South East Restaurant Guide

The curious name, Hoodener's Horse and equally quirky sign outside this traditional pub in the pretty village of Great Chart close to Ashford, is a reference to the old Kentish custom of 'hoodening' - a ritual shindig played out during the winter solstice, May Day and hopping celebrations.

The Street, Ashford, Kent

November 2000 saw the opening of Littlehampton's most flamboyant restaurant The Silk Road serving Turkish and Mediterranean food. The interior is a breathtaking mix of Persian carpets, mosaics and rich velvet drapes with tented ceilings amongst gleaming copper and brassware.

8-10 Arcade Road, Littlehampton, Sussex

The Running Horses in Mickleham acquired its distinctive equine name in 1828, when the Epsom Derby ended in a dead heat.

Old London Road, Mickleham, Surrey

Situated in the pretty village of Tudeley, just off the A26 and a few miles south of Tonbridge, the bustling Poacher is currently reaping the benefits of a major refurbishment and change of image.

Hartlake Road, Tonbridge, Kent

Since becoming owned by radio and TV celeb Chris Evans, this former boozer by the A283 (near Chiddingfold) has been re-named The Mulberry and a contemporary makeover to bring it right up to date.

Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, Surrey

Tony Allan, founder of Fish!, came up with a bright new idea when he decided to open a casual fish-and-chip café next door to Jarvis the Fishmonger, which has been doing business in Kingston since 1942.

56 - 58 Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey

Situated in Kemp Town village between Brighton Pier and the Marina, Sam's of Brighton is a popular bistro and Chef proprietor Sam Metcalfe is well-known for his endeavours at Sevendials Restaurant, which is now following the Sam's of Brighton bistro style and called Sam's of Sevendials.

1 Paston Place, Brighton and Hove, Sussex

Since taking over The Dog Inn at Wingham during 2004, owners Richard and Sherry Martin have done a grand job in raising the pub's profile and have put much of the emphasis on providing modern gastropub food.

Canterbury Road, Wingham, Kent

From Danehill, head down School Lane towards Chelwood Common to find The Coach and Horses, a delightful Victorian country pub (circa 1847) with a pretty garden surrounded by unspoilt Sussex countryside - the views of the South Downs are splendid.

School Lane, Danehill, Sussex

Williams & Brown Tapas Bar in Whitstable was opened by two friends, Christopher Williams and David Brown in March 2004, and they were also joint owners of the very popular Williams & Brown Delicatessen, located on Harbour Street.

48 Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent