WELCOME
There ’ s no denying that Christmas is our favourite time of year bar none at iKHQ .
Perhaps it ’ s the fact that we start planning your bumper December issue crammed with festive fun , seasonal spirits and tempting treats back in the summer … Perhaps it ' s the fact that Jerry tries to rock out her Christmas jumper as soon as September starts … Or , perhaps ( and most likely ) it ' s the fact that we are just looking for any excuse to crank up the Christmas tunes , crack open the Roses and cram in as many cocktails as possible … Either way , Christmas , we are ready for you !
This December , we are truly the proudest publishing elves in Kent , having rounded up everything you need to experience a truly wondrous Kentish Christmas . From cosy Christmas escapes , including some newbies for the new year from cover star Bloom Stays from p45 , to the perfect place for a Christmas tipple on p117 ; celebrating the wonder of traditional Kentish Christmases on p37 , and creating your own traditionally inspired abode on p164 ; right through to a mountain of ‘ how-to ’ help from p52 and tempting recipes for everything from edible gifts ( p66 ) to Christmas cocktails ( p75 ), top Christmas cuisine from some of Kent ’ s top chefs ( p107 ) and even how to lay the perfect Christmas table - see p153 for your not-to-be-missed inspo - we have it all , and more !
From festive days out from p17 - that simply must include a visit to the incredible Castlemas at Tonbridge Castle , to inspired Kentish gifts from p80 , cosy Christmas fashion picks on p147 and games to beat the board-dom ( see what we did there !) on p71 , this issue is indeed our little gift to you !
But that is not our only gift this year … Oh no !
As regular readers will know and love and newbies can now get excited for … It is time for the heralded return of ... Drum roll please … insideKENT ’ s
NEARLY ALL OF THE iK ELVES - WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
GREAT GIFT GIVEAWAY in association with Castlemas !
Step away from the eggnog , interrupt the family charades , put down the mince pie and head straight to p95 where you ’ ll find the iK present sack heaving with THE most incredible selection of Kentish Christmas prizes worth over a seasonally staggering £ 4,000 - and one lucky reader will win the lot - that ’ s right - EVERY PRIZE , all in time for Christmas !
Be sure to enter online and follow our socials to double your chances of winning - what a way to give some joy this Christmas !
Yet , this year , while the chestnuts are roasting , the carols are being sung , the wrapping mission commences , and the Gift Giveaway entries land faster than Jen ’ s inclusion on the naughty list , we are again reminded about the utter importance of giving . Not simply to our loved ones with a well thought out gift or some much needed time together , but to those in more need than our own .
This issue we have also taken the opportunity to remind all of us about how we can give back in other ways . From shopping locally and eating at an independently owned restaurant to joining a
Christmas initiative such as one of the hospice ’ s Christmas Tree recycling schemes , signing up to a charity fundraising pledge for the new year , offering an hour of your time , or simply donating what you can afford ( even if just £ 1 ) to support a small community initiative , food bank drive , local charity or national initiative , you can make a crucial difference this Christmas .
Find out more about some of the ways you can support starting on p187 and we will share all we can online in the lead up to Christmas too . Remember even the smallest help will make the biggest difference and offer more fulfilment than you can ever imagine .
We truly hope you enjoy our little page turner of Kentish Christmas love . Send you the best of luck for your competition entry ( sorry Alex , we still can ’ t let you enter !). Thank you for all of your support towards insideKENT over the last year . We wish you all a very merry , bright and happy Christmas .
From all of us here at insideKENT , Merry Kentmas ! www . insidekentmagazine . co . uk
@ insideKENT
Publisher Adam Ready Editor Samantha Ready Features Editor & Administration Manager Karlene Gannon Deputy Editor Polly Humphris Features Writer Jess Marshall Features Writer Ashleigh Britten Features Writer Olivia Riccini Senior Designer Dave Leo Yogore Graphic Designer Lorna Morris Graphic Designer Kareena Ross-Cumming Sales Manager Jen Crisp Senior Account Manager Jerry Barrett Senior Account Manager Alex Perseval Intern Mia Chapman Contributors Bloom Stays , David Ellis , Jessica Honey - Curd & Cure , RSPB , Simon Temprell Cover : Lower Standen Farm , Benenden by Bloom Stays
insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd , Coachworks , Dover Place , Ashford , Kent TN23 1HU www . sidewaysmedia . co . uk For general enquiries , please contact hello @ sidewaysmedia . co . uk or 01233 226519
For all advertising enquiries , please contact Adam Ready on 01233 226519 or email adam @ sidewaysmedia . co . uk For all editorial enquiries , press releases or news stories , please contact insidekent @ sidewaysmedia . co . uk
© Copyright 2022 . The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher . Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees , warranties or claims as to the accuracy , currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine . No part of this magazine may be copied , reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher ’ s written consent . No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial , images or photographs published . While every care is taken , prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors . Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes .
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