IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KENTSTAYCATION
48 Hours in ROCHESTER CONT .
BISTRO M
NO . 64 COFFEE AND BRUNCH THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM
LUNCH Perhaps a cuisine that some of us are yet to be acquainted with , Bistro M ( www . bistrom . co . uk ) serves authentic Russian dishes following recipes passed down from generations of family . Carefully prepared in-house by passionate chefs from locally sourced , fresh and seasonal ingredients , guests can enjoy everything from a comforting bowl of beef stroganoff to a delicious slice of ‘ medovik ’ Russian honey cake . For guests wanting to sample the very best delicacies on the menu , select the ‘ Tsar Afternoon Tea ’, which comes with a delectable selection of traditional Russian bites and cakes . The samovar is constantly simmering and Bistro M is always ready to welcome you with a glass of caravan tea and traditional Russian food .
AFTERNOON As a place that was very close to Charles Dickens ' heart and one which featured so prominently in his life , Rochester has embraced the world of this iconic English author with tributes , museums and experiences that honour his life and works . Rochester Guildhall Museum ( www . visitmedway . org / attractions / rochester-guildhallmuseum-2132 ) delves into the details of Dickens ’ life with their brand new exhibition The Making of Mr Dickens , from which visitors can enjoy an exciting and immersive journey through the author ’ s time in Medway . It explores the people and places that shaped his complex personal and public life and that were also the inspiration behind some of the bestloved stories in English literature . Another ode to Dickens is Restoration House ( www . restorationhouse . co . uk ), a unique amalgamation of two medieval buildings which were combined in the late 16th century to create a beautiful mansion house and also the inspiration behind the home of Miss Havisham from Great Expectations . Baggins Book Bazaar ( www . bagginsbooks . co . uk ) is another Dickensian attribute to Rochester and one of England ’ s largest second-hand bookshops .
DINNER Celebrated not only as a restaurant but as a Conservation Award winner , The George Vaults ( www . georgevaults . com ) was once a vaulted crypt dating back to AD 1325 . The 54-ft long , 16-ft wide and 11-ft high chamber with four quadripartite vaults is now an enthralling yet fashionable place to dine in the historic town , from where gorgeous food can be consumed and a hugely atmospheric part of ancient history can be enjoyed . A talented team of brasserie chefs work closely with local suppliers to create mouth-watering seasonal specials and tempting dishes throughout the year to suit everyone ’ s palate and appetite . After choosing from the vast array of decadent cocktails in the bar , try the chargrilled lamb leg steak with sun-blushed tomato , cous cous , feta and olive salad and finish with a speciality banoffee pie topped with salted caramel fudge crunch .
Where To Stay
BUDGET Bridgewood Manor Hotel and Spa ( www . bridgewoodmanorhotel . com ) From £ 73 per night A charming four-star hotel in Chatham , Bridgewood Manor has excellent amenities including stunning spa facilities , a swimming pool and a well-equipped health club . Stay in one of their luxurious suites that are beautifully decorated and come complete with spacious lounge areas and 24-hour room service .
SPEND Ship and Trades , St Mary ’ s Island , Chatham ( www . shipandtradeschatham . co . uk ) From £ 95 per night Boasting a beautiful marina setting and a stylish modern design , Ship and Trades is a unique place to dine , drink and stay in Chatham . Situated on the waterfront and overlooking one of the yacht basins at the former Royal Naval Dockyard , Ship and Trades offers guests panoramic views across the River Medway . There are 15 beautiful boutique bedrooms , each stylishly designed with a nod to the
location ’ s nautical heritage and promising some of the best accommodation in Chatham .
SPLURGE Tonge Barn Hotel , Sittingbourne ( www . tongebarn . co . uk ) From £ 119 per night Tonge Barn is a Grade II listed 17th-century barn which has recently been converted into spacious and comfortable en-suite accommodation . Each individually designed room has modern amenities and views of the beautifully landscaped private gardens which are surrounded by picturesque countryside to make for a truly unforgettable stay .
Day Two
BREAKFAST Located in the neighbouring maritime town of Chatham , No . 64 Coffee and Brunch ( www . facebook . com / no64coffeeandbrunch ) is not only the perfect place for morning people watching on the High Street , but also a haven for brunch and breakfast connoisseurs . If you are feeling healthy , select a tasty fresh buddha bowl ; if you are wanting something savoury No . 64 serve an array of delicacies on toast that go further than just avocado ; and for those wanting something sweet and light , a breakfast pastry matches perfectly with a cup of their freshly ground coffee . Breakfast bliss .
MORNING Let your heart set sail through the tides of history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham ( www . thedockyard . co . uk ) and return to the ‘ age of sail ’ when the Dockyard built mighty ships that mastered the world ’ s oceans . Visitors can test their sea legs as they marvel at HMS Ocelot , a Cold War submarine , explore HMS Cavalier , a Second World War destroyer , or walk the deck of HMS Gannet , a marvellous Victorian sloop . Another great section of the dockyard is the Victorian Ropery at which visitors can watch master ropemakers at work using centuries-old techniques .
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