CULINARY
FOOD + DRINK
CANTERBURY
A CITY THAT HAS WELCOMED PILGRIMS FOR CENTURIES , TODAY CANTERBURY ALSO WELCOMES THE GASTRO-PILGRIM . HERE , YOU ’ LL FIND PLACES OF EPICUREAN JOY WITH INNOVATIVE MENUS INSPIRED BY LOCAL PRODUCE SET TO SATISFY EVEN THE MOST WELL-TRAVELLED OF FOODIES .
herd .
A place famous for its magnificent cathedral , it is this towering landmark that majestically absorbs the city skyline and that Canterbury has to thank for putting it on the world map . Known as one of England ’ s loveliest cathedral cities , ask any stranger to Canterbury what they know about it and the cathedral is likely to be the first thing they mention . This monument , which soars above the city ’ s sturdy flint walls that have stood protecting it for centuries , was founded around 597 AD by St Augustine , a missionary from Rome . Before his death just seven years later , St Augustine had converted large numbers of the native Saxons to Christianity , thus making Canterbury the seat of the mother church of the Anglicans and the home of England ’ s Archbishop .
Perhaps Canterbury ’ s most famous Archbishop is Thomas Becket , to whom ’ s treacherous murder the cathedral played the stage . Today , visitors can follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims that have travelled here across the centuries just to lay eyes upon a simple stone marking where this historic saint died . The Altar of the Swordpoint is another feature of religious and historic magnitude , commemorating where the sword of one of his assassins shattered on the stone floor . A compact city , a short walk in any direction from the beautiful cathedral grounds will bring you not only into contact with some part of Canterbury ’ s rich history and culture , but also some fabulous fine-dining fixes and foodie treasures .
Although still a place of mighty religious importance , Canterbury is now also renowned for being a centre for the arts . Canterbury Festival and St Edmund ’ s Festival are two of the city ' s main events , during which a varied programme of music , drama , dance , film , exhibitions , talks , walks and community events take place . Among the many places that host some of these inspiring events are Canterbury ’ s brilliant theatres . These include the Gulbenkian Theatre , The Malthouse and
Canterbury ’ s biggest theatrical venue : The Marlowe Theatre . Before taking in a show , visitors to Canterbury can take their pick from the eclectic array of restaurants that call the city home including herd .. An effortlessly stylish , contemporary restaurant , herd . is set in a building which was once an old cinema . With beautiful art-deco architecture still remaining , amidst thoughtfully designed ontrend interiors , diners can choose to sip one of the ingenious signature cocktails from an extensive list at the bar , before getting an Insta-worthy picture in herd .’ s famous statement cowhide chairs . Offering a pre-theatre lunch , hungry theatregoers will not go wrong when eating here . Start with the likes of braised short rib croquette served with wasabi mayo , sesame and nori before moving onto a herd . speciality : ribeye steak with garlic and Parmesan fries . Desserts include the very best sticky toffee pudding you ’ ll ever taste that comes with smoky bourbon sauce and honeycomb ice cream , and lemon meringue baked Alaska with berry sorbet .
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