Nicky’s guidebook
Food, Coffee and Pub Scene
Whitstable is brimming with excellent eateries to suit all tastes and budgets, from the Michelin starred restaurants to humble oyster stalls on the beach, from incredible seafood establishments to seaside classics of fish and chips shops, there really is something for everyone.
Here are a few of our favourites!
Also, of course, where to buy the best coffee in town (so important) and some fabulous pubs for popping into.
The Royal Native Oyster Stores -The world famous, iconic oyster and fish restaurant found on Whitstable's beach. Simply cooked fabulous seafood with stunning views of Whitstable Bay. Book in advance to avoid dissapointment.
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Whitstable Oyster Company
Horsebridge RoadThe Royal Native Oyster Stores -The world famous, iconic oyster and fish restaurant found on Whitstable's beach. Simply cooked fabulous seafood with stunning views of Whitstable Bay. Book in advance to avoid dissapointment.
A long standing family run oyster and seafood restaurant, with the incredible and inventive chef Mark Stubbs, who Whitstable is lucky to call their own. The front bar has shellfish take outs, the back parlour is like no other restauarnt, intimate, quirky and serving the most delicious seafood ever. We really do recomennd Wheelers. Take your own booze. Book in advance. Or grab some take outs and head to the beach.
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Wheelers Oyster Bar
8 High StA long standing family run oyster and seafood restaurant, with the incredible and inventive chef Mark Stubbs, who Whitstable is lucky to call their own. The front bar has shellfish take outs, the back parlour is like no other restauarnt, intimate, quirky and serving the most delicious seafood ever. We really do recomennd Wheelers. Take your own booze. Book in advance. Or grab some take outs and head to the beach.
Immensely popular and long time family run, we have to recommend Birdies. Serving traditional French cuisine, including fresh seafood. The Moule (so generous) and the Plate de Jour, are simply the best if you are into shell fish. A fabulous steak for the carnivores too. Book ahead especially in the summer months.
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Birdies restaurant
41 Harbour StImmensely popular and long time family run, we have to recommend Birdies. Serving traditional French cuisine, including fresh seafood. The Moule (so generous) and the Plate de Jour, are simply the best if you are into shell fish. A fabulous steak for the carnivores too. Book ahead especially in the summer months.
Fantastic little tapas bar with authentic and really tasty tapas. Every dish a winner. Busy and buzzy. Walk ins accepted but still good to book.
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Harbour Street Tapas
48 Harbour StFantastic little tapas bar with authentic and really tasty tapas. Every dish a winner. Busy and buzzy. Walk ins accepted but still good to book.
A lovely independant local rustic bistro, offering a good variety of delicious home cooked foods, with ingredients all scourced locally. Great veggie options always available and we particularly reccomend the cooked breakfasts. Good to book in the busy summer months but out of season try your luck!
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Samphire
4 High StA lovely independant local rustic bistro, offering a good variety of delicious home cooked foods, with ingredients all scourced locally. Great veggie options always available and we particularly reccomend the cooked breakfasts. Good to book in the busy summer months but out of season try your luck!
BEST COFFEE IN TOWN>>>>>>
Grain and Hearth is our artisan bakery and cafe specialising in sourdough breads and viennoiserie (delicious pastries!) Amazing array of mouth watering cakes and the smoothest of coffees makes Grain and Hearth worth the walk up the High St. Small lunch menus on offer too, and we can really reccomend the Croque- Monsieur. Dogs welcome.
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Grain & Hearth Bakery
52 Oxford StBEST COFFEE IN TOWN>>>>>>
Grain and Hearth is our artisan bakery and cafe specialising in sourdough breads and viennoiserie (delicious pastries!) Amazing array of mouth watering cakes and the smoothest of coffees makes Grain and Hearth worth the walk up the High St. Small lunch menus on offer too, and we can really reccomend the Croque- Monsieur. Dogs welcome.
Take a stroll along Tankerton Slopes, heading East along the beach for a mile and you'll find Jojo's, a family run, fun and informal meze, meat and fish restaurant. We really do recommend Jojo's , every dish (sharing) is excellent using local suppliers and sustainable fish. Book in advance. Open Thursday -Sunday only. Defo book first.
