Fifteen Square Metres

‘The small size adds to the magic – it creates a really convivial atmosphere where it’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with other diners and chat about what you’re eating (or what you’re eyeing up to order next),' was one visitor's resounding endorsement of this compact spot close to Broadstairs seafront. Having scored a palpable hit with Copper & Ink in Blackheath, Tony and Becky Rodd have proved they are no one-hit wonder, quickly establishing Fifteen Square Metres as one of the town’s must-visit restaurants. 

The venue's name references its bijou dimensions, so expect a dinky, contemporary space with just 16 seats and a galley kitchen tucked into one corner of the dining room. Despite the limitations, Tony Rodd has put together a thoroughly enticing package of good-value, generously portioned small plates. There’s a foundation of solid simplicity in dishes such as velvety-smooth chicken liver parfait topped with a lick of black-garlic ketchup and celery salsa, or fillets of bream in shrimp butter with local asparagus and monk’s beard. It's also hard to fault a dish comprising pink slices of lamb neck fillet accompanied by hasselback potatoes and wild garlic aïoli. 

Details such as the excellent gluten-free bread (the entire kitchen is gluten-free) and clever desserts including rhubarb and custard doughnuts with custard ice cream also add to the feel-good vibe, while choice pickings from an astute blackboard of global wines seal the deal (our glass of Viglione Fiano from Puglia was excellent).