BESTOFKENT ®
“ Christmas in Kent means everything to me. Seeing the children and grandchildren( mostly grandchildren now my children are grown up!) excited at Quex Park with the reindeer and Father Christmas, laughing together at the Marlowe pantomime and taking a slow stroll through the Canterbury Christmas Markets while the buskers play- those moments remind me what it’ s all about. It’ s not the presents or the fuss, it’ s being together and feeling that bit of magic that only Christmas can bring.”
Jan Kenny, owner, The Blue Pigeons thebluepigeons
“ My favourite thing about the festive period is Christmas Eve! Macknade is brilliantly busy in the days leading up to Christmas, so there is nothing better than clocking off at 3pm and heading straight to the pub. Usually I’ m in Whitstable at the Pearsons Arms, but this year we’ re celebrating Christmas at my sister’ s in Tunbridge Wells, so it has to be a crawl through The Pantiles! I’ ll be rocking up to her house with boxes of food and drink from Macknade( of course!), including one of our beef Wellingtons, which are new to the range this year, and a bottle of locally produced Classic Cuvée from Domaine Evremond in place of my usual Bollinger!”
Rosie Collins, sales & marketing director, Macknade macknade
“ Our festive season officially begins with our annual trip to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury for our favourite pantomime. It’ s become a tradition that truly kicks off our Christmas countdown. Every year it has us belly-laughing from start to finish- we wouldn’ t go anywhere else! Another family favourite is our Christmas afternoon tea, which we always enjoy together just before the big day. The Lane in Deal is hands down the best spot for it- full of festive themes and treats( and yes, I might be a little biased because I work there, but honestly, it’ s unbeatable!). We also love exploring light trails across Kent and this year we’ re especially excited to experience the brand-new Port Lympne Illuminated. Of course, December wouldn’ t be complete without cosy nights in- Christmas movies, pyjamas, blankets and a few sweet treats from The Lane Bakery; the perfect balance of festive fun and family comfort!”
Amy Rogers, content creator lifewiththerogers
“ The first weekend in December is when Christmas begins in my household starting with decorating the tree. I buy one or two new decorations for it every year even though they aren’ t needed. Buying a new tree is one of my greatest pleasures. The whole family trundles down to Vincent Nurseries in Herne Bay who have a wide selection of trees to suit all budgets and spaces.
CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
“ Carols at Canterbury Cathedral are also becoming part of the family Christmas routine. The choir, the music, the space- it is pure joy. As the new year approaches, we head to France and stay at our family home where there is no TV and no WiFi, so we spend lots of time playing cards and board games, and taking cold, foggy walks.”
THE LANE, DEAL
Sarah Crouch, marketing manager, Girlings Solicitors girlings _ solicitors
38 • www. insidekent. co. uk