KENTSTAYCATION
DISCOVER Swale CONT .
MACKNADE
READS RESTAURANT
MOUNT EPHRAIM
THE RED LION AT BADLESMERE
Lunchtime Spots
Voted Shepherd Neame ’ s ‘ Best Food Pub of the Year 2019 ’, The Dove at Dargate ( www . dovedargate . co . uk ) is a stunning gastropub offering an award-winning menu of fresh , seasonal and local produce that is presented to the highest of standards by talented chefs that regularly change the innovative menu . Available at the bar is a range of premium beers , ales and spirits and a selection of the finest English and international wines perfect for cosying up next to the log burning fire with .
Not only a great spot for a light lunch , a trip to Macknade Faversham ( www . macknade . com ) is a day out in itself . Bringing together the best of Kent and Italy to represent founder Stefano ’ s heritage , the talented buyers of Macknade have meticulously sourced an abundance of high quality , delicious food products , each item clearly being studied , tasted , tried and tested before it reaches Macknade ’ s vibrantly stocked shelves . Before you purchase anything , sit down in the rustic café and select one of the sharing platters such as ‘ Best of Macknade ’ to truly get a taste of what is on offer there . Whether it be an Italian jar of ‘ mostrada ’, a zesty cheese from a local dairy or a sweet juice made from Kentish apples , you are sure to walk away pleased with a purchase from Macknade .
Evening Dining
Set in an elegant Georgian manor house surrounded by tranquil grounds with lawns shaded by lofty cedar , weeping willow and horse chestnut trees , Reads Restaurant ( www . reads . com ) has a widespread reputation founded on the distinctive cooking of chef David Pitchford . David ’ s seasonal dishes blend herbs and vegetables from the manor ’ s own walled kitchen garden with local game and fish fresh from the quayside at nearby Whitstable and Hythe , with each dish complemented by an extensive wine list which balances European classics with an imaginative selection from the New World .
A traditional , cosy village pub complete with exposed brick walls and hops hanging from the ceiling , The Red Lion at Badlesmere ( www . redlionbadlesmere . com ) offers a delightful menu to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements . All food on the delicious menu is Coeliac UK accredited ,
100 % gluten free and made from fresh local produce . Swig a local ale as you absorb the cosy atmosphere and wait for a main dish such as chargrilled 28-day matured steak or roasted sea bass fillet with sautéed potatoes and seasonal fresh green vegetables .
A Sneaky Staycation Extra
Another spot not to miss in Faversham is The Yard , ( www . yardfaversham . co . uk ). A cool and inviting foodie hideaway in beautiful Faversham Mews , the café which calls itself a ‘ low-impact living inconvenience store ’ offers locally grown , herbicideand pesticide-free wholefood and drink in the form of comforting , homemade seasonal dishes . For history and garden lovers , discover Mount Ephraim ( www . mountephraimgardens . co . uk ) among 10 acres of beautiful Edwardian terraced gardens . A Victorian Grade II listed manor house , guests can stay in one of the five gorgeously designed luxury rooms with unlimited access to the gardens outside of opening times , or simply visit for the day to take in the gardens , lake , stop for tea and cake in the tearoom and buy fruit freshly picked from the Dawes ’ family orchards .
For more inspiration for planning your ultimate Kent Staycation , visit www . kentstaycation . co . uk kentstaycation .
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