BESTOFKENT ®
CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET
GILDA
“ We both love the festive season, it’ s a busy time with our birthdays falling around Christmas, but also when we finally get to slow down and explore. When the cookery school closes, we head to Folkestone Harbour for the markets, food stalls and a hot chocolate on the beach. We always grab Gilda pastries and mince pies at any food market we find; they are an absolute highlight and worth every penny. For gifts, we love browsing Macknade in Faversham and the Canterbury Christmas Market, stocking up on local cheeses and chutneys. Christmas morning starts with hot smoked salmon, brioche and scrambled eggs, followed by opening presents and a long walk.”
Autumn & James Palmer Rosser, founders, Kent Cookery School kentcookeryschool
“ Having grown up in Canterbury, I still love visiting at Christmastime- there’ s nothing quite like the cathedral lights glimmering through the winter mist. But, my Christmas heart now belongs to Folkestone. The briny sea air, twinkling lanes of The Creative Quarter and warmth of our independent shops make it feel truly special. I do all my festive shopping on the Old High Street, supporting fellow independents just like my own. For food, Brewing Brothers’ legendary roasts are a must and for sweet pickme-ups, Steep Street and Rachel Bakes- just up the hill from my shop- are unmissable.”
Fabia. H. Goff, designer, printmaker & illustrator fabiahgoff
“ I was a bit‘ bah-humbug’ about Christmas up to my mid-40s, but as I’ ve aged I have grown into it. Christmas in Whitstable develops a unique take on the season; lit-up windows and lights all along the High Street and Harbour Street, a tree from from family-run greengrocer Granny Smith’ s, nipping into places to have a mulled wine or a bite to eat, then into the shops for lastminute presents. The coastline, if never exactly picturesque, has its own subdued magic with a nip in the air, but the promise of seasonal warmth and indulgence waiting. One day I might write that perfect Christmas story, but Christmas itself is not the time to do it!”
Nick Sweeney, novelist nicksweeneywriting. com
www. insidekent. co. uk • 35