insideKENT Magazine Issue 135 - July 2023 | Page 81

NUMBER EIGHT
MICALLEF JEWELLERS
As you are bound to wake up feeling refreshed and re-energised after a stay here , a trip into town to explore its vibrant array of shops , architecture and history is surely on the cards . Boutique shops make Sevenoaks a fabulous place to purchase gifts , including special pieces from Micallef Jewellers . A cherished Kent family jeweller since first opening in 1982 , Micallef offers an extensive range of beautifully crafted fine jewellery from gemstone necklaces and sterling silver pieces to diamond engagement rings and wedding rings . At the heart of Micallef Jewellers is their in-house workshop , at which they create bespoke items as well as repair and restore old jewellery . Mr Micallef is a Hatton- Garden-trained jeweller with over 40 years ’ experience in traditional jewellery skills and is trusted and cherished by both Kent locals and visitors from further afield . A must for anyone looking to purchase a special piece of jewellery or a lovely memento of their trip to Sevenoaks .
As well as bespoke gifts such as jewellery , Sevenoaks is also home to Coblands Garden Centre , a different but just as loved type of shopping ! Whether you ’ re stocking up on flowering beauties to make your garden gorgeous this summer , or simply having a mooch round for inspiration then a visit to Coblands is a must – serious gardener or otherwise . Supplying gardeners since 1963 when it was a plant nursery for trade customers , Coblands ’ extensive range of quality plants has since grown , and are now sourced from multiple UK growers plus their own nurseries , supplemented by a selected group of continental growers . Expect an ever-increasing range of perennials , shrubs , trees and specimen plants . Their Cornflower Café is open every day , and here you can enjoy drinks , sandwiches , pies , jacket potatoes and scrumptious cakes amongst the plants and flowers in the glasshouse . If you need a place to stop after a walk with your dogs in the area , the Cornflower Café is perfect for resting weary paws too .
Sevenoaks upon an evening continues to be a delightful spot with plenty of buzzy bars and fabulous places to eat . Sevenoaks ’ restaurant repertoire includes the spectacular Number Eight , sitting stylishly on the corner of a weatherboarded street in the town . Number Eight emits an air of cool ,
discreet confidence which effortlessly entices discerning diners in for an evening meal or indulgent lunch . Owned and run by chef and restaurateur Stuart Gillies and his wife Cecilia , their menu is a mix of modern European cuisine and traditional British fare , served in a relaxed atmosphere . A classic cosy corner bistro space with a large vibrant bar offering cocktails , draft beers and an eclectic wine selection , the á la carte menu changes regularly as does the weekly changing set menu of seasonal classics . Expect gastronomic delights such as grilled Rye Bay scallops with nduja sweetcorn and brioche crumb sitting exquisitely in their fanshaped shells . Other delicate small plates include pan-fried Scottish salmon with cauliflower puree and caper and raisin dressing laid before the diner in exquisite artistic simplicity .
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