Apicius - Cranbrook

Apicius restaurant is located in the market town of Cranbrook, reputed to be the smallest town in Kent. Apicius – as any student of food history will tell you – was the Roman author of the world's oldest surviving recipe book ('De re culinaria' or 'The Art of Cooking') dating back to the first century AD. An odd name, you might think, for a cosy and discreet little restaurant housed in a timber-clad, sixteenth-century weaver's cottage. It is owned by Michelin star chef Tim Johnson, he mans the stoves while front of house is masterminded by his wife Faith.

You won't find any liquamen, defrutum or dormice on the menu; instead the kitchen puts on a bold contemporary show with serious aspirations. Menus are short, ideas concise and well considered, and the results on the plate are mightily impressive. You will need to book well in advance for this popular destination for discerning diners as covers are limited.