BESTOFKENT

WITH AFTERNOON TEA AT THE BEACON, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

© Lottie Topping. @ lottietoppingphoto

Afternoon tea is making its standout return to Tea Garden Lane- the very lane that owes its name to the Tea Rooms and Pleasure Gardens established there c. 1820 by the visionary Sir Walter Harris( later Lord Mayor of London) and where Victorians once took part in the then flourishing ritual of afternoon tea- courtesy of The Beacon, part of the I’ ll Be Mother group.

Under the culinary direction of executive chef Scott Goss, the meticulously crafted afternoon tea experience promises to delight, with guests treated to panoramic views across 17 acres of landscaped gardens and a delectable menu showcasing a curated selection of delicate sandwiches, sweet cakes and freshly baked scones.

Reservations for Afternoon Tea at The Beacon, served Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 12pm- 3pm and priced at £ 45pp for Classic and £ 55pp for Sparkling Afternoon Tea, are now open.

ADAM READY iK PUBLISHER adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk

I first arrived in Kent in 1991, aged just nine, having moved from East London. My earliest memories are laced with the freedom of childhood adventure- cycling through rolling fields with friends, marvelling at grazing cows and sheep, and catching glimpses of the iconic Wye Crown etched into the North Downs. It was a magical introduction to a county that would shape the rest of my life.

At 13, I made my first visit to Canterbury Cathedral with my mum and sister. Even now, every time I walk through its historic grounds, I feel that same sense of awe. From my college and university days to my very first job,

Canterbury has always felt like the heartbeat of my Kent story.

Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to experience and share Kent’ s best-kept secrets and celebrated gems with my wife, our children and the readers and followers of insideKENT. Whether it’ s a new restaurant, an artisan producer, or a breathtaking day out, there’ s something uniquely special about this corner of England- and we get to call it home.

Those who know me well will know I’ m a passionate foodie. Living in the Garden of England, surrounded by world-class vineyards, cider-makers and culinary talent, is nothing short of a dream come true. There’ s a simple joy in knowing the food on your plate or the wine in your glass has travelled just a few miles to reach you. It’ s why supporting local producers is something I’ ll always champion.