This year, for a change from the the normal New Year's eve night in with a tub of ice cream in front of the telly, I took the kids and ventured out of London to the sunny Kent coast of Whitstable. A friend of mine, Shaa, has been raving about the greatness of Whits for a long time now so I thought I'd test it out for myself. Recently reported as one of the top places for gastronomic delights in November's Olive magazine, Whitstable is only an hour from London, straight down the A2/M2 and a short hop, skip and a jump away from Margate and Ramsgate and neighbouring the historical town of Canterbury. It has a beautiful coastline and in the last five years has become a not so secret haunt for Londoners seeking a better quality of life.
The high street is a delight, full of really chic shops mingled with traditional little home stores and fab restaurants and cafes. One ever so popular eaterie is Windy Corner Stores that is brimming with yummy, home cooked style food perfect on a crisp, wintery day. Saltmarsh, another more cosy, smaller cafe also run by the same owner is equally as tasty and has a great shabby chic, vintage style interiors with old fifties style fridge, vinyl, record player and all. Being a seaside town, it wouldn't be right not to mention the fish! Well known for its Oysters, Whitstable has even had a book written about it and the famous Wheelers Oyster Bar, called The Oyster Seekers (published by Blake Publishing and can be bought on Amazon). To try them for yourself then three restaurants in particular are top of the list, The Crab and Winkle Restaurant (01227 779377), located on the Harbour, South Quay, is internationally acclaimed and serves a wide variety of fish and meat dishes. Likewise, Wheelers Oyster Bar (from the book, contact 01227 273311), 8 High Street, is widely acclaimed as one of the UK's best fish restaurants. And if you want a fabulous sea view whilst eating then The Pearson's Arms (01227 272005), The Horsebridge, Whitstable, is worth a visit.
Whitstable is also famed for its thriving arts community. Many up and coming local artists get the opportunity to display their work in the many art galleries dotted around town. The Walker-Platt Gallery (01227 276718) sits on Whistable High Street and offers a wide open space to exhibit a variety of works. Also, The Fish Slab Gallery (info@fish-slabgallery.com) is a great not-for-profit gallery, also on the High Street and displays works by many local artists. And lets be honest, with a great coastline, gorgeous shops and many beautiful period houses, there's plenty to paint and sketch.
For places to explore and a little history then the locally famed Whitstable castle is a must. It has beautiful gardens to explore and an amazing manor house. You could try strolling along the harbour or visiting the many beaches. As well as the eateries and galleries, its a lot to pack in so you may find yourself visiting more often and staying longer! And talking of places to stay…
There are some great B&Bs that offer good quality accommodation at a reasonable price. White Doves Cottage (01227 791818) is in Chestfield, close to Whitstable and is a country style guesthouse. Belmont House (01227 266911) is slap bang on the high street and very convenient for the beaches and shops. Windy Ridge (01227 263506) is just five minutes from Whitstable with panoramic views of Whits and the sea. The Cherries (01277 792600) is a Highly Commended A.A.Gold 4-star award winning hotel and just five minutes from Whitstable. And if you're looking for a little cottage or self-catering accommodation then contact The Captain's House (01277 275156), an old fisherman's cottage located in the heart of Whitstable, in picturesque Harbour street and sleeps up to four people.
Overall, I found Whistable to be very child friendly with a real community spirit. The local people were very friendly and polite, smiling as you went by and wishing you a good morning or afternoon. As my dear friend, Shaa, loves it there so much I think I should let her have the last word when she says, "People come to Whitstable for its magic; they don't want London austere settings and service. They want a relaxed, home from home atmosphere where kids can sit with grown ups without fear of ridicule." (www.shaawasmund.com)
For more info on Whits and on all the places I've mentioned, go to www.seewhitstable.com
