The Sportsman

The Sportsman, a Michelin-starred gastro pub in Seasalter

The Sportsman is a gastro pub located on Faversham Road, in Seasalter (Whitstable, Kent). The establishment, which according to its own presentation occupies a site with documented presence since 1642, was taken over by its current owners in November 1999 with the intention of serving good food in a relaxed and informal setting. It has held a Michelin star since 2008.

Cuisine tied to its surroundings

The culinary approach is defined by letting the pub's surroundings determine what is cooked. The Thames Estuary, which flows into the North Sea, provides oysters and fish; the nearby marshland, woods and fertile soils provide meat, vegetables and game. The establishment also grows some of its own ingredients: a small kitchen garden and polytunnels allow it to use fruit and vegetables picked moments before preparation.

Seasonal menus

The summer menu, called the Summer Menu, is available throughout the week and consists of small, seasonal dishes that reflect the local environment. It is put together day by day and includes recipes from the past twenty-six years along with new ideas. At each course, diners can choose between three or four dishes. The price stated on the website is £85 per person. There is also the option of the Short Menu, at £60 per person, available Tuesday to Thursday for both lunch and dinner. The website directs visitors to the menus section to view a sample tasting menu.

Reservations and restaurant conditions

Table reservations are accepted for a maximum of 10 people. Children under 10 are not admitted and there is no children's menu. Dogs are also not allowed in the restaurant. Availability can be checked and booked via the OpenTable link on the website, or by phone or email. If the desired date or time does not appear on OpenTable, the establishment states that it may be able to offer availability not shown online. For reservations of four people or more, a link is sent to provide card details, solely to secure the reservation and with no charge; there is an eight-hour window to complete it, after which the reservation is automatically cancelled. Changes can be made online through OpenTable up to 24 hours before the reservation. No-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance may incur a charge of £25 per person.

Cabin accommodation

The establishment has five cabins located in the garden at the rear of the pub. They are self-catering and each sleeps two people, with a king-size bed, en-suite shower room, fully equipped kitchen and lounge with TV and wifi. The price is £180 per cabin for the first night and £150 for subsequent nights, and includes provisions for a light breakfast of fresh bread, eggs, granola and yoghurt, as well as tea, coffee and milk. Check-in is from 4pm and check-out by 11am. Dogs are not allowed in the cabins. Accommodation cannot currently be booked online and must be arranged by phone or email.

History of the site

The first evidence of an inn on the site dates back to 1642, although the surrounding area of Seasalter was already listed in the Domesday Book as belonging to the kitchens of Canterbury Cathedral. Even then it was an area of food production, farmed by the monks, supplying the influx of pilgrims after the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. The site itself reproduces a passage from the Survey of Seasalter in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions a small borough called Sesaltre, belonging to the archbishop's kitchen, with a church and eight fisheries, as well as wood for the pannage of ten hogs.

Service hours

Tuesday to Saturday, food service is from 12:00 to 13:45 and from 18:30 to 20:30. On Sunday, food service is from 12:30 to 14:45 and bar service until 21:00. Monday is closed. The website notes that inside seating is reserved exclusively for restaurant reservations, although there are some seats available in the conservatory for those who only wish to drink.

Allergies and special diets

The establishment asks that it be informed of allergies or special dietary requirements at the time of booking. It also states that it is currently unable to cater for dairy intolerances or dairy-free diets.

Location and contact

Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent CT5 4BP · Phone: 01227 273370