How to spot a Whitstable local

Whitstable locals won't tell you they're local, but there will be signs. Being from The Bubble is about more than just knowing the best places to go and most Instagrammable spots It’s about understanding the rhythm of the town and the small rituals that make it home. From keeping up with the various (and often quite flexible) opening times, to hearing first about what's going in a vacant building (bonus points if you know a guy who spoke a guy whose cousin is helping with the refit!).

Patience is a virtue

Watch for the little habits. Listen to snippets of conversation. Keep an eye on what's appearing in shop windows and on café counters... I can start you off today with this one - the seafood spring roll at Wheelers. It's on the snack menu, but only makes an occasional appearances on the counter. I think I've only been lucky enough to have 3 in 23 years, but it's still on my list of favourite foods in town and I peek through the window out of habit every time I pass. If you turn up on a day they’re on display, you have won at Whitstable. If not, console yourself with the crab and béarnaise tart and spend the rest of the afternoon wondering how good that spring roll must be if this is considered second best. Very. It is very good.

This is the only evidence I can find of the spring rolls being made, so I know I'm not going mad! You can see why the béarnaise tart is more than a boobie prize.

Find your 'taste twin'

Walking into The Offy can be a bit overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you want. There's a simple solution if you're local and that's to get to know the staff and find one who is your taste twin. Once you know who drinks what you drink, the decision process will be way easier. There’s no better feeling than taking a bottle to the till and seeing the server’s eyes light up in recognition. No words needed, just a knowing nod. The usual becomes ‘our usual’.

Follow the good ones wherever they go

If you didn't notice Dave's Deli board on your way in to The Offy, you should check it on the way out. Or just ask what that delicious smell is and have one of those. This is the smallest site since it was only the small catering van but locals know that Dave's Deli will always be Dave's Deli, wherever Dave decides to park it. Look for that daily board and just hope he hasn’t sold out yet.

'Our usual', La Battistina Gavi. That Chorizo and bean salad will sell out, be quick.

Embrace the local spirit

These examples are from a tiny part of Whitstable High Street and there are obviously so many more amazing places to visit and find your inner local. What habits do you have that show your local status wherever you live? A favourite free parking spot, the corner bench for when you want to enjoy lunch peace or a hidden coffee shop that saves you when the town is in full visitor mode...

The next time you visit, leave the 'top 10 things' list behind and instead look for the signs that the locals are giving. Listen to the conversations, peek at what's in their shopping bags and follow them down the allwyways. Read the daily specials, spo the knowing nods, listen in to conversations while you're waiting for coffee. Spend enough time paying attention and, before long, you'll find yourself giving recommendations to someone else.