Best Unknowns in Kent, United Kingdom (2025) - Top 10 Rated!

Rating: 5 / 5

The Sunday Roast was the best we've had in a long time. Jenny, who manages the restaurant was welcoming, professional, friendly and calm under the pressure of so many covers. The food was excellent and we will definately be returning.

Rating: 5 / 5

Enjoyed a lovely hot drink and homemade brownie. The pub was buzzing and you can just tell its a hit with the locals as well as being a firm favourite "hidden gem". Loved the Christmas decorations outside too! Saw lots of regular events advertised so we're sure to come back!

Rating: 5 / 5

Stayed in a nearby camping site and was recommended, they did not disappoint. Welcoming staff, very accommodating, garden is beautiful and the food was immense. King Prawns = Taste Explosion 💥 Thank you so much for a wonderful experience 🙌

Rating: 5 / 5

We recently had our wedding ceremony, meal, and evening reception at the Swan on the 27th July. We cannot say anything but good things about the Swan. Anne Herring was an amazing wedding planner, she made us feel so special throughout. The service from start to finish was exceptional. All staff were so friendly and helpful. Everyone commented on how amazing the food was! If you are looking for somewhere to host your wedding, please visit The Swan, you won't be disappointed. We would like to say thank you so much to Anne and all at the Swan for a perfect day/night. Phil & Alex x

Rating: 5 / 5

First visit to this incredible little gem today for our anniversary brunch, couldn’t find a single fault, not that we were looking however, staff were perfect! Welcoming, polite, friendly, felt like we were the only ones there because they were so attentive and lovely, would go back just to be treated so nicely, but the food was 5 star, perfect temperature, fresh, and really good options especially for me as a vegetarian, love love love this place! Will be going back asap!

Rating: 5 / 5

Spent a Saturday afternoon here drinking delicious cocktails and absolutely loved it. Fabulous range of cocktails for a pub, and all the ones I ordered were delicious, unique and beautifully presented. Decor is lovely, seating cosy and service friendly and attentive. Slight criticism is the as the afternoon turned into early evening service became overbearing as a member of staff approached our table persistently every few minutes asking if we were ready to order more drinks. There were only two of us and it was clear that our glasses were not nearly empty so it felt like we were being rushed, perhaps as they wanted to accommodate more patrons arriving. But I had a lovely time and would definitely return.

Rating: 5 / 5

Really good food and service. Went for Sunday lunch and the roast was delicious. Other options on the menu as well.

Rating: 5 / 5

My husband and I booked for the Indian high tea. It was on an offer and we love high tea, so we figured we would try it. It was all so amazing. There was a tone of variety of both sweet and savoury and the masala chai tea we got was very nice. The service was quick and attentive. Such a fun and unique twist- our favourite was the spiced chocolate cake and the potato sandwich. We cleaned our plates!

Rating: 5 / 5

I have been visiting The Cook’s Tale for at least eight years now and I always have a wonderful experience. The food is simply delicious! It's fine dining quality at a mid-range price. If you are able to take advantage of one of their monthly deals, it's insanely good value for money. The service has always been very attentive. As a vegetarian I love the quantity and variety of vegetarian dishes - it's clear they aren't some afterthought. Something else that I really appreciate about The Cook’s Tale is that unlike many other restaurants in a similar price range they don't automatically add gratuity to the bill, it's left to you to decide how much you want to tip. If you are considering visiting The Cook’s Tale, stop thinking and go now! You won't regret it.

