped business.
“With the current climate that we’re in, it’s a very good thing, it’s very special to us. “Consistency is the key. “We’ve been recommended because of what we do, and that’s the standard we’ll continue to hold ourselves to.” The Rose Inn - a pub dating back to the 14th century - was taken over by Billy in June 2021, while Quince is run by Ben Hughes and Rafael Lopez. They both specialise in contemporary British cuisine. Messrs Hughes and Lopez have worked together at The Goods Shed in Canterbury for a number of years, but Quince - which opened in May 2022 - was the duo’s first restaurant.
The guide’s entry for the business reads: “Two alumni of The Goods Shed in Canterbury are behind this unfussy modern bistro, which is a hit with locals and tourists alike.
“The simple dish descriptions on the concise seasonal menu belie the depth of the dishes, which are made with high quality ingredients and come with distinct flavours and textures. “Smooth service adds to the experience.”
With 100% of reviewers giving Quince full marks on Tripadvisor, the eatery’s first year in business has been a resounding success.
The coveted guide dates back to 1900, when company Michelin decided to create a manual to encourage car sales, which would in turn boost tyre sales. It started offering stars to restaurants in 1926, before establishing the three-star system it continues to operate today in 1931.
It has become a symbol of quality and honour, while the fortunes of restaurants reviewed can be significantly altered by the views of the critics. The guide’s entry for the Rose Inn says: “This characterful, 14th century Kentish pub has a cosy, rustic style.
“Dried hops hang from wooden beams, wood-burning stoves provide warmth and a daily changing blackboard menu hangs on the wall. “Chef-owner Billy uses seasonal, local produce from suppliers he knows well, and the resulting dishes are bursting with complementary textures and flavours.
“The welcoming team run the place in a charming manner.” Celebrity chef Mark Sargeant’s The Brasserie MS in Folkestone has also been recognised by the publication - just six months after it launched. Michelin describes the restaurant’s offering as “an appealing menu of refined, flavourful French classics, including some to share, such as entrecôte of beef, or tarte Tatin”. However, Mr Sargeant announced last week his restaurant is set to close down due to “tough trading conditions”. In addition to appearing in the guide, some restaurants in Kent have awarded Michelin stars. These are Hide and Fox in Saltwood, the Bridge Arms in Bridge, the Fordwich Arms in Canterbury, The Sportsman and Stark.
Others have received a Bib Gourmand for “good-quality, good-value cooking”. They are Swan Wine Kitchen in Tenterden, Kentish Hare in Bidborough and Sargasso in Margate.