Have you been to Tankerton lately? If not, then it’s time for a visit!
Tankerton is the part of Whitstable that has the iconic slopes and beach huts, and its high street offers plenty to enjoy with great places to eat, drink and shop - all with great views!
To make the most of your visit, it's best to spend a weekend here and book a balcony room at The Marine Hotel. With beautifully appointed rooms with views over the slopes and sea, not forgetting the incredible sunsets, it's definitely worth booking the seafront rooms.
Just behind the hotel is Tankerton High Street, and it’s a food heaven!
Several of the cafes have cleverly combined food and gifts, so you can buy that gift whilst treating yourself, and if you have a dog, most of the venues are very dog-friendly. With its wide pavements, it really is a people-watching paradise as all the cafes and restaurants have outside seating too!
Polka Dot Tankerton has its very own dog lounge with free dog treats, water and towels to dry them off, plus very comfy seats for the humans too. Julie is famous for her fabulous cookies and traybakes, so check out what the daily offerings are. The other side of the business is cards, party stationery and gifts too, as well as Dock of the Bay towels in case you forgot to pack a towel for you. If you choose an outside table, don’t forget to pop in for those doggy treats.
Further up the road is Kafine, a lovely, light and airy interior, again with outdoor seating. Inside it also has a beautifully curated display of homewares, ceramics, cushions and basket ware for sale, so you can really treat yourself with a panini, a smoothie and a new cushion/vase/basket or all three!
Across the road is Quite Contrary, the place for scone lovers as Kim is always baking fresh ones for the counter in a variety of flavours. They also do a fabulous cream tea with clotted cream, with seats inside the front of the shop, outside and in the little courtyard.
Then whilst your drink is cooling take a look around both shop areas for gifts, jewellery and cake decorating equipment, scarves and homewares, a great shop for finding a unique present wonderful curated by Sue.
Just down the road is The Bears Trading Company. If you love Bears, you will love the huge display of Teddy bears for sale, plus homewares, produce, and other seasonal goods. If you don’t, just focus on the food on offer. With Peter overseeing the front of house team, Darren is working away in the kitchen, not only preparing fabulous lunches but baking the most incredible cakes, you luckily can’t miss the display when you enter the shop, always checkout the great seasonal window displays too.
There is a beautiful, sunny garden full of flowers and trees, with options for shade or full sun if you want it. As well as the extensive brunch/lunch menu there are always specials as well so settle in for a relaxing lunch but save room for the cake, though of course you can always take some away for later.
If you prefer to self-cater, then you are equally well looked after. Your local baker, Adam, has fresh bread, buns, cakes and doughnuts, but does sell out early, so get there early or call ahead to reserve a loaf on 01227 272483. Across the road at Surmans you can pick up some great local cheeses, cooked meats and homemade pies, and don’t miss their delicious sausages.
So that’s your lunch sorted, although these next venues open at lunchtime too on certain days so check out their pages for the most recent opening times.
Basil & Catering is a real family business, Hannah & Sammy (from Napoli) met on a cruise ship and brought their parents on board with the restaurant to create this beautiful space in Tankerton where you really feel that you just landed in Italy. The pasta dishes made by hand are delicate and delicious, and there is a great range of dishes from Arancini, Burrata from Napoli, Lobster Croquettes to share before you try the pasta. They also do a fabulous Sunday lunch with a selection of their dishes as well as Roast meats.
Ales and Blooms is a gorgeous combination of talents from Mario & Jane, who have brought a fresh look to this former wine and antique business with her floristry business, Jane at www.Grahamgreener.com in a large shed at the rear of this redesigned garden with cosy seating, where it’s easy to while away an afternoon, with photo-worthy charcuterie boards available during opening hours. They do get very busy, as once you see a board going out, you tend to order one but there are great wines and beers and cocktails to enjoy whilst you wait, and usually some complimentary popcorn bowls to tide you over.
The Tankerton Arms is a great Tankerton establishment, serving a wonderful array of beers but with a full range of drinks as well, with cosy nooks and live music. Jon has created a wonderful space for both locals and visitors, you will always feel welcome. Their Sunday sessions from 3 to 6pm are great for an after-lunch visit, so keep an eye on their socials!
Gusto Guisto is the new restaurant on the block, classic Italian dishes, great pizzas plus meat and fish dishes. It is a large restaurant but beautifully designed to feel intimate at the same time. There is also a great children’s menu with pasta and pizza dishes to introduce them to the taste of Italian food.
To complete the Highstreet there are some really good charity shops, one mainly selling furniture and homeware, two dog pamper parlours, another florist, supermarket, kebab shop, Fish bar, a Make-up academy, plus shops selling , sportswear & goods, Kitchens, Haberdashery, Curtains and homeware, Mobility scooters & Window blinds plus Barbers, Hairdressers, Beauticians Plus a Scoops Ice cream parlour to treat yourself whatever the weather.
