FOOD + DRINK
ALFRESCO DINING IN KENT CONT .
The Old Dairy Café at Goodnestone Park and Gardens www . goodnestonepark . co . uk / old-dairy-cafe
Set in the stunning and vast grounds of the grand stately home Goodnestone Park , The Old Dairy Café is a beautiful addition to this home that was first built in 1704 and frequently visited by legendary author Jane Austen . The magnificent grounds have undergone many impressive changes since , making Goodnestone Park among the top choice of gardens to visit in Kent - and who doesn ’ t love a gorgeous garden in summer ?
As the name suggests , The Old Dairy Café can be found in one of the original estate dairies . Converted in 2017 , it has retained the original features of the building , and today , the café team is headed up by chef Chris Larman and his partner Sue , both local to the area . The café includes a beautiful indoor seating area with plenty of space as well as additional outdoor tables within the sunny courtyard . Perfect for afternoon tea , the café ’ s home-baked cakes and scones are hugely popular , including Victoria sponge , coffee and walnut , lemon drizzle and vanilla shortbread among many others . Along with this , the café has a barista coffee machine serving all the coffee shop favourites .
On hot days , make the most of their selection of soft drinks which include sparkling rhubarb and elderflower from Kent ’ s Kingsdown Water , and their own famous Goodnestone Park apple juice . The café is licensed , serving wine and beers from established local brands including Chapel Down and Shepherd Neame , and also welcomes dogs in all areas excluding the walled garden .
Balfour Winery at the Hush Heath Estate , Staplehurst www . balfourwinery . com
One of Kent ’ s most beautiful vineyards is situated on the Hush Heath Estate , home to Balfour Winery . A beautiful Tudor estate right in the heart of Kent , Hush Heath and Balfour encapsulates everything that makes Kent winemaking wonderful , from the beauty of the vineyards to the final product itself - a delectable glass of wine .
THE OLD DAIRY CAFÉ
The estate comprises 400-acres of manicured vineyards , apple orchards , wildflower meadows and ancient oak woodland rich in flora and fauna . Sustainability and conservation are of paramount importance and reflected in the practices used across the estate . This summer , Balfour invites guests to eat with them while enjoying the stunning surroundings . Offering estate platters made with delicious and seasonal local produce , Balfour have included local Kentish charcuterie , seafood , cheese and vegetarian options , all served with olives , quince jam , flatbread and crackers . These are available to add to vineyard and winery tour experiences or to enjoy alongside a self-guided tasting .
Ship and Trades , Chatham www . shipandtradeschatham . co . uk
Boasting a beautiful marina setting and a stylish modern design , the Ship and Trades is a unique place to dine , drink and stay in Chatham . With a gorgeous contemporary bar and restaurant overlooking one of the yacht basins at the former Royal Naval Dockyard , guests can enjoy extensive waterfront seating offering panoramic views across the River Medway to historic Upnor Castle . The views are every bit as special from the inside , with a glass-paneled wraparound restaurant serving up supreme marina vistas alongside delicious fresh food . In the bar meanwhile , you can feast your eyes on an extensive range of local cask ales , world wines and international lagers - all kept and served to the highest standard . Bask in the sunshine at the edge of the river while enjoying some of Kent ’ s finest ales and admiring the boats bobbing on the water .
BALFOUR WINERY
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