Should I visit... Kebbells, Broadstairs?
Seafood fans, pay attention, because Kebbells in Broadstairs is about to become your new favourite place
Seafood fans, pay attention, because Kebbells in Broadstairs is about to become your new favourite place.
Overlooking Viking Bay, the family-run vintage bistro is a slice of the Mediterranean in our own backyard. Forget that old lady in Titanic, this is where the heart of the ocean is! Sit along the full-length seafood bar, watch the chefs prep and share, share, share.
Kebbells (@kebbells_broadstairs) is whipping up small and large plates featuring amazing local fish and punchy international flavours.
Sourcing much from the dayboat catches at Chapman’s Fishmongers in Rye, the combination of theatre and delivery is exceptional.
On our visit we kicked off with some oysters from Maldon and Jersey as a briny aperitif, alongside the daily-baked (in-house) bread - this time it was garlic and thyme focaccia with an orange butter. We upped the temperature with the tuna tartare with ’nduja, avocado, Thai crackers and spicy gochujang. Stunning.
The gambas rojas (red prawns) roasted and served simply in a garlic and lime butter make for an indulgent finger food before launching headlong into the outrageous vodka and citrus sea bass ceviche, with house-pickled peel, blood-orange segments, spring onion and chilli - it even looks as beautiful as it sounds. And as a small plate, it was so good it almost overshadowed the whole grilled sardines in a smoked anchovy, tomato and chilli dressing… almost.
Then there’s the crab claws and grilled lemon, the scallops with peas and a whole warm host of other Medi-treats like jamon and Cheddar croquetas, patatas bravas and citrus Padrón peppers.
But we’ve got to slow down a bit here and tell you about the cocktails. For example, the house-created pineapple spiced rum and lemonade, or the strawberry and basil vodka with ginger ale. Like the menu, the level of detail the team go to in each drink is just exceptional. The days and weeks of planning and prepping that have gone into the tiny flavour additions and ingredients is spellbinding. Spectacular!
