South East hidden gems: food and drink

Marooned halfway along the coast road between Whitstable and Faversham, the Michelin-starred Sportsman, at Seasalter, doesn't just cook beautiful food, it grows what it can in its own kitchen garden. Everything else – oysters from neighbouring Whitstable, locally farmed lamb – comes from the surrounding area and the Thames estuary. Go for the deceptively simple five-course daily changing tasting menu (£50 per person).

www.thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk

Get there by train with Southeastern to Faversham or Whitstable then a 15 to 20 minute bus ride.

Time stands still at Morelli's – 1932, to be precise, when Giuseppe Morelli opened this lavish art deco ice cream parlour overlooking Viking Bay, and Broadstairs was a throbbing holiday destination. Five generations and a lot of freshly made gelato later, the Morelli name has now spread worldwide, but this remains the original and best: pink leatherette banquettes, a vintage juke box and old-school sundaes with all the trimmings.

www.morellisgelato.com/stores/europe/broadstairs

Get there by train with Southeastern to Broadstairs

When the Turner Contemporary art gallery opened in Margate it shone a light on a town in dramatic and exciting transition. Its enclave of vintage and craft shops was blossoming and plans to refurbish and re-open the Dreamland amusement park reinvigorated the straight-up sun-and-sand offering. Between the arty quarter and the seaside half of town sits the wonderful, wecoming gallery building – and on the front, the GB Pizza Company. This laidback indie restaurant serves excellent brews and food with a focus on excellent regional produce. A star favourite is the chorizo and chilli pizza. Wear loose-fitting trousers and prepare to stuff yourselves.

greatbritishpizza.com

Get there by train with Southeastern to Margate

Faversham, home to the Shepherd Neame Brewery, is not short of excellent pubs. However, real-ale aficionados and Saxon Shore Way hikers take the mile and a half walk along the creek to the Shipwright Arms. What this seventeenth-century pub lacks in contemporary accoutrements (forget sports channels, game machines or wi-fi) it makes up for in low-ceilinged character and a sensational range of local cask ales. Traditional pub games are played in the spacious beer garden.

www.theshipwrightsathollowshore.co.uk

Get there by train with Southeastern to Faversham