Lieven & Lydia @ Woodlands Cottages Yalding
1 Sept 2026
Discover our favourite restaurants near Yalding, including country gastropubs, French bistro dining, excellent seafood and special destinations worth the drive.
We love eating out, and guests often ask us where we would choose for a good meal nearby (and a bit further afield). These are nine places that Lydia and I genuinely enjoy, from relaxed local bistros to special restaurants worth travelling a little further for. Ask us for more details on where to eat. We have lots of opinions :-)
1. Tipis Restaurant at The Gardens, Yalding
Every winter we look forward to Tipis coming back to the food scene! The Gardens opens a seasonal restaurant inside its enormous, warmly lit tipis. It serves comforting British food in a wonderfully atmospheric setting, is super close to us. Its popular, not always open so book ahead.
2. The Stile Bridge, Marden
The Stile Bridge is a relaxed country pub and modern grill house, as well as the sister restaurant to The Poet at Matfield. The cuisine is hard to describe, but incredibly delicious. Sunday roasts are a treat.
3. Frédéric Bistro, Maidstone
Frédéric is our no-nonsense French option. It is lively, rustic and informal, serving traditional French provincial food without unnecessary ceremony. We will often have lunch here while shopping in Maidstone.
4. Fish on the Green, Bearsted
Set in a converted stable building overlooking Bearsted Green, It is polished but relaxed at the same time. Lydia is not the biggest of fans of seafood but Lieven loves it here!
5. The Poet at Matfield
The Poet offers refined but informal dining in a characterful 16th-century building. Food is again hard to describe, definately fusion but has never dissapointed. Service a tad too quick so tell them you are here to relax!
6. The Kentish Hare, Bidborough
Gastropub combines the comfort of a handsome country pub with ambitious modern cooking. Great for larger groups as plenty of space and an excellent choice for a long lunch, Sunday meal or special dinner.
7. Tallow, Southborough
Tallow is a small, stylish restaurant overlooking the green in Southborough. Probably the restaurant that has sterred up the most interest across foodies over the last few years. Very much recommended.
8. The Sportsman, Seasalter
The Sportsman is further away, but genuinely worth the journey. You do need to book this a long time in advance. This unpretentious coastal pub has held a Michelin star since 2008, with cooking inspired by the sea, marshes and farmland surrounding it. Make it a day out and visit Whitstable.