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Jojos
2 Herne Bay RdTake a stroll along Tankerton Slopes, heading East along the beach for a mile and you'll find Jojo's, a family run, fun and informal meze, meat and fish restaurant. We really do recommend Jojo's , every dish (sharing) is excellent using local suppliers and sustainable fish. Book in advance. Open Thursday -Sunday only. Defo book first.
Farm and Harper is a family friendly independent restaurant/cafe serving lovely up beat cafe food.
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Farm & Harper
25 High StFarm and Harper is a family friendly independent restaurant/cafe serving lovely up beat cafe food.
The Lobster Shack is down on the East Quay and serves simple seafood eg lobster and chips. Maybe not for the ultimate foodies, but still a fabulous vista wiith a fun vibe. No bookings taken.
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The Lobster Shack
EAST QUAYThe Lobster Shack is down on the East Quay and serves simple seafood eg lobster and chips. Maybe not for the ultimate foodies, but still a fabulous vista wiith a fun vibe. No bookings taken.
This little gem of a cafe is found off the beaten track near the beach on Nelson Road. Generous portions with a community vibe, we can really reccomend the breakfasts.
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Windy Corner Stores & Cafe
110 Nelson RdThis little gem of a cafe is found off the beaten track near the beach on Nelson Road. Generous portions with a community vibe, we can really reccomend the breakfasts.
The Old Neptune (Neppie) is found on Whitstable's beach and serves light pub grub, has summer BBQ's and is fabulous for watching a classic Whitstable sunset. Live music often on too. No need to book.
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Old Neptune
Island WallThe Old Neptune (Neppie) is found on Whitstable's beach and serves light pub grub, has summer BBQ's and is fabulous for watching a classic Whitstable sunset. Live music often on too. No need to book.
For a decent pint head to The East Kent pub , where you will find local beers from our neighbouring Faversham Brewery, Shephard Neame . With a woodfired pizza oven in the beer garden and a great Sunday lunch offering this is an easy going trad pub which has recently had a refurb. No need to book.
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East Kent
72 Oxford StFor a decent pint head to The East Kent pub , where you will find local beers from our neighbouring Faversham Brewery, Shephard Neame . With a woodfired pizza oven in the beer garden and a great Sunday lunch offering this is an easy going trad pub which has recently had a refurb. No need to book.
If you like live music then head to the Duke! Sunday afternoon is especially fun with some great local bands playing. Just had a makeover and is a Shepherd Neame local brewery pub.
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The Duke Of Cumberland Bar
High StreetIf you like live music then head to the Duke! Sunday afternoon is especially fun with some great local bands playing. Just had a makeover and is a Shepherd Neame local brewery pub.
A great little deli and wine bar on Harbour Street and perfect for popping in for a cheeky glass and a light bite.
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RuLu’s deli kitchen wine
28 Harbour StreetA great little deli and wine bar on Harbour Street and perfect for popping in for a cheeky glass and a light bite.
Ancient pub right next to the beach with good gastro food upstairs and lovely views accross the bay. Especially cozy in the winter months with open fires and a mellow vibes. Busy in the summer! Best to book.
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Pearson's Arms Pub
Horsebridge RoadAncient pub right next to the beach with good gastro food upstairs and lovely views accross the bay. Especially cozy in the winter months with open fires and a mellow vibes. Busy in the summer! Best to book.
Excellent coffee and of course independently run.
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Blueprint Coffee
4 Oxford StExcellent coffee and of course independently run.
Great bar serving 12 diiferent guest beers and a very comprehensive selection of gins.
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The Twelve Taps
102 High StGreat bar serving 12 diiferent guest beers and a very comprehensive selection of gins.
Very much a local's pub and always popular, The New Inn boasts a pool table and frequent live music.
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The New Inn
30 Woodlawn StVery much a local's pub and always popular, The New Inn boasts a pool table and frequent live music.
Best Indian take away (or eat in) is the Shobab at the bottom of the High St.
