Describing itself as a ‘Kentish Bistro’, Samphire is one of Whitstable’s most popular restaurants and serves up a comforting line up of modern British dishes with the odd international influence.
Owner and executive chef George trained as a chef in Australia before working in London. In 2004, after moving to Whitstable, George and his wife decided to open their first restaurant together and joined forces with head chef Billy Stock to create their version of a neighbourhood eatery, right in the heart of this picturesque seaside town. Billy’s experience spans stints in some of London’s top restaurants, including St JOHN, The Marksman and Rochelle Canteen.
The combined CV’s of Samphire’s chefs ensures food is unfussy and delicious. As you might expect there’s a strong seafood focus, with the local area’s bounty playing starring role in the show. Pick between small plates of oysters, sardines or a whipped cod’s roe dip with toast before indulging in some fresh plates of the season’s best veggies – think sprouting broccoli with roasted shallots and romesco sauce or pumpkin with lentils and curd. Carnivores need not be disappointed either, with carefully sourced plates of high welfare meat also making their way onto them menu by way of combinations like roasted quail with celeriac and bay.
Comfortable, neutral surrounds create a warm and cosy atmosphere with a modern design edge and the friendly and knowledgeable are always on hand to guide guests through the menu and make suggestions.
With supper, reasonably costed set lunches, brunches, Sunday roasts and children’s specials all on offer, there’s something to please no matter what time of the day you happen to be passing. To accompany the food there’s the choice of a whole run of international wines at fair price points too. Fun cocktails like a Lemon Sherbet or an Espresso Martini complete the line-up along with beers and high-end soft serves.