FOOD + DRINK
COFFEE & CAKE
OUR DESIRE FOR GOOD COFFEE HAS GROWN TO INTENSE LEVELS OVER THE PAST TWENTY YEARS . GONE ARE THE DAYS WHERE A CUP OF INSTANT GRANULES COULD SUFFICE , AS EACH OF US RAPIDLY EVOLVED FURTHER INTO BEING COFFEE CONNOISSEURS WITH OUR OWN UNIQUE DESIRES . WITH A RAPIDLY GROWING PLETHORA OF INDEPENDENT COFFEE ROASTERIES AND HOUSES , EACH SERVING UP SPECIALITY BLENDS WITH UNIQUELY ROASTED BEANS FROM A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES ALONGSIDE A PLETHORA OF FRESHLY LOCALLY BAKED TREATS , POPPING UP IN ALL CORNERS OF THE COUNTY , TODAY US KENTISH FOLK ARE IN FOR A DELICIOUS CAFFEINE FIX LIKE NO OTHER !
BASKERVILLE ’ S COFFEE HOUSE
A morning without coffee for most of us means one that will feel as though something integral is missing , and until we get that satisfying , comforting caffeine hit we are not truly our best selves .
Perhaps the 90s television show Friends helped set the tone for coffee houses and how they should be , with the UK following suit and adapting their style to fit the cosy , ‘ at home ’ bare brick living room interior , complete with squashy sofas and low coffee tables . Or , maybe , it was the Italian influence that helped us along the way with their appreciation of espressos and how they should be drunk quickly and regularly at the bar before going about the rest of a busy day . Whatever influences have shaped the way we appreciate coffee here in Kent , one thing is for certain ; the ambience of the venue in which you sip this all-important drink should be just as good as the coffee you are tasting .
As always , Kent has been blessed with the creativity of coffee entrepreneurs ; from inventive young hipsters to food industry veterans , there are coffee shops aplenty to feed our need for that heartening break which will undoubtedly recharge us . From arty seaside hangouts to characterful high street havens with crooked beams and low ceilings , the towns of Kent have a collection of coffee houses which are sure to bring pleasure and joy , as well as a slice of delicious , fluffy cake , the ideal partner to go hand in hand with an essential cup of goodness .
Here are some of insideKENT ’ s top spots :
Baskerville ’ s Coffee House , Maidstone www . baskervillescoffeehouse . net
An award-winning , dog friendly , coffee house in Allington , Maidstone , Baskerville ’ s Coffee House was born out of owner Teresa ’ s passion for good food and amazing coffee . ‘ I always knew I wanted to run a friendly and welcoming coffee house . When Baskerville ’ s was put up for sale , I fell in love with it and it seemed the perfect place to start my exciting new venture .’
With a love of dogs as well as a love of coffee , Teresa decided Baskerville ' s would welcome dogs and coffee lovers alike . Now even offering homemade afternoon tea for dogs , Baskervilles is a quirky hub for locals to gather together and enjoy good food and company . Holding different events , from Dog Therapy to free Makaton lessons and even a Dementia Café , the community spirit here is as strong as the coffee they brew .
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