FOOD + DRINK
FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING
A SELECTION OF THE BEST , MOST WELCOMING AND FUN PLACES TO DINE AS A FAMILY , RIGHT HERE IN KENT .
BY CHARLIE BOND
Eating out as a family can be a delightful experience and a shared memory for all the right reasons - but finding the ideal balance between fine dining and familyfriendly can often prove a challenge .
With kids in tow , Michelin-starred eateries might be out , but that doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t enjoy a gastronomic adventure with the whole family , you just need to know where to go ( and which eateries serve food quickly enough to satiate little tummies !).
From superb Sunday roasts to bountiful brunch spots , pop-up eateries and afternoon teas , whether you ’ ve got toddlers or teens at the table , this county serves up a plethora of foodie hotspots for the whole family to indulge in .
We ’ ve collated 10 of the finest foodie locations across the county for you to visit , so that over the summer holidays you ’ ll never be short of somewhere to grab a bite , no-matter the time of day .
FOR BREAKFAST
The Trough , Cranbrook charityfarmcountrystore . co . uk
Part of the Charity Farm Countrystore just outside of Cranbrook is The Trough - a charming cafe which opened in 2023 and has been created by repurposing as many materials from around the farm as possible .
With a very reasonably priced menu , The Trough is an ideal spot to begin the day in . As well as a ‘ piglets ’ kids breakfast menu , if you ’ ve got even littler ones you can order them the likes of beans and toast from the ‘ breakfast sides ’ menu for just £ 2 .
For grown-ups , there ’ s everything from pancakes and waffles to chorizo hash and a full English . All breakfasts are under £ 12 and once you ’ ve finished your meal , there ’ s plenty to see and do , from the nursery with ample seasonal plants to the farm shop , selling local food and drink .
FOR BRUNCH
Grays Cafe , Brenchley grays-cafe . com
With kids , getting out of the house in time for breakfast can often be a battle , so take your time and opt for a hearty brunch instead .
Grays Cafe is a delightful cafe found in Brenchley village just outside of Tunbridge Wells , and it ’ s perfect for eating as a family because in addition to its extensive menu , it also has a playroom where kids can be occupied - giving parents a few moments of respite .
Kids can tuck into the ‘ Baby Brenchley ’ brunch for under £ 5 , then let younger family members burn off some energy in the play area .
FOR LUNCH
Il Posticino , Canterbury ilposticino . co . uk
If you ’ re looking for a cuisine that every family member will like , then you can ’ t go far wrong with Italian . Serving up everything from pasta dishes to pan-fried prawns , this cosy , rustic and friendly authentic Italian restaurant is sure to delight even younger diners . For kids , there ’ s an extensive offering too ; choose from pizzettas , pasta , calamari , chicken and more , and when that ’ s all gone , follow it up with a generous scoop of gelato .
FOR AFTERNOON TEA
Fleur de Thé , Rochester fleurdethe . co . uk / afternoon-tea
Rochester ’ s Fleur de Thé is famed for its afternoon teas , but their exclusive children ’ s afternoon tea offering means that the whole family can enjoy a mix of sweet and savoury treats .
Adults can choose from the afternoon tea which includes homemade sandwiches , cakes and unlimited tea and coffee for £ 25.50 , or upgrade to the sparkling afternoon tea where you ’ ll also be able to sip on a glass of Prosecco (£ 32.50 ).
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