DAYSOUT
MACKNADE
The iK Love List
THE COUNTER
POLLY HUMPHRIS
DEPUTY EDITOR
Love to Go: For a culture fix, I’ m drawn to places that balance performance with a sense of history and the Gulbenkian Theatre does this beautifully. Set within the University of Kent campus, it’ s a brilliant space for contemporary theatre, dance and live performance, and one that consistently punches above its weight for programming.
Love to Eat: This has to be The Counter by Robin Read in Tunbridge Wells. Elegant but contemporary, the tasting menus showcase seasonal Kentish produce through refined, delicious dishes that change with the seasons- a top spot for foodies who enjoy fine dining that’ s imaginative, local and anchored by astonishing technique.
Love to Do: I love walking and history, so the Tudor Trail- a beautiful, signposted six-mile route through the Wealden countryside between Tonbridge Castle and Penshurst Place- is a dreamy way to get your steps in while taking in historic sites; it’ s great for cyclists too.
KARLENE GANNON
OPERATIONS MANAGER
ALEX PERSEVAL
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Love to Go: It’ s difficult to go anywhere across Kent without seeing heaps of history all around you. Of all the many wonderful destinations we have the choice of going to, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is one for all the family that’ s both unique and educational.
Love to Eat: We’ re so lucky to be blessed with so many fantastic restaurants across Kent. I love to eat Asian cuisine, so one of the places I highly recommend is Everest Inn, with restaurants in both Ashford and Hythe, as well as Blackheath for those living closer to the city. Their authentic Nepalese menu has something to offer for everyone and has been serving exceptional food to Kent for over 20 years.
Love to Do: There’ s a lot of great activities on offer locally. In the last few years we’ ve seen a meteoric rise in escape rooms and most towns have one of their own. The Panic Room in Gravesend has loads to do and you’ ll be wanting to go back again and again.
THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM
NIGHTLINING AT BETTESHANGER
Love to Go: Camping all across Kent during the warmer months is an all-round hit with my family. It’ s such a great way to discover the hidden gems of our county and discover new spots in each local area.
Love to Eat: A brunch pitstop at Macknade in Faversham never disappoints, especially followed by shopping in the farm shop, which is perfect for fresh fruit and veg, as well as trying produce from local suppliers.
Love to Do: You just can’ t beat a long dog walk in the wonderful countryside and superb coastal areas that Kent has to offer. Whitstable is a personal favourite for its sweeping coastal paths and nearby coffee spots.
JERRY BARRETT
SALES MANAGER
Love to Go: For a much-needed unwind and a bit of me time, a visit to The Granary Spa in Ashford is a non-negotiable. Its vast array of treatments, from expert massages to relaxing facials, always leaves me feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Love to Eat: A must-go for me is Buenos Aires Nights steakhouse. With three different locations across Kent including Ashford, Canterbury and Maidstone, I feel reassured that I can always get my steak fix!
Love to Do: One of the most memorable activities we have done as a team is Nightlining at Betteshanger Country Park in Deal- I highly recommend it as a fun activity for all the family as well as a fantastic team building opportunity.
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