Consider the 10-minute drive (or hour’s coastal walk) west through Seasalter to The Sportsman something of an epicurean pilgrimage. The surrounding marshes flecked with grazing sheep backed by the Thames Estuary set the stage for this Michelin-starred “grotty boozer by the sea” (as dubbed by self-taught chef Stephen Harris). Featuring marsh lamb, razor clams and seaweed butter, menus are an homage to the terroir – Harris has been known to make salt from the seawater. Book as far in advance as possible.

If you don’t visit Wheeler’s, have you really been to Whitsable? Yes, you’ve probably seen it’s pale-pink exterior on a few influencers’ Instagram feeds. And yes, you’ll have to brave crowds in summer. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The town’s oldest restaurant serves the best, market-fresh seafood. Sit in the Oyster Parlour at the front or the Seafood Bar (book ahead) to dig in to a short menu featuring the likes of Guinness tempura oysters and lobster lasagne. Note: it’s BYOB. Grab something chilled and white from The Offy opposite before heading in. For a quieter, on-the-beach affair, try The Lobster Shack or The Forge on the Sea Wall instead.

Fish and chips are the fuel of any self-respecting British seaside town. Queues of locals have snaked out the door of this no-frills, family-run chippie since it opened in the 50s, a testament to the flakiness of its battered cod and the eye-rolling deliciousness of its chips fried in beef dripping. Vegetarians: the chips at Ossie’s on the harbour are a good second.

An ode to Kent’s bounty of fish, meat and seasonal produce, Samphire serves modern British sharing plates from daily-changing menus scrawled on blackboards. At its helm? Head Chef Billy Stock, formerly of St John, The Marksman and Rochelle Canteen. Expect plates as nostalgic as kedgeree and fish pie and as adventurous as miso-and-chilli mackerel or marsh lamb with rosehip harissa. The restaurant’s black-and-gold art-deco exterior may look slick, but the vibe is pretty chill.

When you’ve had your fill of fish, chips and oysters, make a beeline for this winkle-sized tapas joint where seafood-focused small plates take their cue from the culinary traditions of Spain. It goes without saying that its blistered padron peppers and thick tortilla are a must-order. We couple ours with jamon croquetas, grilled prawns and butterflied sardines, followed by Basque cheesecake. Buen provecho.