Just two miles from Whitstable and with stunning sea views from its terrace and gardens, the Crescent Turner is a “sumptuous and boutique-y” hotel set in a converted farmhouse. There’s a smart, seaside vibe in its restaurant, with whicker chairs, a star-fish display, and a breezy grey-and-white colour scheme. For romantic vistas, try to bag the window table. Marine life is prominent on the contemporary British menu, including Whitstable oysters, though a beautiful starter of seared scallops and squid with lime and chilli mayonnaise needed more seasoning, and main course hake with chickpea, barley and chorizo cassoulet also lacked punchy flavours. Better was a warmly spiced duck with confit duck terrine and roasted apricots, followed by succulent pan-seared chicken supreme with creamy buttered-leek risotto. Indulgent puddings such as chilled chocolate fondant also found favour, as did the attentive service, though pricing seemed ambitious for what was decent gastropub cooking.