Kumquat Awarded Prestigious Two AA Rosettes

One of The Pantiles’ much-loved independent restaurants, Kumquat, has achieved a significant milestone after being awarded Two AA Rosettes, recognising the exceptional quality of its food and dining experience.

The award marks the culmination of four years of dedication, creativity and hard work from owners Alex and his family, who have built Kumquat from the ground up since opening in The Pantiles.

As a true family-run business, every aspect of the restaurant has been shaped by their hands and passion – from creating dishes and developing menus to cooking, serving guests and managing the day-to-day operation. Alongside growing the business, the family has also navigated the challenges of raising two children and supporting their daughter through significant health issues.

We are delighted to make Live At The Pantiles free to attend this year, creating an inclusive and accessible event that brings the community together. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy outstanding live music, soak up the unique atmosphere of The Pantiles, whilst supporting the diverse mix of hospitality, retail and independent businesses based here.

The team at Kumquat

The latest accolade adds to an impressive list of recent achievements for the restaurant, including:

• Two AA Rosettes
• Top 100 Asian Restaurants in the UK
• Best Pan-Asian Restaurant in the UK
• Regional Chef of the Year (London & South East) – Alex Boyd

Kumquat’s success story is closely linked to The Pantiles itself. The original idea to open an Asian restaurant in this historic setting was encouraged by former Pantiles manager Paul Burnett, and since opening, the restaurant has become a popular destination for both local residents and visitors alike.

The team believes these awards not only celebrate Kumquat’s achievements but also highlight The Pantiles as a destination for outstanding independent hospitality.

At The Pantiles, we are incredibly proud to have businesses such as Kumquat as part of our community. Their commitment to excellence, innovation and exceptional customer experiences continues to enhance the reputation of The Pantiles as one of Kent’s premier destinations for dining, entertainment and culture.

We congratulate Alex and the entire Kumquat family on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing their continued success in the years ahead.