These are some of the county’s most highly acclaimed pubs
Kent has no shortage of amazing pubs to visit for a quality meal or refreshing pint, and now four of the very best have been ranked among the nation’s top 50.
Estrella Damm has announced the names of the pubs that will feature in its annual Top 50 Gastropubs ranking at the start of 2026.
One of the most prestigious accolades in the gastropub scene, the annual ranking shines a light on those establishments which cook up truly exceptional food, offer impeccable service and pour wonderful pints.
The list is carefully created by collecting votes from more than 200 professionals in the industry.
While the full ranking in order is due to be announced on Monday, January 26, the Morning Advertiser, the publication which organises the Top 50 Gastropubs list, has announced all of the establishments that have secured themselves a spot and are waiting to hear where they have placed.
We know that four gastropubs from around Kent have netted a place among the nation’s best, and regular KentLive readers perhaps will not be too shocked by these representatives as they are some of the most highly acclaimed pubs our county has to offer.
The Dog at Wingham, The Fordwich Arms and The Sportsman in Seasalter have once again secured a place on the list.
The Kentish Hare in Bidborough, near Tunbridge Wells, joins them after narrowly missing a spot among the top 50 last year, rounding out the impressive selection from the Garden of England.
As well as revealing the order of the ranking, the ceremony at London’s Plaisterers’ Hall in January will unveil the winner of the One To Watch Award.
This year’s contestants battling it out for the prestigious award are The General Tarleton in Harrogate, Dylans at the Kings Arms in St Albans, Brook House in Fulham and The Fence Gate in Burnley.
Ed Bedington, editor of the Morning Advertiser, said: “This year’s list represents some of the best food pubs in the country, and we’re delighted to organise this list and awards and recognise the brilliant work these pubs are doing to deliver outstanding gastronomic experiences week in, week out.
“I’d like to wish all the list the best of luck, and they should all be very proud of the hard work they’ve put in to achieve the recognition of the industry and their peers.”
Find out more on the Kent representatives that made Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Gastropubs for 2026 below.
The Dog at Wingham
Address: Canterbury Road, Wingham, Canterbury, CT3 1BB
If award-winning food and drink amid the gorgeous Kent countryside sounds like the perfect evening for you then look no further than The Dog at Wingham, found a little outside of Canterbury. The east Kent gastropub prides itself on a menu of contemporary British dishes carefully crafted using the finest local ingredients.
Impressive accolades The Dog has under its belt include multiple AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence and AA Stars Restaurant with Rooms Silver Award, while the pub has previously been named Best for Food at the Great British Pub Awards. Plus, thanks to the offer of eight luxury guest rooms, The Dog at Wingham has grown to be a very popular getaway destination.
The Fordwich Arms
Address: King Street, Fordwich, Canterbury CT2 0DB
Staying in east Kent now, The Fordwich Arms is another of the county’s most acclaimed gastropubs, holding a Michelin Star since 2018. Taken over by husband-and-wife-duo Dan and Natasha Smith in 2017, GQ later named The Fordwich Arms as the best in the UK in its annual food and drink awards.
Meanwhile The Guardians once proclaimed the establishment, found in the nation’s smallest town, serves “food that makes you want to move house” – high praise indeed. In fact, the owners previously told KentLive that some customers travel from across the world just to try the acclaimed grub on offer at The Fordwich Arms.
The Sportsman, Seasalter
Address: Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, CT5 4BP
No list of Kent’s best gastropubs would be complete without the inclusion of The Sportsman in Seasalter. This legendary seaside spot has enough awards to its name to fill a book, from Best UK Restaurant at The Squaremeal Awards, to National Restaurant of the Year in both 2016 and 2017 at the National Restaurant Awards.
Another Michelin Starred business, the Sportsman team take pride in utilising locally-sourced, high quality ingredients for their innovative food creations. Owners and brothers Stephen and Phillip Harris took over the pub in 1999 and The Sportsman has stood among Kent’s most celebrated and well known spots for fine-dining ever since.
The Kentish Hare, Bidborough
Address: 95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0XB
This popular pub made its name during the pandemic, scooping a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide in 2021, with its food being described as ‘truly exceptional’ by customers. It has also received two AA Rosettes, and is a Muddy Stiletto winner for best destination pub.
Owned by brothers Chris and James Tanner, the restaurant offers a wide range of dishes using local products, complemented by a specially selected range of wines, beers and spirits. The pub proudly states: “Our menus, crafted by the Tanner brothers, offer a variety of dishes and drinks that cater to diverse tastes, with an emphasis on seasonal produce.
“The restaurant aims for a straightforward yet delightful dining experience for every guest.”
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