A Westgate restaurant that opened just seven months ago has been listed at number 36 in SquareMeal’s top 100 UK restaurants. The accolade comes on the heels of a listing in The Michelin Guide,
Quince is a 32 cover restaurant by chef-patrons Ben Hughes and Rafael Lopez in Westgate’s Station Road.
Hughes and Lopez’s approach is to use seasonal ingredients to showcase amazing produce in an accessible way in a relaxed but refined setting.
The duo previously worked together at farm-to-table restaurant, The Goods Shed, in Canterbury, where Lopez was at the helm for 19 years.
The ingredient-led ethos continues at Quince ,with a daily-changing menu. The wine list is curated with Clive Barlow, Master of Wine.
The bistro-style restaurant serves dishes, many with a Spanish influence, featuring British produce, much of which is grown or produced a short distance from the restaurant, such as Quex Estate Sussex beef and lamb, Longland Farm duck, Staple Stores sourdough, cheese from Cheesemakers of Canterbury, and vegetables from local farms. Fish and seafood is sourced from South and West coast day boats.
The pair are joined by Ben’s wife Portia who heads up Quince’s front of house, and additional staff with experience gained at The Goods Shed and The Fordwich Arms.
Ben said: “It’s been an exciting few weeks for the Quince team, with recognition from The Michelin Guide, and being voted at number 36 in SquareMeal’s top 100 UK restaurants, where we are amongst brilliant company.
“We have been blown away by the support and welcome we’ve received so far from local people and visitors to Westgate, since we opened 7 months ago.
“Our aim has been to create a neighbourhood restaurant with a bistro-style feel and finer dining food offering, whilst showcasing the amazing ingredients that are grown and produced in the area. We are thrilled that is something that has been well-received so far.”
Opening hours:
Wednesday: 6pm – 9pm
Thurs – Saturday: Noon – 3pm and 6pm – 9pm
Sunday: Noon – 3pm
Reservations via www.quincewestgate.co.uk
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