What’s new in town ?
Whitstable and Tankerton rarely have empty shops for long, there are so many new businesses and some with new owners and some that have moved that a dedicated blog was in order. In alphabetical order:
This is a new vibrant art gallery space available to rent in Red Lion Lane in Whitstable, between The Lazy Lobster on Sea Street & Mosaic on Harbour Street. Pop in and view the pop up galleries and exhibitions or contact them to show your art to the world.
Fern
Eve has moved her No5 Tankerton Circus shop into the former Jane at Graham Greener premises in Harbour Street and created Fern. As soon as you enter the courtyard you are drawn into this beautiful shop, with it’s beach hut & courtyard selling changing guest’s wares at weekends and an array of Ferns homewares to draw you into the patio & beyond. It really is a lovely way to enter but do look at all the goods for sale before you enter the fresh white interior.
The clothing and accessories inside and the fresh colours will certainly entice you to take a look, with so many future plans for the store this is definitely going to be a must visit store, for gifts, the home or just to spoil yourself with some gorgeous clothes.
Harbour Street Fish bar
Having taken over the former VCJones in Harbour Street following their retirement last Christmas, the new owners have sympathetically refurbished retaining all it’s old charm but at the same time looking fresh and new.
Only recently reopened it already had a big queue so I didn’t get to try the goods but it all looked amazing, there is nothing like the smell of freshly cooked fish and chips and it is definitely on my list to try very soon. The restaurant has a lovely old world charm befitting the building but with the open kitchen on one side.
The three friends behind Juniors are all familiar faces in Whitstable, Luke (Junior) Head chef and co-owner used to be at Land & Sea, and along with fellow co-owner Louis and Terry, who bonded working on the Oyster beds, they make a formidable, passionate team. They have created a very special bistro/café with a weekly changing menu, based on what’s fresh and seasonal, with homemade focaccia and delicious desserts all made in house. Currently open for breakfast and lunch but keep an eye for developments. Based at the very top of Oxford Street it has the added attraction of not only feeding the locals but also has private parking spaces.
When they were making the building their own, they uncovered the original stained glass from Smith & Son which dates back to the 1870’s. The paint colours were already being applied when the glass was uncovered to show the exact same colour as the paint! They have been researching the buildings history so do ask when you go and enjoy their delicious food.
The Kiosk
Newly opened as you almost step onto the beach from the Horsebridge is the The Kiosk, here you can buy your takeaway drinks for the beach, serving Beers & Ales, including the Oyster Company’s own, Ciders, wines, cocktails and soft drinks
This small but perfectly formed little bar & shop shares the Marina store, so you can also browse whilst you sip! The recent move from the South Quay shed to Harbour St allows you to try the gins properly, put the world to rights with your fellow Gin drinkers and then of course buy a bottle on the way out, along with a few other WHG inspired goodies.
Donna & Jo have also moved from the The South Quay Shed into Harbour Street, selling their own creations, and carefully curated products many from local creatives who they often shout about on their page, with a much larger store, their range has increased so be sure to pop in and find that elusive gift you have been searching for.
This is the new Italian restaurant in Tankerton, in the former Yantze premises. Large, spacious, elegant, welcoming and air conditioned.
No expense has been spared on creating this space and it’s already a bustling success, but go and try it yourself, and transport yourself to somewhere else the second you walk through the door.
Recently re-opened with new hands on deck (sorry for the Pun) and a fresh new look on the menu and the garden area. This beautiful old pub has been trading since 1760 and it is a stunning space to explore, find the port hole, and the lovely upstairs area with it’s wood burner for the winter months.
With a great menu and a daily specials board there is something for everyone. Sharing platters, afternoon teas, fresh seafood dishes and live music, so pop in when you are next in Whitstable and you may just become a regular.
Creative Space
Harbour Street Fish Bar
Whitstable Harbour Gin
Fern
The Kiosk
WIT of Whitstable
