CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY CONT .
Another attribute to Canterbury that offers sanctuary , but also brilliant breakfast , brunches and superb coffee is Refectory Kitchen ( www . refectorykitchen . com ). Whether you are after a full English breakfast , vegan pancakes , coffee or cocktails , this eatery owned by two brothers passionate about food is sure to have whatever you are craving to gear you up for a day in Canterbury . Breakfast and brunch dishes include the Refectory rancher - two grilled sausage patties with avocado , poached eggs , toasted English muffin and chipotle hollandaise sauce . Or , if you are seeking a healthier option , blood orange and coconut overnight oats - Scottish oats soaked overnight in fresh orange juice and finished with Greek yoghurt , honey , blood orange , grated apple and coconut make for a tasty alternative .
Canterbury is not only well known for its history , it is of course famously good for shopping and home to celebrated and opulent department store Fenwick ( www . fenwick . co . uk ). Offering an answer to all your Christmas gift prayers , Fenwick is hard to miss with its glittering and artistically designed window displays which call out to shoppers of all kinds . With a shiny array of quality cosmetic brands , luxury perfumes and bountiful make-up counters , you are certain to find a gift for those that love those little luxuries , or even a Christmas treat for yourself . For those looking to spend a little more on gifts , Fenwick also offers a vintage designer handbag collection , which includes pieces from major fashion houses such as Chanel , Louis Vuitton , Burberry and more . You can shop reassured as the sales team at Fenwick are always on hand to advise and assist in every department from the fantastical toyshop to cookware and fashions , all of which stock high-end , quality brands to bring style and sophistication to you , your family and home . Canterbury is also home to a plethora of independent boutiques and gift shops that are sure to offer up further gift solutions . Wrapped ! ( www . instagram . com / wrapped . shop ) in Burgate have a meticulously selected collection of gifts , from plush JellyCat toys to pot plants and stationery . The Kings Mile ( www . thekingsmile . org . uk ), nestled in the shadows of the cathedral ’ s spires , is home to the eclectic independent quarter which includes lots of indie shops on Sun Street , Palace Street , Guildhall Street and Orange Street . A unique example is fair trade craft and gift shop Siesta ( www . siestacrafts . co . uk ). A Canterbury treasure for over 20 years , Siesta deals in unusual and interesting gifts , musical instruments and clothing from around the world - great for stocking fillers and those that love a wacky or unexpected gift .
Opposite Siesta on Orange Street , you will find Chocolate Café ( www . instagram . com / eletochocolatecafe ). A bohemian-inspired interior dream and the perfect haven for coffee and chocolate lovers alike , guests at Chocolate Café can gaze upon the cathedral from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the warmth , sipping delicious Italian coffee or deluxe hot chocolate made from fairtrade cocoa . You can also buy exquisite Belgian chocolates to eat while you ’ re there or individually selected to give to a friend . Chocolate Café are also big on red wine , so if you find yourself there in the evening , you can gaze upon the city lights with a glass in hand and even sit outside with one of their blankets to keep you warm . For those looking for a ‘ forever ’ gift that will be an investment and family heirloom , as well as a present this Christmas , visit Cousins Jewellers ( www . bcousins . co . uk ) which is also situated in this independent corner of Canterbury . A family run retail jewellery business , Cousins owns a mesmerising selection of fine jewellery , which includes vintage and bespoke pieces - simply perfect for those milestone occasions that you may wish to mark this Christmas such as engagements and anniversaries . Another gift-shop treasure is Platform ( www . platformshop . co . uk ), which sits beside the railway tracks in St Dunstans . Specialising in handmade goods from Kent and beyond , Platform is stocked full of cherishable , quality gifts from coasters , vases and artworks to jewellery , ceramics and bath and body items .
Canterbury is also a spectacular place to be in the evening ; with a lively nightlife scene that includes a host of bars and pubs , there is plenty to do in this friendly city when dusk falls . Named after the Elizabethan playwright of whom Canterbury was the birthplace , The Marlowe Theatre ( www . marlowetheatre . com ) is a magnificent venue in which to take in a show . This Christmas , The Marlowe proudly presents a fun-filled family pantomime : Sleeping Beauty starring TV favourite , Ore Oduba ( Strictly ), West End superstar Carrie Hope Fletcher ( Andrew Lloyd Webber ’ s Cinderella ), Jennie Dale ( CBeebies ’ Swashbuckle ), Marlowe legend Ben Roddy and rising star Max Fulham ( Crackerjack ). Once again , the show will be written and directed by the award-winning Paul Hendy and produced by the same team behind the five-star box office smash-hit , Jack And The Beanstalk , which won Best Pantomime at the 2022 Pantomime Awards .
With an array of wonderful restaurants in which to dine , from chain favourites to marvellous independent eateries , foodies of all tastes are certain to find a mouthwatering evening meal in Canterbury . For those that are taking in a show , Canterbury ' s newest destination steak restaurant , herd . ( www . herdcanterbury . co . uk ) has launched an innovative , affordable and delicious new lunch and pre-theatre menu . The recommended restaurant of the Malthouse Theatre ( www . malthousetheatre . co . uk ), steps away from The Marlowe and primely situated for the Gulbenkian ( www . thegulbenkian . co . uk ), herd .’ s latest dining experience is priced at just £ 25 for two courses or £ 30 for three . Highlights include braised short rib croquette with miso aioli and pickled shallot ; Josper-roasted prawns with chilli , ginger and lime ; chicken Caesar supreme with charred baby gem , anchovy mayonnaise , crispy onions , Parmesan crisp and herb pangrattato ; a classic herd . burger with cheese , pickles , herd sauce , brioche and rosemary fries ; grilled cured mackerel with sesame roast tenderstem broccoli and herb split buttermilk sauce ; and the best sticky toffee pudding you ’ ll ever eat . Situated in a stunning art-deco building reimagined for modern city living , herd . is certain to satisfy both your appetite and eyes before a show and also offers a beautifully crafted cocktail menu to really get your evening going .
COUSINS JEWELLERS
© Grace J . Elliott
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