OFF ON MONDAYS - Nicky Martin, The Quay, Faversham
A new feature where we talk to Kent’s service superstars to find out what they do and where they recommend when they’re not in the kitchen
In this edition, we talk to Nicky Martin, chef of The Quay in Faversham, which he owns with wife Tania. A homely but lively pub in the heart of the town, The Quay is known for its excellent food and warm hospitality.
Where do you go for breakfast?
I don’t tend to go out for breakfast. As I work breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I’m off I tend to have a lazy morning at home when the opportunity is there. If we do have plans, perhaps breakfast on the go. A moonlight baguette on the train always hits the spot. Do
Where do you get your haircut?
I go to Kings Cuts in Faversham, great service. And I like to treat myself to a beard trim.
A local tipple that you’d recommend…
I'm mainly a lager man, but I do enjoy a blonde ale or a few glasses of wine. Gadds have some great beers. In my opinion, Brenley Wines have some of the best English wines around.
Where’s your favourite place in Kent for lunch…
Sometimes it's the simple nostalgic things, so I like fish and chips on the beach from Pete's Fish Factory in Margate or GB Pizza which is, great value for money. If we are taking the dog for a long walk., The Alma in Painter’s Forstal does some really good pub classics, as does The Dolphin in Canterbury.
GB Pizza Co, Margate
What’s your pet hate of being in the kitchen…
Getting friends and family to understand the unsociable hours means we need to plan everything in advance to be able to do anything.
Do you ever bump into other chefs on your days off?
In my younger years, Sunday nights were the ‘chef’s night out’, and they still are a little. In restaurants, when they have the ‘guest chef nights’ on a Monday, it tends to be full of people from the industry.
One tip for people reading a menu…
Don't always go for what you know, try something different.
Who do you share your Monday freedom with?
It's normally just me, my wife and the dog. Occasionally during the school holidays, will take Tania's younger siblings out, too.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done on your Monday?
This is the easiest question to answer. I got married on a Bank Holiday Monday.
Best dish you’ve had out in Kent recently and where was it?
That’s a tough one. But probably the Fordwich Snickers at the Fordwich Arms near Canterbury.
INFO: https://www.thequayfaversham.co.uk/
INSTA: @thequayfaversham
Brenley Wines
