FOOD + DRINK
Sweets for my Sweet cont ...
At the iconic Canterbury store , visitors can build their own box of treats , with five delicious slices for just £ 22 . Freshly made to order , flavour options include strawberry cheesecake , sea salted caramel and creamy coconut vegan fudge . With more options in-store , we ’ d recommend looking out for their chocolate cherry gateau fudge and classic caramels . Be sure to check out the fudge-making experiences on their website , too .
MOST ECO-FRIENDLY … Vegan Antics , Gravesend veganantics . co . uk
Established in a small kitchen in 2015 , Vegan Antics is Kent ’ s first vegan bakery , with a passion to give the world a taste of their vegan baked goods . Available to order across the UK for delivery or collection , Vegan Antics have an ever-expanding range of cakes , cookies , pastries and savoury treats on their menu . Never ones to compromise on quality , customers often claim they prefer the vegan versions of their favourite sweet treats . Popular items on the menu include their blueberry compote pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream , as well as their hot fudge brownie bites and lotus biscoff milkshakes made with Swish™ vegan Mr Whippy ice cream .
Committed to only using bio-degradable and recyclable packaging , Vegan Antics operate under an eco-friendly promise to work towards a cleaner , healthier and more sustainable future . A pillar of Kent ’ s plant-based scene , Vegan Antics is worth a visit for anyone looking to enjoy something sweet and do the world a little good while they ’ re at it .
BEST FROZEN SWEET TREATS … Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium , Whitstable bearsicecream . co . uk
Standing proudly on Whitstable High Street is Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium , an ice cream parlour serving the ultimate creative experience with each scoop . With soft serve treats , artisanally churned flavours , ice cream cake slices and cookies on offer , it ’ s no wonder they ‘ ve crowned themselves the UK ’ s most original ice cream parlour . At Bears Ice Cream , every single one of their recipes is developed in-house from scratch using the highest quality ingredients from The Garden of England . From plant-based flavours to scoops and soft serve , they believe in inspiring originality when it comes to ice cream making .
Offering more than just the usual vanilla , chocolate and strawberry , Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium have just about every unique flavour combination you can think of . From miso and buttered pecans to blueberry and lavender jam with meringue , it ’ s easy to get lost in the options . Though , for those with a little imagination , their soft serve is a delicious and creamy vessel for whatever creations your tastebuds can concoct . This
Valentine ’ s Day , Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium is launching their chocolate coated Share Bear , which will be available for a limited time - so why not head on over ?
BEST FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS … Olimpia Greek Bakery , Margate @ olimpiamargate
Serving up authentic Greek pastries with indulgent coffee , Olimpia Greek Bakery is a family-run bakery in the arts-centric town of Margate . Bright and airy with kind and welcoming staff , the bakery is a well-loved spot for locals wanting to enjoy a little slice of Greece from the Kentish coastline . Treats on offer include caramel eclairs , tiramisu and customer favourite , cherry tarts , as well as traditional Greek treats such as cheese and spinach pies and buttery baklava . For a quick on-the-go lunch , customers can find freshly made sandwiches or choose to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with a slice of homemade cake .
With sandy beaches , a stunning gallery and one of Kent ’ s best amusement parks , Margate is the ideal place to spend a day out with the family , and what better way to do so than by supporting one of Kent ’ s best family-run businesses ? Open from 6am to 8pm seven days a week , Olimpia Greek Bakery is a place on the high street you simply shouldn ’ t walk past .
BEST SWEET-THEMED EXPERIENCE … Chocolate Making Workshop for Two at Atelier Chocolate Studio , Cranbrook atelierchocolates . com
Last but certainly not least , this wouldn ’ t be a lineup of the best sweet treats in Kent without telling you where to get in on the action . At Atelier Chocolate Studio in Cranbrook , couples can book a fun-filled three-hour class during which they learn to craft a variety of delectable chocolate treats . Guided by Atelier ’ s founder and chocolatier , Molly , couples can explore the art of making chocolate bars , truffles , lollipops and French mendiants . Collaborative and hands-on , this workshop teaches the secrets to making glossy tempered chocolate bars and melt-in-yourmouth truffles , with plenty of opportunities to customise each one-of-a-kind chocolate .
For both creatives and chocolate lovers looking to have an exciting day out , the workshops take place at Atelier ’ s Chocolate Studio in Cranbrook , a high-end chocolate boutique that creates small batch , handcrafted artisanal chocolates . As well as a complimentary drink - and , of course , a box of handmade chocolates - attendees receive a 25 % discount on all purchases within the shop on the day of the event . Crafting sweet memories to last a lifetime , Atelier ’ s Chocolate Making Workshop for Two is the perfect present for Valentine ’ s Day this year .
THE BLUE PELICAN
66 • www . insidekent . co . uk