Susie
FOOD + DRINK
ROWHILL GRANGE out upon gardens of flourishing summer blooms, each of this chic hotel and spa’ s afternoon tea settings are equal parts idyllic, stylish and wonderfully enhanced by the warmest hospitality. Gather loved ones, escape to the Kentish countryside and tuck into a wide array of tasty sandwiches on freshly baked bread and decadent macarons, all handmade by the venue’ s exceptional pastry chefs. Complete your dining experience with a quenching gin and tonic from local distillery Copper Rivet, or opt to make a day of it and book an expert treatment and dip in the Romanesque splitlevel pool at the tranquil Utopia Spa.
The Wealden Pullman at The Kent & East Sussex Railway, Northiam kesr. org. uk
An afternoon tea experience with a difference; don’ t miss the opportunity to climb aboard a painstakingly restored 1920’ s Pullman train and be transported back in time to the wonder of The Golden Age of Travel. Departing from Northiam station on select dates throughout the year and travelling through Bodiam and Tenterden before returning through the scenic Rother Valley, the Wealden Pullman will take passengers on a one-of-a-kind journey as professional train staff dressed in authentic period uniforms serve guests an excellent three-course sparkling afternoon tea, which has all been freshly prepared on board. Throughout their journey, guests will be poured two glasses of Kentish sparkling wines and, to maintain the elegance and tradition of this renowned locomotive, are asked to dress formally, with gentlemen requested to wear a tie fit for the wonderful occasion.
Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham handpickedhotels. co. uk / chilstonpark
Located just outside of Maidstone in the town of Lenham, Chilston Park Hotel is an outstanding 17th-century manor house set amidst lush gardens that oozes charm and opulence. Holding English traditions and warm hospitality dear, the hotel’ s afternoon tea promises to be just as luxurious as the country house itself and is served in the stunning Marble Lounge under glistening chandeliers and surrounded by ornate architecture and lavish furnishings. Allowing guests to truly unwind and dine in style, this award-winning hotel makes for a perfect choice for those looking for a splendid location to celebrate a special occasion. Guests with a taste for tea are in for a treat as, alongside a divinely layered feast complete with fresh tarts, glorious choux and creamy mousse, Chilston boasts 13 loose-leaf tea varieties featuring classics such as Earl Grey and peppermint to the more unusual orange blossom and Chilston’ s exclusive calm blend.
RAISE A GLASS TO
ENGLISH WINE WEEK
It doesn’ t get much slower than winemaking. We’ re talking years of pruning, harvesting, fermenting, ageing, bottling – and even then, you’ ve got to wait a bit longer before you can actually drink the stuff. It’ s the ultimate slow art, crafted by people who’ ve dedicated their lives to getting it just right. Luckily for us, Kent is overflowing with award-winning vineyards.
English Wine Week( 15 – 23 June) is the perfect excuse to explore what’ s right on our doorstep. Start at Woodchurch, nestled in the Weald, known for its crisp, elegant sparkling wines and sweeping views across the countryside. Then there’ s Nine Oaks, a small-but-mighty vineyard near Tenterden producing still wines with serious style. Over in Harrietsham, Wildshark Vineyard is named after the white sharks and megalodon sharks that swam in vast numbers when the North Downs was just a bed at the bottom of a vast ocean.
Chartham Vineyard is a must-visit, especially if you’ re a fan of art as well as wine. They’ ve got an ever-changing gallery space showcasing local artists, and they’ re literally next door to Chartham train station – making it dangerously easy to visit without worrying about driving home. Woolton Farm near Canterbury is another gem, right next to Bekesbourne station and buzzing with events all summer: live music, cider tastings, pizza nights, yoga among the vines – it’ s basically the Glastonbury of grapes.
So, this English Wine Week, ditch the supermarket bottle for a change and get out to a Kentish vineyard. You’ ll find people doing extraordinary things with grapes – slowly, skilfully and with a lot of love. And if you take the train, you can raise a glass or two guilt-free. Cheers to that!
Susie
SUSIE WARRAN-SMITH, CHAIR OF PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent. co. uk producedinkent
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