CHRISTMASINKENT
As well as shops and places to eat , Rochester and Medway have several cultural hotspots to visit too . This includes The Royal Engineers museum in Gillingham , which on the weekend of 25 - 26 November , will be holding their Wartime Christmas Weekend . The museum holds a collection that has been developed by the Corps of Royal Engineers over the last 200 years and now forms one of the most important military collections in the UK . Another important cultural centre , honouring Medway ’ s maritime roots , is The Historic Dockyard Chatham . From 25 November - 24 December , the dockyard will be hosting Mission Christmas , an ultra-exciting Christmasthemed event with lots of clue solving and activities for children of all ages – with the chance to meet Father Christmas at the end !
If you ’ re feeling peckish after your adventures or shopping , Rochester is full of brilliant places to eat . For scrumptious cakes , visit Cheran ’ s Bakery , or for heartier meals pay a visit to SMOQE . Priding itself on its USA-inspired BBQ flavours that come through in everything from their carefully concocted meat rubs to artisan burgers , get ready to have your mouth watering as soon as you walk through the door . For those looking for a sit down feast ideal for everything from dates for two to big gatherings of friends and family , visit Brettingtons . A steak and lobster house , Brettingtons have devised a Christmas menu full of delicious festive takes on what they do best : lobster and steak . If you ’ re craving cocktails just as much as food , Rochester has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of stylish bars perfect for toasting Christmas drinks . Jaggers is the ideal place to do just this . As well as an array of fabulous cocktails , Jaggers also serve tapas , light bites , sweet crepes , waffles , wine and coffee – all from a suitably Dickensian building in the heart of the town .
In West Kent sits a Georgian town awash with timeless style and sophistication : Royal Tunbridge Wells . Historic architecture , boutique shops and fabulous fine dining make this glittering town a wonderful place to visit at Christmas time , with perhaps the most bustling and festive of areas being the historic Pantiles . Lined with elegant shops and overhung in places with its original ‘ musick balcony ’, this area will be aglow with Christmas lights and festive music : the ultimate backdrop for Christmas shopping and dining .
When it comes to the foodie scene in Tunbridge Wells , you will not be disappointed . Awash with eateries of all shapes , sizes and styles , enjoy plenty of bakeries , coffee shops and cafés perfect for refuelling after your shop , or preparing for a busy day ahead . For artisan coffees and divine pastries , drop into The Bicycle Bakery , or for sophisticated smoked salmon brunches alongside festive flutes of Champagne , stop by at the beautifully designed art-deco-inspired restaurant , The Ivy . Laid back lunches with flowing cocktails and craft beer on tap can be found at trendy pubs in the town such as The White Bear .
When night falls , venture out to enjoy finedining experiences , gastropubs galore and a myriad of stylish restaurants and bars . These include elegant experiences such as Thackerays , an exquisite restaurant free from pretension while being steeped in charm and history . A former residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray , the building itself is more than 300 years old and is an architectural work of art . Odd angles , sloped ceilings and off-kilter stairways make the experience here captivating from the moment you set foot over the threshold . This season , enjoy an utterly exquisite festive menu that you are certain to remember for many Christmases to come .
For those looking to make their stay in Tunbridge Wells that little bit longer , stay at the beautiful Cart Lodge which can be booked via Bloom Stays . Beautifully renovated , this open-plan lodge gives an air of space and tranquillity , with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside . The living space combines a cosy seating area where you can snuggle up to the roaring wood burning stove , which can also be enjoyed from the bedroom as it sits in the middle of both rooms ! Ultra-cosy Christmas comfort , perfect for a small family or couple . Enjoy cooking up a Christmas storm in the well equipped kitchen while enjoying casual dining at the breakfast bar , taking in the views beyond the garden .
Another beautiful Bloom Stays property perfect for Christmas comes in the form of Oast Barn in Faversham . A charming 300-year-old cottage with original features , Oast Barn is attached to the owner ' s original hop barn . Lovingly restored , the cottage creates a romantic one-bedroom retreat that ’ s ideal for couples on a festive break . Although this cosy property is set in a peaceful rural location , it is perfect for exploring the nearby market town of Faversham . When exploring this arty town with its beautiful historic architecture , visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to creative and inspiring places to visit – from shops to theatres and arts venues . These include Creek Creative , which hosts a myriad of events , exhibitions , courses and workshops . As well as this , there is an artisan shop that supports a variety of local artists and makers , perfect for picking unique Christmas gifts , plus a cute café . Another arts centre that will be hosting festive events and more is The Alexander Centre . Over the next two months , enjoy book fairs , comedy lock-ins , a Victorian Christmas fayre , artisan Christmas crafts markets , winter wreath workshops , a Christmas bazaar , a Santa ’ s grotto and more .
One of Faversham ’ s most thriving spots is Standard Quay . Festooned with fairy lights that sparkle in the water of the creek , this area is certain to be alive with merriment and good times . Stop by at Papa Bianco for a slice of famously good pizza and one of the best spicy margaritas in Kent , visit Baltic House Wine Bar for a festive “ cheers ”, or see the butcher experts at Duck and Blade for all your Christmas meats .
THE BICYCLE BAKERY
THE WHITE BEAR
CART LODGE
OAST BARN
40
PAPA BIANCO