Occupying a Victorian country house built as the rural retreat for a Lord Lieutenant of London, the Beacon Bar & Restaurant looks out over some of the finest scenery in SE England

Faversham Bistrot - faversham Kent

In a glorious spot overlooking the town's famous creek

Cowley Manor - Cheltenham

Cowley Manor is now a must-visit destination for the smart set, who are leaving their London boltholes and heading for this very big house in the country; the grandiose Italianate Georgian pile has been transformed

Nobles - Battle - Sussex

Paul Noble's self-named restaurant occupies a stylishly refurbished townhouse in the historic Sussex town of Battle (the scene of a famous confrontation in 1066!)

Sam's of Brighton

Situated in Kemp Town 'village', between Brighton Pier and the Marina, Sam's occupies the site that once traded as One Paston Place. Chef/proprietor Sam Metcalfe is well-known for his endeavours at Sevendials Restaurant, and his new venture aims to capitalise on his feel for seasonal, bistro-style food in relaxed surroundings (complete with fresh flowers and family photos).

The menu is refreshingly unpretentious; how about steak and kidney pie with mash, cabbage and a pint of Bass for a tenner?

The Fitzwalter Arms - Goodnestone

Situated midway between Canterbury and the coast, the brick-built Fitzwalter Arms has been thriving as a pub since 1702. Chef David Hart used to work at the high ranking Sportsman

Richard Phillips at Chapel Down - Tenterden

Celebrity chef Richard Phillips has joined forces with Chapel Down Vineyard to open a stunning restaurant in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside; a new dimension to the restaurant scene

The Dove - Dargate

Chef Phillip MacGregor has recently taken over the stoves and early reports are promising to say the least

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L'Eglise - Church Road - Brighton and Hove

La Tavernetta - Folkestone

Old House Hotel - Wickham

Sandbanks Restaurant - Folkestone