A contemporary building with the character of an established restaurant, the Mulberry Tree might seem rather contrary, but owner Karen Williams knows exactly what she’s doing. With help from the kitchen team, she delivers a cleverly pitched experience that’s firmly rooted but sufficiently outward-looking to sustain interest. Drinks in the courtyard might be followed by chicken liver
parfait sweetened with Biddenden honey and caramelised apple purée, or crisp whitebait with garlicky mayo for dunking. Main courses with quietly offbeat details – Broadstairs brill with crispy
chicken wings or pork belly with cauliflower cheese, croquettes and pickle jus – satisfy a smart crowd who are willing to travel in search of somewhere that really cares. Glamorous decor makes it
feel like a night out, while the cat purring at the window makes it feel like a night in.