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Shobab
24 High StBest Indian take away (or eat in) is the Shobab at the bottom of the High St.
Delicious authentic pizza (cooked in their large roaring pizza oven) and other Italian delights. Take out pizza great :)
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Castellum Pizzeria
27A Oxford StreetDelicious authentic pizza (cooked in their large roaring pizza oven) and other Italian delights. Take out pizza great :)
Porto Wine Bar
A fabulous new wine bar on Harbour Street which also serves tapas. Buzzing!
Offering a five course tasting menu, this Michelin starred restaurant serves up small seasonal dishes which show case the local environment. The Sportsman is to be found a couple of miles to the west of Whitstable, near the beach at Seasalter. An absolute must to pre book this one.
Follow your lunch with a windswept walk down to the beach, which is old and far from the buzz of Whitstable. A fabulous treat for celebrations.
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Sportsman
Faversham RoadOffering a five course tasting menu, this Michelin starred restaurant serves up small seasonal dishes which show case the local environment. The Sportsman is to be found a couple of miles to the west of Whitstable, near the beach at Seasalter. An absolute must to pre book this one.
Follow your lunch with a windswept walk down to the beach, which is old and far from the buzz of Whitstable. A fabulous treat for celebrations.
The very best fish and chips in Whitstable!
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Ossies Fish Bar Whitstable
11 High StThe very best fish and chips in Whitstable!
Excellent small plates and as the name implies..fish and meats alike. Lots of local produce used. And found up in Tankerton just inland from the Slopes in Tankerton High Street
Land + Sea
Excellent small plates and as the name implies..fish and meats alike. Lots of local produce used. And found up in Tankerton just inland from the Slopes in Tankerton High Street
The ultimate seaview is to be found at the Bubble Cafe, and to be honest the brunchy/lunchy food from chef Diana really is some of the best to be found in Whitstable. If you can catch one of her monthly super clubs then you really are in luck!
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The Bubble Cafe
Beach WalkThe ultimate seaview is to be found at the Bubble Cafe, and to be honest the brunchy/lunchy food from chef Diana really is some of the best to be found in Whitstable. If you can catch one of her monthly super clubs then you really are in luck!
Neighbourhoods
Whitstable has something for everyone....from windswept beach walks, to pottering around the Harbour, to shopping the incredible array of independant boutiques, or to discovering our quirky art galleries. Here are a few ideas of fun things to do on your visit.
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Whitstable
Whitstable has something for everyone....from windswept beach walks, to pottering around the Harbour, to shopping the incredible array of independant boutiques, or to discovering our quirky art galleries. Here are a few ideas of fun things to do on your visit.
Bursting with independent stores, Whitstable's Harbour Street is THE place to shop. Proud to win the best independent shopping street in the country, we really do know how to treat you.
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Harbour Street
Harbour StreetBursting with independent stores, Whitstable's Harbour Street is THE place to shop. Proud to win the best independent shopping street in the country, we really do know how to treat you.
Whitstable Castle, more a folly than a full blown castle, is nice for an afternoon meander and a cuppa on the grassy terrace, all very old school and gentle. There's a great playpark in the grounds for the kids. Across the road you will also find some delightful garden tea rooms overlooking the bay.
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Whitstable Castle
Whitstable Castle, more a folly than a full blown castle, is nice for an afternoon meander and a cuppa on the grassy terrace, all very old school and gentle. There's a great playpark in the grounds for the kids. Across the road you will also find some delightful garden tea rooms overlooking the bay.
Head West, past the Old Neptune and the beach huts, and you will come to Seasalter Beach. Overgrown with Sea Kelps and Valerians, are ancient beaches with up turned boats and shabby chic cottages.
Seasalter Beach
Seasalter BeachHead West, past the Old Neptune and the beach huts, and you will come to Seasalter Beach. Overgrown with Sea Kelps and Valerians, are ancient beaches with up turned boats and shabby chic cottages.
Sightseeing and Activities
Bike hire is found in Sea Street at Whitstable Cycle Hire. Cycyle for miles along the beach, on the designated cycle track, towards Hampton, Herne Bay and beyond (nice and flat!) Or through the woods , more challenging, to Canterbury, on the Crab and Winkle old railway line. Tandems for hire too!
