The Best of Whitstable

Food
Whitstable has been a destination for lovers of fine food since Roman times but today the gastronomic attractions extend well beyond oysters and seafood. There can't be many towns left in England where you can walk to dozens of independent eating places and enjoy genuinely good local food. So please don't just dive into the recognised corporate brand names like Zizzi and Prezzo, where you will get the same bland fare you get in any other part of the UK. Take a risk on a local place to eat because there really are'nt any bad ones. In addition to the Royal Native Oyster Restaurant and Wheelers that put Whitstable on the foody map there are dozens more locally owned independents with a great reputation. Just outside the town centre, JoJo's in Tankerton remains a favourite but the Sportsman's Arms in Seasalter has a Michelin star if that is likely to light your candle. In town, the Tapas restaurant is good as is Birdies, SaltMarsh, Samphire and our neighbours at the Crab and Winkle, overlooking the fishing boats in the harbour. The Whistlestop is a great family eatery which is very popular with locals which is always a good sign.

Shopping
Like the food, the shops in Whitstable are largely locally owned and run. The high street boasts two traditonal bakers, three butchers and three greengrocers . The town may not have its own Candlestick Maker but it has its own specialist Cheese Shop and Cup Cake Shop. Being locally owned, you will meet the characters behind the business, which makes life more interesting. Harbour Street attracts most visitors en route to the harbour with its quaint galleries, fashion, craft and gift shops but there is plenty to see at the western end of the town too, including the famous Kites and Things (who also have a hut at the village) and Oxford Street Books where you may find yourself engaged in a conversartion with Brian on any subject from the Oyster Festival to English literature. A vibrant Farmers Market is also held at St. Marys Hall every second Saturday.

Celebrities
Celebrity spotting can be a popular past-time on hot summer afternoons. Ever since Peter Cushing made his home here, Whitstable has attracted the great and the good (and the not so good). Bob Geldof often pops down from his home in Faversham, Janet Street-Porter has a holiday home on West Beach and Sugsy and his Mum often hang out at JoJo's. Vic Reeves  is seen in the harbour from time to time as are many of the stars of East Enders.

Where to Stay
If possible, it is much nicer to stay in the town itself rather than the various discount hotels on the A299 Thanet Way. There is a shortage of hotels in the town centre but the Hotel Continental remains classy and the Marine Hotel just down the road in Tankerton offers fabulous sea views. Otherwise, there is a range of good B&B's. Our favourite is Copeland House on Island Wall just because of the location but Windy Ridge just outside the town centre gets excellent reviews. These days many families go for a holiday cottage with the mandatory romantic seaside name (sunset cottage, fisherman's cottage, oysterman's cottage etc). Don't be taken in by the name and end up stuck up a back street near Tesco. We know Gail who runs Whitstable Holiday Homes  who provide an excellent service.

Secret Spots
Most visitors are content just to enjoy the views and fresh air while walking along the shingle beach from the Old Neptune pub, past the Yacht Club and Lifeboat Station to the harbour but if you are feeling energetic there are lots of spots worth exploring. West Beach is my favourite part of Whitstable, so please don't go there too often, even though you can sometimes hire a private beach hut for the week-end. Check out the narrow alleys (including Squeeze-gut Alley) that connect the high street with Middle Wall and Island Wall. A cycle along the Crab and Winkle line connects Whitstable with the city of Canterbury only 8 miles away. The museum is fascinating as is Windy Corner Stores where you can source local produce, grab a coffee and book your tickets for the tennis courts from Tony and his team. And whatever you do, dont forget to spend a few minutes enjoying the famous Whitstable sunsets.