In a location renowned across Kent for its beauty, The Coastguard lives up to its reputation for excellent food and drink served with a pleasing informality. All this is complimented by breathtaking views out to sea, and only a stone's throw from the water's edge, surrounded by the renowned impressive white cliffs.

Within, the décor is all seamanlike and ship-shape with plenty of wood surfaces, decent wooden furniture and the odd touch of brass. Described as being 'between the bottom of the hill and the deep blue sea', with the cries of the seabirds, the bracing whiff of the briny and those compelling marine vistas, there can be few places on the coast of Britain that are more inspiring, and certainly no pub that is so near to France.

Sitting at the Coastguard you can look out over the English Channel, feel the sea wind on your face and listen to the sound of the waves. In the winter head to the cosy restaurant and watch the stormy seas buffeting the cliffs, making for one of the most dramatic landscapes in Britain. In the summer relax on the terrace, enjoy the rays of the sun, and look across the blue Channel.

The kitchen is run by Chef Sam who selects the best of local ingredients according to the tides and the season. The result is simple, delicious food and judging by the reaction from their visitors and locals alike, it's well worth the visit. The menu changes twice daily and many dishes have a story behind them, they might be based on an old Roman recipe, a classic dish revitalised or an original creation by Sam in response to some particularly outstanding local produce

A typical carte might include king scallops, smoked haddock, or individual savoury tarts with local free range eggs. Main courses could yield devilled crab, fresh local cod in Hoegaarden batter, or matured steaks.

A stem ginger pudding is served with cinnamon custard, or there's likely to be a sticky toffee pudding or a spiced fruit flapjack, but for a real treat keep an eye open for the sea salt caramel and chocolate tart with fresh berries.

For cheese buffs, the Coastguard is seventh heaven. Sam has a passion for cheese that shines through on each of her carefully selected cheeseboards, whether it's a cheese that's been locally produced for hundreds of years, or a new brand that's making a dramatic entrance to the market, and with the present renaissance in British cheese they are right on the mark.

With the proximity of the continent just across the water it is perhaps hardly surprising that the excellent array of local beers are well supplemented by worthy contributions from further afield. A wine list garnered from none other than Nigel, the pub landlord, rubs shoulders with a collection of distinguished single malts starting in the Orkneys with celebrated Highland Park.

For further information, including their menu and an ever growing list of Awards, do take a look at their Website.