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Kent Cycle Hire
Sea StreetBike hire is found in Sea Street at Whitstable Cycle Hire. Cycyle for miles along the beach, on the designated cycle track, towards Hampton, Herne Bay and beyond (nice and flat!) Or through the woods , more challenging, to Canterbury, on the Crab and Winkle old railway line. Tandems for hire too!
Take a trip out to sea (short trips around 30 minutes) on The Chieftan, an old vintage lifeboat. Pick the boat up from the Harbour pontoon.
Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips
Harbour StreetTake a trip out to sea (short trips around 30 minutes) on The Chieftan, an old vintage lifeboat. Pick the boat up from the Harbour pontoon.
Take a day trip out on the Greta, an origional Thames Barge. Visit the Maunsell Forts, see the seals on the mud flats, and take a look at the windfarm up close. Book well in advance.
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Whitstable Harbour
Take a day trip out on the Greta, an origional Thames Barge. Visit the Maunsell Forts, see the seals on the mud flats, and take a look at the windfarm up close. Book well in advance.
Hire a kayak (doubles avaialable) or a paddle board and head out on the water. Find Oyster Coast Watersports down on the beach the other side of the Harbour. Book in advance.
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Oyster Coast watersports
Hire a kayak (doubles avaialable) or a paddle board and head out on the water. Find Oyster Coast Watersports down on the beach the other side of the Harbour. Book in advance.
Hire windsurfers or Kite Surfers from Whitstable Windsurfing, and full tutition given too. Book in advance.
Whitstable windsurfing
Beach WalkHire windsurfers or Kite Surfers from Whitstable Windsurfing, and full tutition given too. Book in advance.
Check out the art at The Horsebridge, there's always a great selection to view.
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The Horsebridge Arts Centre
11 Horsebridge RdCheck out the art at The Horsebridge, there's always a great selection to view.
The historic market town of Faversham is about twenty minutes away and hosts a great Hop Festival early Autumn. There are some excellent pubs to visit, The Bear Inn, The Phoenix and The Sun Inn are just a few. Down by the creek (very atmospheric) is The Shipwrights Arms, whre you will also find antique shops and tea rooms. Street antique market is the first Sunday morning of the month.
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Faversham
The historic market town of Faversham is about twenty minutes away and hosts a great Hop Festival early Autumn. There are some excellent pubs to visit, The Bear Inn, The Phoenix and The Sun Inn are just a few. Down by the creek (very atmospheric) is The Shipwrights Arms, whre you will also find antique shops and tea rooms. Street antique market is the first Sunday morning of the month.
City/town information
Visit historic Canterbury and wind around it's Medieval streets. The Cathederal is a must and the Crypt is particularly atmospheric. Lots of eateries and bars too. Take a boat out on the river Stour, picked up bottom of the High Street.
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Canterbury
Visit historic Canterbury and wind around it's Medieval streets. The Cathederal is a must and the Crypt is particularly atmospheric. Lots of eateries and bars too. Take a boat out on the river Stour, picked up bottom of the High Street.
Visit cool Margate for wide sandy beaches, amazing Turner sunsets and of course the Art. Going to the Turner Margate is a must (closed Mondays and free entry) but also check out the Anthony Gormley statue, that disappears at low tide. Margate is fab for vintage shopping, quirky galleries and cafes. We would also like to very much reccomend Angelas (pre book) a gorgeous seafood reataurant in the Old Town and Sargasso for small plates on the Harbour Arm.
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UpMargate
20 The CentreVisit cool Margate for wide sandy beaches, amazing Turner sunsets and of course the Art. Going to the Turner Margate is a must (closed Mondays and free entry) but also check out the Anthony Gormley statue, that disappears at low tide. Margate is fab for vintage shopping, quirky galleries and cafes. We would also like to very much reccomend Angelas (pre book) a gorgeous seafood reataurant in the Old Town and Sargasso for small plates on the Harbour Arm.
Shopping
An essential destination for all fashionistas, The Clothes Horse stocks Danish and Italian linens and silks in chalky casual vibes. Amazing array of jewellery too. Open 7 days a week.
