The Bayside Brasserie

This is a about as far East as you can go without getting wet. A few yards from the sea, the fish which dominates the modern English menu,is a great attraction.

The scallops and belly pork starter in a ginger and soy sauce or worth the schlep down the A2 on their own. Each was succulent and plump, melting in the mouth all too quickly.

The trawlers that ply their trade from Ramsgate and Deal supply the kitchen. And the pig did have from to travel either - from Goldstone Farm at Ash, in fact. The beef comes from there too. I'm not sure about the duck, which was crisp and cruchy on the outside, but wonderfully moist within.

The booze doesn't clock up too many food miles either. Bibbenden Vineard grows much of the wine and Gadd's Brewery in Ramsgate supplies some delightfully heady botled beers.

It's a lovely place, with good staff and a well-heeled clientele which include sladies luncheoning and the gastro tourists that have turned Broadstairs Hoxton-on-Sea. As a second-home town, it's far better value than stratospheric Cornwall and restaurant prices reflect this. Dinner for is around £50.

Owner David Sworder, who trained at Langan's in its '70s heyday, also offers self-catering accomodation at Durlcok Lodge at nearby Minster.
Comment on this reader review

Gavin
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 29, 2009