Two Kent restaurants have been named as the best places to eat by the sea in the UK.

Eateries in Folkestone and Margate have been placed first and second in the Times' 20 best places to dine by the coast in Britain.

In a list compiled by Masterchef judge and food writer Grace Dent and TV chef Ainsley Harriet, the Folkestone Wine Company and Sargasso in Margate topped the lot.

The Folkestone Wine Company has been open for almost five years, after chef Dave Hart bought the former Linda’s Tea Room in Church Street in 2015.

Ms Dent described the Folkestone eatery, which is placed first out of the 20, as "a romantic little family-run restaurant".

"The cooking is extraordinary. I remember eating a plate of the greatest sage gnocchi followed by hake," she added.

"It was one of my first dates with my man and several years on we’re still together."

In second place came Sargasso, which Ms Dent said was "cool, clever and a place to be seen".

"Go to Margate for the new Tracey Emin exhibition and then book a long lunch at Sargasso for a bowl of spaghetti al nero or the Cornish mussels and broad beans," she added.