Bar Ingo

The mood is casual and the decor pared-back at Swedish-born chef Tomas Eriksson’s hard-working Broadstairs asset. Ingo is a tiny neighbourhood spot and then some, with enthusiastic locals and tourists cramming the kitchen/bar stools (reserved for walk-ins) and a handful of close-packed tables (bookable). The attraction is a blackboard menu of well-wrought Spanish and Mediterranean-style cooking shot through with honesty and integrity.

Cantabrian anchovies with olive oil, jamón croquetas, baked salt-cod brandade, and smoked prawns are the stock in trade, but it’s the exemplary small sharing plates with their emphatic no-nonsense flavours that keep the crowds returning. Highlights of our meal were a serving of cured trout with lemon crème fraîche and pickled cucumbers, a vivid dish of piquillo peppers stuffed with rich, tender braised beef cheek, and chicken schnitzel topped with curry mayo and pickles.

To round things off, go for the salted chocolate mousse with olive oil or a plate of Manchego cheese with truffle honey. As for drinks, you could start with a cocktail or look to the short list of affordable wines (priced between £30 and £46), with everything available by the glass (from £7). Charming service seals the deal.