Jill
FOOD + DRINK
Marleys, Folkestone marleysfolkestone. co. uk
As in love with all things local as can be, Marleys founders Mark and Charly have built this wonderfully warm, neighbourhood bistro on one simple idea: food should feel like home, but taste unforgettable. Nestled in the heart of Folkestone’ s culturally charged Creative Quarter, Marleys has become a shining example of what makes Kentish dining so special- endless culinary creativity and an unwavering commitment to working closely with local farmers and producers to keep everything as fresh, seasonal and full of flavour as possible.
While perhaps best known for their mouthwatering( and utterly Instagrammable!) weekend brunches- including an impressive Vegan Brekkie complete with a crispy Kentish beetroot fritter ball, salted crispy mini potatoes, slow-roasted plum tomatoes, Kent-grown rocket and house-made spicy chipotle, Marleys also serves up exceptional lunch and dinner menus that follow the same philosophy, celebrating the best of both coast and land in every plate. All this sits alongside a crowd-pleasing drinks list that includes kombuchas, fresh juices, top-notch coffees, teas and a splendid selection of both alcoholic sips and irresistible low-and-no varieties- from spirits to inventive mocktails.
Grain & Hearth, Whitstable & Faversham grainandhearth. co. uk
For tasty lunch pitstops with a mindful difference, Grain & Hearth have long proved that simple, honest baking is something rather spectacular indeed. An artisan bakery stretching across two Kent locations, Whitstable and Faversham, Grain & Hearth are true specialists in viennoiserie and slow-fermented sourdough bread made using organic grains, many of which are grown in the UK and milled locally.
With everything produced at their flagship Whitstable bakery, fresh pastries and breads emerge from the ovens throughout the day, while an array of daily prepared sourdough sandwiches feature generous fillings, with vegetarian, vegan and meat options available. Alongside a carefully curated selection of artisan products, Grain & Hearth also proudly display a vibrant lineup of seasonal ferments and pickles- including their much-loved kimchi- which are made on site using foraged and locally grown produce. A fitting choice for the season as many of us look to give our gut health that little extra thought!
EASE INTO THE NEW YEAR
January is the month we pause, reflect, and gently reset- but that doesn’ t mean we’ re ready to part with the cosy comforts that help us weather the winter chill. Fortunately, Kent offers plenty of delicious ways to stay warm and well as we ease into the year.
Start by curling up indoors with a great book and a steaming mug of Tom’ s Tea- bright, fruity, dessert-inspired infusions crafted for those moments when only a soothing brew will do.( Designed for kids, but I love them – maybe I am just a big kid at heart!)
If you prefer something creamier, treat yourself to a latte made with Wild Oat, a barista-style oat milk that froths beautifully and pairs perfectly with a smooth decaf from one of Kent’ s many talented coffee roasters. It’ s the ultimate way to warm up after a crisp countryside walk.
January is also prime time for fending off coughs and colds, and what’ s better than nature’ s own golden remedy. For classic honey try Nichols Nectar- drizzled into hot water with fresh ginger for a fiery kick or mixed with soothing lemon for a calming winter tonic. Foxes Honey offers some great infused varieties, including wildflower honey with chilli or cinnamon, why not get a little adventurous?
And of course, sometimes only a beer will do, especially when pairing it with your favourite meal or enjoying a well-earned Friday night treat, Gadds’ No. 11 from Ramsgate Brewery is a standout choice. This 1.2 % pale ale delivers all the flavour without the heavy head the next morning.
Because even in a month of fresh starts, comfort and small indulgences deserve a place on the menu. And when you’ re out and about, remember to seek out Kent’ s local, independent cafés and coffee shops- where you’ ll always find the warmest of welcomes.
Jill
JILL SARGENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER producedinkent. co. uk producedinkent
www. insidekent. co. uk • 67