FOOD + DRINK
A SUMMER POD AFTERNOON BOARD AT OAD STREET BY SAMANTHA READY
THERE’ S SOMETHING QUIETLY MAGICAL ABOUT STUMBLING ACROSS A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE IT’ S BEEN WAITING JUST FOR YOU. OAD STREET FOOD AND CRAFTS, TUCKED BETWEEN SITTINGBOURNE AND BORDEN, IS EXACTLY THAT KIND OF FIND. FAMILY OWNED, FULL OF CHARM AND BRIMMING WITH CHARACTER, IT’ S PART FARM SHOP, PART GALLERY, PART CAFÉ, PART INCREDIBLE WEDDING AND EVENTS VENUE, AND NOW – THANKS TO THE ADDITION OF THEIR BEAUTIFUL NEW DINING PODS – PART GARDEN FAIRYTALE, TOO.
Following the addition of temporary outdoor pods to accommodate the throngs of regular visitors who are in-the-know about this hidden gem and who flock to indulge in their sumptuous brunches( often waiting an hour for a coveted table), handmade cakes and artisan crafts to be browsed, Oad Street made the clever decision to instal permanent hardstanding outdoor pods. The result? A picture-perfect setting for celebratory brunches and afternoon tea with a twist, and every bit as special as their surroundings.
Each pod is a private little haven, with twinkling lights, cosy cushions, speakers for relaxed background tunes and fans to adjust to preferred temperatures. Not content with their already aesthetic ambience, Oad Street commissioned the locally renowned Boards by Jess to create hand-painted bespoke floral murals across the glass dome roofs, which adds a whimsical, artistic touch that nods to the creative roots of the venue( there’ s a whole gallery on-site, after all) and which further encompasses the link to the outdoor terrace and its rural setting.
Lured by the promise of indulgence, iK’ s Adam and Jerry joined me for a lunchtime treat to remember and we were warmly welcomed by Tina, one of those rare people who makes you feel instantly at home. Friendly, attentive and clearly passionate about Oad Street, she a struck that perfect balance between attentiveness and professional distance, easily navigating welcome drinks( a delicious bubbles with elderflower), chatting us through the afternoon tea board as it arrived, beautifully presented and positively heaving with handmade treats, and proffering everything from tea replenishment to extra napkins and a takeaway box to ensure no treat went left unloved!
And so to the Oad Street twist … There’ s no silver-tiered stand here – this is a more generous, more down-to-earth kind of affair. Think artisan boards layered with savouries and sweets, all made fresh in the Oad Street kitchen and all utterly mouthwatering.
We began with a flaky Oad Street pork and apple sausage roll; a flat hunk of warmly spiced sausage meat served in a neat disk carefully edged in golden pastry that was
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