Rating: 5 / 5

We had a wonderful lunch at The Cook's Tale Restaurant in Canterbury! As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by Asher, our host, who was friendly, welcoming, and very knowledgeable about the menu. He made sure our dietary requirements were carefully addressed and guided us through the options. We opted for the Meat and Vegetarian Thali, and both were absolutely delicious — full of vibrant flavors and beautifully presented. What truly stood out was the exceptional service. During our meal, Chef Alfie came over to check on us, asking if we were enjoying our food and if we had any feedback. It was a lovely personal touch that made the experience even more memorable. The restaurant itself had a cosy, festive atmosphere, with Christmas decorations adding a warm touch to the environment. Overall, a fantastic dining experience, with excellent food, great service, and a welcoming ambience. Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 / 5

Wow, what an amazing experience. Came here for our 23rd anniversary meal, and went for the 12 course tasting menus with matched wines. After the first couple of courses I was a little worried that we would not be full by the end, but by the end of the tenth course we were both struggling to take another bite. Had the food not been so good, we may have given up, but it was amazing and we persevered, and now we are both uncomfortably full but so happy with what we have eaten. The service was impeccable, you rarely get it so good in this country. The food was rich, delicious and wholesome, and varied enough to keep the most eclectic palate happy. The wines were incredibly well paired, and each one delicious in their own right, but elevated to another level with the paired food. It is a little off the beaten track, but worth going out of your way to find. No regrets at all with choosing this marvellous restaurant, we will be singing praises to our friends and family and would heartily recommend to anyone.

Rating: 5 / 5

Great quality food amazing taste Highly recommended

Rating: 5 / 5

Kind service and amazing food with generous portions, leaving you full for a while. By far the best breakfast I’ve ever had, would recommend to anyone in the area. (Has a great breakfast deal- 5 items for 7 pounds!)

Rating: 5 / 5

An incredible experience, all round. The service, food and atmosphere were outstanding. I love the fact that this restaurant doesn't have a 'stuffy' vibe. It's top class but in a relaxed way. Will definitely be going back.

Rating: 5 / 5

I had a wonderful time at the Fordwich Arms. The food was delicious and the staff very kind! I had the Hake, The Quail, the pistachio and raspberry tart. My fiancé got the Pork instead of the Hake.

Rating: 5 / 5

We have dined here for a special occasion. The fire place was on and it added to overall atmosphere. We went for a longer menu. It was one of the best meals of our lives. Especially the lobster was just amazing. Every little piece was perfectly executed and balanced. Oysters were delicious as well. And the wine selection is very extensive.

Rating: 5 / 5

What an amazing culinary experience! Excellent Food! Excellent Service! Excellent Value! £45 for the set menu which ended up being six courses, every course cooked and presented to perfection! Best ever dining experience! Thank you 🙏🏻

Rating: 5 / 5

I had last night homemade leek & potato soup excellent. My mains were lambs, liver & bacon mashed potato, a selection of fresh vegetables. They were like mums dinner. And a pint of local beer Heart of Darkness.

Rating: 4 / 5

I really enjoyed my Sunday roast. I had soup to start and then roast chicken with stuffing. The meat was tasty and the veg well cooked. I'm not a fan of cauliflower cheese with a roast, but that's personal preference. The building is old and character-full and the staff very pleasant. Definitely worth a visit.

Rating: 5 / 5

This is one amazing Oldie but Goldie pub filled up with interesting photos on over the walls and antiquity surroundings complete with outdoor seating and a smoking area. The food of which I had was the best steak & kidney pudding in my life and my misses had a huge pork succulent chop, both served with creamy mash and fresh veg, both were very plentiful and really delicious, hence the empty plates The service was fantastic including the young girl (well younger then me) was rushed off her feet, made you feel very welcomed and gave you and a busy restaurant 100%. This place was alight with happiness and that wasn't only due to a brilliant service, great food and good music but people were talking to each other and hardly to none mobile phones, people were polite with no weatherspoon type reckless regulars trying to get a cheap beer if you get my point and my favourite was this cozy corner with a log burner with two sofas that surrounded it to relax with a coffee to finish your meal. The toilets were lovely and clean and didn't smell at all which is just as important as the meal itself, the price was definitely worth it for what I paid which included two puddings and a couple of drinks. All in all I give this restaurant 10/10, worth the 45 min drive to get there were guaranteed return visit very soon.

