The Sportsman

The first evidence of an inn on this site dates back to 1642, but the surrounding area of Seasalter was entered in the Domesday book as belonging to the kitchens of Canterbury cathedral. Reached via a winding lane across open marshland from Whitstable, and tucked beneath the sea wall, The Sportsman has a rustic yet comfortable and welcoming interior, with wooden floors and stripped pine furniture. A new plaque on the wall commemorates the part played by the pub in a little known WWII episode. Called the Battle of Graveney Marshes, in 1940 a German Junkers 88 crashlanded near the pub, where a platoon of London Irish Rifles was billeted. After surrendering the Germans were taken to the pub for a pint to await the POW authorities. Today's range of Shepherd Neame ales would certainly have gone down well in 1940. The impressive daily menu is based on local produce from farms, boats and game suppliers. Seafood dishes might include Whitstable native oysters; rock oysters and hot chorizo; and mussel and bacon chowder. Other options embrace Monkshill Farm pork belly, and crispy duck, smoked chilli salsa and sour cream.