The Clothes Horse
39-40 Harbour StAn essential destination for all fashionistas, The Clothes Horse stocks Danish and Italian linens and silks in chalky casual vibes. Amazing array of jewellery too. Open 7 days a week.
The Whiting Post, on Harbour Street, stocks all things bright and beautiful. A fashion and lifestyle store with vintage and retro inspired clothing. Colourful homewares compliment the collections. Open 7 days a week. Our apartments Bunting and Bowline are above.
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The Whiting Post
57 Harbour StThe Whiting Post, on Harbour Street, stocks all things bright and beautiful. A fashion and lifestyle store with vintage and retro inspired clothing. Colourful homewares compliment the collections. Open 7 days a week. Our apartments Bunting and Bowline are above.
A delightful little shop on Harbour Street selling Bohemian inspired clothing, delicious candles and a plethora or pretty jewellery.
Fig
17 Harbour StreetA delightful little shop on Harbour Street selling Bohemian inspired clothing, delicious candles and a plethora or pretty jewellery.
For essential supplies, find a Sainsbury's local on Whitstable High Street, open 7 am -11pm daily.
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Sainsbury's Local
44 - 48 High StFor essential supplies, find a Sainsbury's local on Whitstable High Street, open 7 am -11pm daily.
A brilliant independant fruit and veg shop, with high quality and unusual offerrings.
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Staines Farm Shop
61 High StA brilliant independant fruit and veg shop, with high quality and unusual offerrings.
Delicious breads and cakes...be quick as they run out by lunch time! We are especilally fond of the Mr Blobbies!
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Hubbard's Wholesale Bakery
63 High StDelicious breads and cakes...be quick as they run out by lunch time! We are especilally fond of the Mr Blobbies!
Jim's Family Butchers
99-101 High StA good indepenantly run butchers with a great reputation locally.
Amacebiso ngesixeko
Ukuhamba-hamba
Come by train to Whitstable! Easy connections from London.
St Pancras to Whitstable for the "fast train", just over an hour (usually).
Victoria to Whitstable, one hour 20 mins.
Trains arrive in town every 30 minutes.
The station is approximately 10/15 min walk into town and all our properties.
Taxi rank (Abacus 01227 277728) next to the station.
Ukuhamba-hamba
Busses every 10 minutes
Our busses run very frequently (every ten minutes on week days) in a triangle from Whitstable, to Canterbury, to Herne Bay. They can be picked up all through Harbour Street and the High Street.
Ukuhamba-hamba
Parking
All our holiday homes are surrounded by on street free parking, and we park in these streets everyday. There are no parking restrictions and normally within a minute or two you will happen upon a spot.
Once in Whitstable there is little need to drive anywhere and you probably won't move your car all trip.
Alternatively there are carparks within a minute walk of all our properties (pay and display) with no time limit. There is also a large long stay carpark opposite the Harbour entrance (Gorrell Tank)
It's also very easy to drop your bags off at your property and then go on to park nearby.
Ukuhamba nabantwana
Child friendly activities.
Crabbing: bring your own nets and buckets, or buy them in the Harbour Village huts, and try your hand at catching crabs. Hot spots are off the Harbour Wall or the Horsebridge.
Play parks: a really good play park is to be found at Whitstable's Castle, or we have "The Rec" on Westmeads Road. There is a little baby play park in Albert St.
Swimming Pool... a couple of basic pools, but with "fun time" on Saturday afternnons involving a giant inflatable!
Bowling Alley, next to our Swimming Pool and always great fun.
Wild Wood,at Herne. lovely woods with animals to see and a fabulous play park.
Bhukisha ngaphambi kokuba uhambe
Personal Training at the beach.
Want to keep your fitness levels up whilst away, then I really recommend personal trainer Ted Bassett-Myers. Ted offers fitness and weight-loss sessions, body toning and fat burning. Visit his local studio, or train by the sea, a fabulous experience for ultimate well being.
Ted trains me weekly and I cannot recommend him enough!
www.bassett-myers.co.uk
Pre book. Cost £55/hour.
ted@bassett-myers.co.uk
07779834364