Rating: 4 / 5

Lovely pub, really good food and very well priced but you get what you pay for and that isn’t a great deal. I would rather pay more and get enough to fill me up. There was 16 or us and we pre ordered. No problems with the food at all but we all left still feeling hungry. Would definitely go back but only if the portions were better and if that means we pay more then that’s fine. Decent food for decent money.

Rating: 5 / 5

Great pub with a good choice of beer. Warm friendly atmosphere. Excellent food , good choices, and service. The staff are always welcoming. Clean tables, never sticky! And clean toilets, a rare find these days ! Pretty large garden with plenty of tables to sit out in the sun. Small children enclosed play area. Great stop after a long walk.

Rating: 5 / 5

Absolutely brilliant. Stunning food and really friendly service. Very affordable too. A definite recommend.

Rating: 5 / 5

Lovely meal again. 2 x roast dinners (1 lamb, 1 beef) and a kids fish, chips and peas. Very yummy. All had the choc brownie pudding and it was delicious. Staff were attentive and service was quick. I enjoy coming here.

Rating: 5 / 5

Had a last minute Sunday meal at the Farmhouse today and was very impressed! Fast service, tasty food which was piping hot. Very attentive staff without being overbearing. Family friendly, highly recommend, just a shame we couldn’t stay longer.

Rating: 5 / 5

We visited today for Sunday lunch and was not disappointed! We sat outside on the terrace in the shade which was very pleasant. Our server Damian was absolutely marvellous! He was so attentive and thoughtful! He heard my 4 year daughter say she wanted a Yorkshire pudding but she doesn’t eat roast dinner so when her sausage chips came out she was super excited to see a giant Yorkshire on her plate. This made me super emotional as its little touches like this that mean so much. He was patient and great with our kids and I am even got an extra Yorkshire because I didn’t get own that last time I was at an elite pub. The food was delicious, the children’s came out with our starters and our main came out shortly after and was piping hot and very much enjoyed by myself and my husband. All in all a wonderful experience and would highly recommend and are sure to come back soon. Thank you to Damien and all the staff

Rating: 5 / 5

We've been a few times recently as we love cycling and walking along this stretch of coast even though it's a little further for us than our normal haunts! The food is excellent - the brie and bacon roll special even eclipsed the very good bacon and egg sarnie :o). The staff are exceptionally friendly and service is very quick and efficient. We love dogs and all of the resident and visiting pooches have been very well behaved on every visit. Our own dog also enjoys a visit as she usually gets a sausage or some bacon (or even an ice cream!) and also enjoys sampling from every water bowl! Definitely recommended for a rest and refuel before, during, or after a walk or bike ride along this glorious stretch of coast.

Rating: 5 / 5

The food is outstanding and the staff are so friendly. We try and go as often as we can. If you love Steak and Kidney pudding, this is the best place to find it.

Rating: 5 / 5

Cafe/restaurant and bar at Minus bay in Kent. It is also possible to stay there but I didn't so can't comment on that part. In the day The Waves bar is primarily a cafe serving breakfast until 3pm plus a good selection of rolls and sandwiches,jacket potatoes, hot dogs/burgers and a selection of main meals.i would say prices are moderate but I find the food to be good, the service is always friendly too! Your well behaved four legged friend is welcome as well. In the evening the venue becomes a tapas restaurant and they have occasional live music plus they have a quiz quite frequently. Their dessert menu is filled with classics like sticky toffee pudding, sorted dick and Bramley apple crumble as well a cheese board. They do sell alcohol including cocktails. On a nice day it's lovely to sit outside as it's right by the sea. There are customer toilets including one for disabled users plus a baby change. There is plenty of parking, a lot is free but there is also a pay for car park if the free spaces have all gone.

Rating: 4 / 5

Nice clean and tidy pub. Excellent food.

Rating: 5 / 5

Nice pub with cold crisp beer. Didn't have the food but the menu looks nice. Lovely beer garden for the dogs to enjoy.