Two more Kent restaurants have been awarded with one of cooking’s biggest prizes - a spot in the Michelin Guide.

The Rose Inn, Wickhambreaux, near Canterbury, and Quince in Westgate-on-Sea are the latest establishments in the county to feature in the prestigious guide, which was first published in 1900.

They join the now 30-strong contingent of Kent restaurants in the culinary guidebook, including the likes of Michelin star-winning eateries The Fordwich Arms near Canterbury and The Sportsman in Seasalter.

Speaking to KentOnline, chef-owner of the Rose Inn, Billy Stock, expressed his delight at the news.

“It means a lot, especially when all the team and staff are working very hard," he said.

“It’s nice to be rewarded for that. We’ve had quite positive feedback from customers and that’s really helped business.

“With the current climate that we’re in, it’s a very good thing, it’s very special to us.

"Consistency is the key. We’ve been recommended because of what we do, so obviously what we’re doing in their minds is a good thing, and that’s the standard we’ll continue to hold ourselves to.”

Both specialising in British contemporary cuisine, The Rose Inn - a pub dating back to the 14th century - was taken over by Billy in June 2021, while Quince is run by Ben Hughes and Rafael Lopez.

Having worked together at The Goods Shed in Canterbury for a number of years, Quince - which opened in May 2022 - marks the duo’s first restaurant launch.

The guide’s entry for Quince reads: “Two alumni of The Goods Shed in Canterbury are behind this unfussy modern bistro, which is a hit with locals and tourists alike."

“The simple dish descriptions on the concise seasonal menu belie the depth of the dishes, which are made with high quality ingredients and come with distinct flavours and textures.

“Smooth service adds to the experience.”

With 100% of reviewers giving Quince an excellent review on TripAdvisor, the first year of business for the eatery has been a resounding success.

The coveted guide dates back to 1900, when tyre company Michelin decided to create a guide to encourage car sales, which would in turn boost tyre sales.

It first began to offer stars out to restaurants in 1926, before establishing the three-star system it continues to operate today in 1931.

It has since become a symbol of quality and honour, while the fortunes of restaurants reviewed can be significantly altered by the views of the critics.

Critics at the guide said of the Rose Inn: “This characterful, 14C Kentish pub has a cosy, rustic style: dried hops hang from wooden beams, wood burning stoves provide warmth and a daily changing blackboard menu hangs on the wall.

"Chef-owner Billy uses seasonal, local produce from suppliers he knows well, and the resulting dishes are bursting with complementary textures and flavours.

“The welcoming team run the place in a charming manner."

Mark Sargeant’s The Brasserie MS in Folkestone had also been recognised by the publication after opening in August last year.

Michelin had described the restaurant's offering as “an appealing menu of refined, flavourful French classics, including some to share, such as entrecôte of beef, or tarte Tatin”.

However, after just six months of trading, the celebrity chef announced this week his restaurant would be closing down due to “tough trading conditions”.

As well as appearing in the guide, some restaurants in Kent have also received a Michelin star.

These are Hide and Fox in Saltwood, the Bridge Arms in Bridge, the Fordwich Arms in Canterbury, The Sportsman and Stark.

Others have received a Bib Gourmand for "good quality, good value cooking". They are Swan Wine Kitchen in Tenterden, Kentish Hare in Bidborough and Sargasso in Margate.