DAYSOUT
Life on the Cobbles cont...
ROCHESTER
Brimming with romantic timber-framed houses and imposing architecture- from soaring spires to storied castle walls- Rochester is a destination where well-trodden cobbled streets lead to a wealth of Kentish highlights.
Morning Start your day on the perfect note with brunch at Café Lounge, with coffee served just how you like it, fresh eggs and impressively stacked fluffy pancakes. You’ ll then want to make your way back up the High Street to explore the unique indies and boutiques that call this iconic street home. Browse Copenhagen Blue for stylish womenswear, pop in to Dickens House Wine Emporium for fine quality wines and spirits, before finishing up at Capture the Castle for chic homeware and gifting.
Afternoon Before a well-deserved lunch pitstop, a visit here isn’ t complete without admiring the captivating landmarks of Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle. Located just a stone’ s throw from one another, these remarkable structures invite for hours of historical discovery. Rochester Cathedral’ s fantastic lineup of exhibitions and events are also a must-catch, ranging from art installations to musical entertainment.
Just steps from here for a leisurely bite to eat and artisan tipples, The Cheese Room Botanicals awaits for a cheesy refuel of freshly prepared snacks, boards and toasties.
If you’ re feeling adventurous, peel off to the nearby village of Upnor. Known for its postcard-pretty cobbled streets and excellent River Medway views, you’ ll also find Upnor Castle here, an Elizabethan artillery fort that will reopen to the public at the end of the month.
iK’ s unmissable hotspot! Serving up the finest local delights from both land and sea, Fish at 55’ s flavour-packed menus highlight delicious seafood, great cocktails and sensational hand-crafted sushi.
DEAL
THE ROSE HOTEL
Deal is a place of narrow cobbled streets and quiet corners, where it is easy to wander off course and find yourself somewhere unexpected. Independent shops, cafés and galleries appear one after another, and everything feels close, walkable and pleasingly unpolished.
Morning Begin on Lower Street and Middle Street, where some of Deal’ s best independents sit along gently uneven cobbles. King’ s Coffee Company is a reliable first stop for a hot beverage and something sweet or savoury.
From here, browsing comes naturally; vintage shops, interiors stores and small galleries line the street, their doors opening straight onto the cobbles. Make time for Smugglers Records, a long-standing favourite with crates worth rummaging through, or stop at The Hoxton Store for beautifully curated homeware and gifts. If you are visiting on a Saturday, Deal Market adds extra colour, with stalls selling local produce, flowers and street food.
Afternoon As lunchtime approaches, drift back towards the seafront. The Rose Hotel is a popular choice for relaxed but well-thought-out food, while V Gastro & Bar offers seasonal plates in a laid-back setting. On brighter days, Middle Street Fish Bar is a must; picking up food to take away and eating on the beach feels very Deal.
After eating, wander along the promenade towards Deal Castle, then loop back into town through the smaller streets behind the High Street. These cobbled lanes pull you inland again, past wine bars and cafés, as the afternoon gathers pace. A post-ramble sweet treat now in order, The Lane’ s picture-perfect afternoon teas, fresh bites and refreshing drinks list is sure to please.
ROCHERSTER CATHEDRAL iK’ s unmissable hotspot! Classy and experimental, The Blue Pelican is a beachfront gem of a Japanese restaurant that’ s won rave reviews for its punchy Tokyo-inspired menus. Faultless hospitality, fresh, seasonal ingredients and, of course, the unbeatable essence of umami, are all delivered in a characterful setting brought to life by tasteful blues and a chilli pepper-coloured chessboard floor.
46 • www. insidekent. co. uk