www. insidekentmagazine. co. uk insideKENT
PUBLISHER: Adam Ready, adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
WELCOME
EDITOR: Samantha Ready, insidekent @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
EDITORIAL: Deputy Editor: Polly Humphris Features Writers: Mia Chapman, Ashleigh Britten, Daisy Eleanor
OPERATIONS: Operations Manager: Karlene Gannon
DESIGN: Design Director: Lorna Morris Designer: Natalie Tye
SALES: Sales Manager: Jerry Barrett, jerry @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk Senior Account Manager: Alex Perseval
SIDEWAYS ACADEMY: Media Apprentice: Louisa-May Holmans Digital Marketing Apprentice: Sophie Shorter
Contributors: Ellis Gannon, Gemma Purt, Jo Ginn, Jo Gurr, Judy Diamond, Kymberly Ashman, Lena Gierasinska- Barker and Stonehouse, Oliver Edser- Langdale Landscapes, Rosie Collins, Visit Kent
Cover: © C hilston Park Hotel
Happy birthday to … Us! What a month this will be, insideKENT is turning 15!
Fifteen whole years of celebrating the very Best of Kent™ – and what a ride it’ s been. This month, the team at iKHQ has been in full birthday mode as we mark this monumental milestone. From our early days of big ideas and even bigger dreams to becoming Kent’ s biggest( and if we may say, best) luxury lifestyle magazine, it’ s been an unforgettable journey.
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my partner in iK crime, Mr Adam Ready himself – the man with the original vision behind insideKENT – to reflect on the last decade and a half. From that very first issue to now, we’ ve stayed true to our mission: to champion Kent in all its glorious forms, month in, month out. We laughed( a lot), got nostalgic( hello smoking minibus in France) and maybe even got a little misty-eyed over a cheese factory tour … With no actual cheese. You had to be there.
From exclusive interviews and fabulous reviews to spotlighting extraordinary local businesses and bagging a few awards along the way( three-time Family Business of the Year, multiple Magazine of the Year nominations and nods for our design that make us feel very smug indeed), we’ ve done it all with heart, hustle and a whole lot of Kentish pride. insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, Sideways Studios, Unit 3 Eden Business Centre, South Stour Avenue, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7RS
Of course, the real party is still to come – a sparkling VIP bash filled with fizz and familiar faces( more on that in the next issue!) – but for now, we’ re raising a metaphorical glass and toasting 15 fabulous years with an issue that’ s bursting with all the things we love most. www. sidewaysmedia. co. uk For general enquiries, please contact hello @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk or 01233 226519
For all advertising enquiries, please contact Adam Ready on 01233 226519 or email adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
For all editorial enquiries, press releases or news stories, please contact insidekent @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
© Copyright 2025. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’ s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes.
We’ re celebrating Kent in all its natural beauty this month, from days out that take in our most Instagrammable beauty spots and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to Tractor Trails – our farm-filled guide to summer adventures, including the brilliant Biddenden Tractorfest and a fresh look at the Kent County Show.
Planning a staycation? We’ ve got two stunners for you: Beautifully Boutique, where we round up the county’ s most stylish boltholes with nearby eats and treats, and Rural Retreats & Luxe Farmstays – from chic shepherd’ s huts to countryside hotels like THE PIG, where the kitchen garden steals the show.
And speaking of stealing the show – we’ re shining a spotlight on Kent’ s talented beauticians and aestheticians, who are helping us all look and feel our very best this summer.
Naturally, no celebration is complete without food( and wine!) and this issue’ s Sown to Served feature brings you the tastiest menus from our favourite farm shops, smallholdings and kitchen gardens, including our experience at the fabulous Chilston Park, who have pioneered an incredible tasting menu bursting with estate produce. Plus, we’ ve got expert tips on garden partying in style – including the perfect summer wine pairings from our beloved Jo at Wine Garden of England.
So, whether you’ ve been with us from the very first issue, or you’ re just joining the iK family now – thank you. To our team and the iK family over the years that have been with us for the ride, we salute you, always. Here’ s to 15 years of stories, style and seriously good times … And here’ s to the next 15!
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Happy birthday, insideKENT!
Samantha
samjready insidekent www. insidekent. co. uk • 9