Diners rank Sotirio's Bar and Restaurant in Folkestone and The West House in Biddenden among UK’s best restaurants on OpenTable
Published: 20:45, 04 December 2023
Updated: 06:59, 05 December 2023
Diners have ranked two Kent restaurants among the best in the UK.
Sotirio's Bar and Restaurant in Folkestone and The West House in Biddenden have been listed in this year’s top 100 eateries.
The list was compiled from more than 1.2 million reviews on OpenTable.
It is the third time in three years family-run Sotirio's has received the accolade.
Co-owner Lucas Sotiriou says his team is “over the moon”.
“It shows a lot of consistency within the restaurant with the kitchen and front-of-house teams.
“We are super proud of everyone.
“Everyone puts in a lot of care. For example, our head chef Michelle has been in the role for 30 years and each dish she makes sure is perfect.”
Mr Sotiriou runs the Bouverie Road West business alongside his brother Alex and father Costas, who has been operating restaurants in Kent for more than 35 years.
Family values and loyal staff form the backbone of the restaurant, with staff having been with there for more than 60 years combined.
He added: “There are not many restaurants that are still traditional in taking coats, giving warm greetings and giving personal service.
“That is combined with a very strong team in the kitchen which seems to work well.
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“Because we have so many regulars we provide a real customer service as we know what they like.”
And there are glowing reviews on OpenTable for the restaurant.
One diner said: “Very warm welcome. Coats were taken and hung up. A vast array of dishes to choose from. Good quality of food. Generous portion size. Great, friendly service. Highly recommend.”
Another person said: “Excellent Sunday lunch as usual. Always a very enjoyable experience with the very efficient, friendly and well-organised staff.”
While another customer said: “From the moment we arrived the staff were so welcoming and tentative. Service was excellent and the food was delicious. Nothing was too much trouble, fantastic atmosphere and great service. Would recommend it and will definitely be back.”
Meanwhile, The West House in Biddenden was also ranked among the UK's best restaurants.
Housed in a 16th-century weaver’s cottage in the village, it is the restaurant of chef/patron Graham Garrett.
The West House at Biddenden held a Michelin star, which it was given in 2008 but lost four years ago.
One diner commented: “We have eaten in the West House many times and always really enjoy it. The staff are friendly and helpful, the atmosphere is very pleasant and the food is superb. This Sunday was no exception. I could honestly say that the food was wonderful.”
Another said: “Outstanding meal. We had the full menu and the wine flight. Each course was a treat. Wonderful service. Thank you.”
While another customer wrote: “The menu had been put together with excellent attention to flavour combinations so every morsel was a delight. I cannot recommend the West House highly enough. Inventive, delicious, the dishes always look amazing.”
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Brad Harper