The Dove Inn

The story

The Dove Inn Canterbury: 2 AA Rosette Modern British Gastropub in Kent

The chef and the kitchen

Head Chef William Shenow-Brady runs the kitchen at The Dove Inn, a modern British gastropub situated near Canterbury in Kent. He and manager Sophie Webb launched the venue in 2018 after seven years working together at a prominent fine dining restaurant. Will applies that high-end training here while relying on produce from his mother Liz's allotment. Menus evolve with the harvest, maintaining a consistency that won the Good Food Guide's Local Gem award.

Plates rooted in the county

Reporters note the solid execution of local ingredients, pointing to Shetland mussels simmered in a cider and mustard broth. The oven work delivers slow-cooked ox cheek resting on potatoes folded with clotted cream. Starters include blowtorched mackerel paired with samphire and chive mayonnaise. Roast selections change weekly but consistently feature options like treacle sirloin of beef and porchetta stuffed with herbs.

A room for winter fires and summer gardens

The dining area divides between a warm front room centred around a log-burning fire and a separate side space. Guests should request the front room when booking to ensure a seat near the flames. Summer service moves outdoors to a garden fitted with a dedicated cooking station. The bar pours Shepherd Neame ales and stocks wines starting at £24, catering to locals travelling from Faversham and Whitstable. This approachable style secured a place on the Daily Mail's list of the top 50 cosiest pubs.